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THE TRAGIC shootings in Fort Hood, Texas, have drawn attention again to the frightening availability of guns in the US – a staggering 97 guns for every 100 people. Although the killings took place on an army base, neither of the pistols used were army-issue. And the state of Texas, ranked 27th by a gun control lobby group in terms of the ease with which guns can be bought, has no requirement that handgun buyers obtain a licence or undergo any type of safety training. Police do not know how many guns are in the state or where they are.

US domestic firearm sales are likely be about $3 billion in 2009, two to three times the usual amount. The dramatic surge in demand coincided with the election of President Obama, partly – observers say – out of concerns that he would move to tighten controls despite his conservatism on the issue, and partly in response to fears of economic calamity.