The U.S. was reputed to have some 270 million guns, followed by India at 46 million and China at 40 million.

Though studies vary regarding the total number of guns in the U.S., most agree the number increases by about 4 million each year.

The reasons

Why do Americans seem fascinated with owning their own guns, in contrast with the rest of the world?

Lissa Yogan, associate professor of sociology and criminology at Valparaiso University, said she believes guns represent freedom to many Americans.

"They tie gun ownership to an almost mythic ideal of freedom upon which this country was founded," Yogan said.

For others, guns represent a way of life -- hunting, outdoors, rugged individualism, she said.

But many believe close to the opposite, Yogan said, that Americans are trapped in a cycle of violence because they cling to weapons and use them to solve problems.

"Unless we can change the meanings that guns have for people, we will not make much progress in reducing their presence," Yogan said.

The law