Seven states have laws that ban the sale of certain small, inexpensive handguns commonly referred to as Saturday Night Specials. These handguns have been indicated to be more likely to be used in crime and hypothesized to be attractive to youth because of their low price.This longitudinal study evaluated the effects the five laws implemented prior to 1997 on state-level firearm homicide and suicide rates. The laws were evaluated using a panel of data representing 1970 to 1997 that included annual data for 50 states on firearm laws and several socio-demographic covariates. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) and weighted least squares regression models were used to test the average effects of the laws over time. Alternative model specifications tested selected control groups and different timing of the effects of the laws. Results of the analyses indicated that Saturday Night Special laws on average did not significantly affect firearm homicide or suicide rates after adjustment for other firearm laws and socio-demographic variables. There were no significant changes in non-firearm homicide or suicide during this time period. When the time-series was shortened to include only data from 1970-1985, certain state laws were associated with a significant decline in firearm homicide and suicide rates among youth and adults. Saturday Night Special laws were not significantly associated with a change in firearm homicide and suicide rates from 1970-1997, however there was some evidence of an effect when individual state laws were evaluated for a shortened time period.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Firearms, Violence
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.