Mass shootings, defined by the FBI as four or more homicides occurring during the same calamity, with no distinctive time period between the homicides (serial homicide), affected everyone the United States at a rate of approximately one every two weeks since 2006 (Database of Mass Shootings, 2006-2013). This frightening statistic has rightly sparked widespread debate regarding gun restrictions. Gun control theory covers all efforts to regulate, define, or limit the possession, production, sale, and use of firearms. Since its conception, the Second Amendment – ​​which guarantees the “right to bear arms” – has been extremely controversial. Gun control advocates suggest that limiting gun ownership would reduce the number of violent crimes, suicides, and gun-related deaths; rigorous background checks and mandatory waiting periods would help deter criminals and possible tragedies; and that assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines should be banned from public use, since police officers and military personnel are the only officials who actually need them. Opponents argue that criminals will always find a way to obtain guns, thereby leaving law-abiding citizens defenseless; crimes are often prevented by the prophylactic effect of the possibility that the victim is in possession of weapons; and that the Second Amendment to the Constitution protects the right of individuals to bear arms. Gun control is a considerable system that galvanizes Americans about several dilemmas; therefore it is crucial to be aware of the hard facts associated with gun restrictions and, even more importantly, understand their advantages and disadvantages. Firearms related to gun control policies are generally classified into three broad categories… middle of the paper. ..... depending on the government for security and fortifications is a nightmare. Works Cited Cook, Philip J. and Jens Ludwig. Firearms in America: Results of a Comprehensive National Survey of Firearm Ownership and Use. Washington, DC: Police Foundation, 1996. Print. “Justifiable homicides with firearms and use of non-deadly weapons in self-defense.” Washington, DC: Violence Policy Center, April 2013. PDF.Hemenway, David. Private weapons, public health. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan, 2004.Print. “Domestic Straw Buying: How Criminals Obtain Guns Illegally.” Mayors against illegal weapons, 2008. Print.Leonard, Barry, ed. No questions asked: background checks, gun shows and crime. Np:DIANE, 2008. Print.Webster, Daniel W. and Jon S. Vernick. Reducing gun violence in America: Informing policy with evidence and analysis. 1st ed. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University, 2013. Print.