Effectiveness of denial of handgun purchase to persons believed to be at high risk for firearm violence

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine whether denial of handgun purchase is an effective violence prevention strategy. Methods. Individuals denied handgun purchase because of a prior felony conviction and handgun purchasers with a felony arrest at time of purchase were examined. Results. Relative to those denied purchase, handgun purchasers were found to be at greater risk for subsequent offenses involving a gun (relative risk [RR] = 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]= 1.08, 1.36) or violence (RR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.11, 1.39), after adjustment for number of prepurchase weapon/violence charges. Conclusions. Denial of handgun purchase to persons with a prior felony conviction may lower their rate of subsequent criminal activity.