1,074,022 firearms were reported stolen in the U.S. from 2017-2021
Only 1.3% of criminals used a firearm that was purchased from an FFL during the commission of a crime, based on a 2016 survey
89% of inmates reported that they possessed a firearm during the commission of a crime that was not obtained at a retailer (FFL Dealer)
56% of inmates arrested with a firearm at the time of their crimes stated they had stolen it
11% of crime guns recovered in 2021 were purchased within 90 days, while 46% were purchased more than 36 months prior to the crime
Firearm thefts from vehicles have risen more than 25% over the past decade
Southern states report more stolen guns than other regions of the U.S.
Stolen firearms are challenging to track and even more challenging to recover. However, many law enforcement agencies report stolen firearms to the ATF.
Firearms are more likely to be stolen from private owners than FFL dealers or while in transit (from the manufacturer to the dealer, for example).
Number of Stolen from Private Owners
Number of Stolen from FFL Dealers
Number of Stolen in Transit (UPS, FedEx, USPS, etc.)
Note: Due to existing transportation laws, firearms stolen in transit are typically being shipped from a manufacturer to an FFL dealer.
Criminals in the U.S. are more likely to purchase a pistol from an underground market than any other source or firearm type. In addition, state inmates with firearms were more likely to use them than federal inmates.
It is estimated that 10% of stolen guns are actually used in crimes. The basis for this number is that criminals can access firearms faster by purchasing them off the street or from an underground market.
Although we can’t be sure how many stolen guns were used in crimes, we can investigate how many criminals actually used a firearm they were in possession of during their crimes.
Homicides in the U.S. increased year over year (2017-2021) despite declines and increases in the number of guns stolen.
While the
9mm pistols are the most common firearm stolen in the U.S. These pistols are also the most common firearm type used in homicides.
Police departments nationally have implemented a 9 pm Routine to broadcast reminders every evening at 9 pm to ensure homeowners are securing valuables, including firearms. While the jury is still out on whether these actually impact stolen guns, civilian-owned firearms are most likely to be stolen from vehicles and homes.
The vast majority of firearms stolen from private citizens are pistols left in cars. Cities in Tennessee and South Carolina have experienced the highest number of firearms reported stolen from vehicles in recent years.
Guns Stolen in Cars Fast Facts:
Many states do not require citizens to report stolen guns to law enforcement. Furthermore, we rely heavily on police jurisdictions to report how many guns were stolen from cars and homes in the U.S.
However, the states with the highest number of stolen guns reported do not have laws requiring individuals to file a report when a firearm is stolen.
Unfortunately, recovering stolen firearms tends to be a daunting task for local and federal law enforcement agencies. Guns stolen from private citizens are the least likely to be recovered in a timely manner.
316,907 stolen guns were recovered by law enforcement agencies nationwide between 2017-2021. 57.1% of firearms stolen in transit were recovered within 90 days of the incident, while only 45% of guns stolen from FFL dealers were recovered within 90 days.
Excluding interstate and FFL thefts, 92% of stolen guns that were recovered between 2017 and 2021 were recovered in the state from which they were stolen.
State laws vary, but many DAs can prosecute victims of firearm theft under various statutes. It’s important to keep track of your firearm’s serial numbers and report theft to local law enforcement. Furthermore, evidence supports that leaving guns in cars greatly increases the likelihood they will be stolen.
There are many third-party websites that claim to allow users to run serial numbers. However, the only guaranteed way to ensure you’re purchasing a firearm that isn’t stolen is through law enforcement.