Originally Posted by http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930121512.htm
In a first-of its-kind study, epidemiologists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that, on average, guns did not protect those who possessed them from being shot in an assault. The study estimated that people with a gun were 4.5 times more likely to be shot in an assault than those not possessing a gun.
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The research team concluded that, although successful defensive gun uses are possible and do occur each year, the chances of success are low.
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Suggestions to the contrary, especially for urban residents who may see gun possession as a defense against a dangerous environment should be discussed and thoughtfully reconsidered.