Some interesting qualitative/public opinion stuff from this report:
http://www.norc.uchicago.edu/online/gunrpt.pdf
Its set in an American context, but interesting nonetheless...
People split evenly on whether guns in the home reduce or increase safety (41% believe safer
vs. 43% less safe). However, when asked about six specific events that might occur if a gun was
kept in the home, people thought that the negative occurrences (accidental shootings, domestic
violence, and worry over gun theft and misuse) were more likely than positive outcomes (less
chance of burglary, greater protection from home invaders, a greater sense of security).
The public is also closely divided on whether more permissive concealed-carry laws enhance
safety (44%) or compromise it (45%). People, however, believe that businesses should be able
to prohibit even permit holders from bringing guns onto their premises and prefer to go to stores
and other establishments that ban guns on their premises over those that allowed guns.
I found this part particularly interesting:
Most Americans do not own a gun for the purpose of protection, 60% do not have a gun in their
home, and 23% have a gun but did not acquire it even partially for protection against crime.
Only 17% have a gun obtained at least in part for protection. Likewise, only 10% of Americans
have carried a handgun away from home in the last year and just 6% have carried a weapon for
the purpose of self-protection.