How owning handguns affects the risk of homicide at home

Relationship between lawful handgun ownership and risk of homicide victimization in the home

['FUNDING_R01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-10400411

This study looks at how living in a home with legally-owned handguns might affect the risk of homicide, focusing on a large group of adults in California to see if certain living situations make some people more or less at risk.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10400411 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between living in a home with lawfully-owned handguns and the risk of homicide. It utilizes a large cohort of 28.6 million adults in California, tracking their handgun ownership status and related mortality data over more than a decade. The study aims to identify specific subgroups that may be at higher or lower risk of homicide based on their living situations. By analyzing individual-level data, the research seeks to provide a clearer understanding of the implications of handgun ownership on safety in the home.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults living in California, particularly those who own handguns or reside with handgun owners.

Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in California or who are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could inform policies and personal decisions regarding handgun ownership and home safety.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated a concerning trend where homes with firearms may have higher homicide rates, suggesting that this research builds on established findings rather than exploring a completely novel area.

Where this research is happening

STANFORD, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.