I am no longer convinced that high rates of firearm ownership cause lower incidents of crime.

I agree there is a strong correlation between low gun crime and high gun ownership, but I'm not convinced that the high ownership causes the low crime.

I'm starting to suspect that regions with low crime rates are more socially accepting of people with firearms. Basically: as crime rates decline -> people feel safer -> people are less fearful -> people are more accepting of and develop an interest in firearms.

This is purely speculative. It is based on some very general observations about firearm legality around the world, and a move between two very culturally different places within Canada. The Wife first suggested it and now I can't stop seeing it.

Has anyone else seen something similar? Has anyone seen evidence that it is more than correlation?