GUN OWNERSHIP HAS a long, established history in America. Although the gun control debate did not become a significant issue until the twentieth century, the origins of the American gun culture date back to when the colonists first stepped foot on American soil. From the beginning of colonial settlement, firearms were considered as essential as the ax and the plow.

After the colonies were established, Americans used firearms to protect newly settled land, to defend the United States during wars, and in a number of hunting and sporting activities. As guns became cheaper and more accessible, gun ownership grew more popular.

Today, approximately 40 percent of Americans own firearms. Because gun ownership and use was prevalent in American society from its inception and still is today, the United States is said to have a "gun culture." To many firearm...