HANDGUN PURCHASE TRENDS, WASHINGTON-STATE - DIFFERENCES BY AGE OF BUYER

Study objectives: To examine trends in legal handgun purchases from fe derally licensed dealers and specifically to describe recent changes i n age and gender of purchaser and caliber of handguns purchased. Metho ds: A cohort study was performed of the adult population of Washington state from 1950 through 1992 using a state dealer record of handgun s ales database. The purchase of handguns from licensed dealers was expr essed as the number purchased per 100,000 population per year. Results : The handgun purchase rate increased for the total population between 1950 and 1992, from 169 to 2,076 per 100,000 persons. Between 1983 an d 1992, the purchase rate among men aged 21 to 24 years increased 184% ; among women of this age group, the rate increased 127%. Among men ag ed 21 to 24 years, the rate of 9 mm handgun purchases increased 1,682% between 1983 and 1992, the greatest increase for any age-caliber cate gory. Conclusion: The greatest increase in rate of legal handgun purch ases in Washington state from 1983 through 1992 was among 1 the younge st purchasers. Sales of 9 mm handguns increased most rapidly, especial ly among the youngest buyers.