Throughout history, numerous U.S. presidents have owned firearms, ranging from the nation’s early leaders like George Washington to more recent figures such as Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. Over the years, the relationship between presidents and guns has evolved alongside shifting views on gun control and violence in America.
George Washington
The first president was an avid gun owner, utilizing flintlock pistols during the Revolutionary War and receiving various guns as gifts, according to historical accounts.
John Adams
Adams also owned guns, including flintlock muskets, which he used while fighting in the Revolutionary War, as documented in David McCullough’s biography.
Thomas Jefferson
A notable gun enthusiast, Jefferson owned a collection of firearms and wrote about his passion for shooting and the right to bear arms.
James Madison
Madison, a Revolutionary War veteran, also owned firearms.
Andrew Jackson
Notorious for his love of dueling, Jackson owned multiple guns and participated in various duels throughout his life.
Martin Van Buren
There is no evidence that Van Buren owned any firearms.
James K. Polk
Polk’s gun ownership remains unsubstantiated.
Zachary Taylor
While Taylor used firearms during his military service, it’s unclear if he owned any personally.
James Buchanan
Buchanan owned firearms, which he and his niece used at Wheatland Farm.
Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln had a variety of firearms, including those he received during his presidency.
Ulysses S. Grant
The Civil War general owned firearms as well.
Rutherford B. Hayes
Hayes was a collector of weapons, keeping multiple firearms from his military service, including revolvers and muskets.
Grover Cleveland
Cleveland was a known hunter and firearm owner.
Theodore Roosevelt
Roosevelt was particularly fond of rifles, especially for big-game hunting. He owned various types of firearms including shotguns and handguns.
William Howard Taft
There is no solid evidence of Taft owning firearms during his lifetime.
John F. Kennedy
Kennedy was a firearm enthusiast and a lifetime NRA member.
Gerald Ford
Ford enjoyed hunting and was a gun owner.
George W. Bush
Bush is an avid hunter and known firearm owner.
Barack Obama
Obama has stated he has never owned a gun.
Donald Trump
Trump is a licensed gun owner.
Joe Biden
Biden’s political career is noted for advocating gun control, and he is not known to own any firearms.