Point blank against itself: Evidence and inference about guns, crime, and gun control

Abstract

This essay considers the empirical foundations for some of the more important and controversial conclusions concerning guns, crime, and gun control advanced in Gary Kleck’s highly influential treatise, Point Blank. We reveal significant flaws in his original data analyses and identify problematic linkages between his evidence and his inferences. We suggest alternative interpretations for some of Kleck’s findings. © 1995, Plenum Publishing Corporation. All rights reserved.