Fact check: What are the most common calibers used in homicides in the US?

1. Summary of the results

The most common caliber used in homicides in the US is the 9mm, according to multiple sources, including ^[1], ^[2], ^[1], and ^[2], which all state that the 9mm is the most common caliber used in homicides, resulting in the most fatal shootings ^{[1] [2]}. The top 5 handgun calibers for homicides are: 1. 9mm, 2. .45 ACP, 3. .38, 4. .380 ACP, and 5. .357 Magnum, as reported by ^[1] and ^[1]. Handguns are involved in a significant percentage of homicides, with sources ^[3] and ^[2] stating that handguns are used in nearly two-thirds of the nation's gun murders and 46% of all homicides, respectively ^{[3] [2]}. Additionally, source ^[4] provides data on crime gun traces, with 9mm being the most common caliber at 49.5% ^[4]. Key findings include the prevalence of 9mm handguns in homicides and the significant role of handguns in gun murders.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some sources, such as ^[5] and ^[6], do not provide specific information on the most common calibers used in homicides, instead focusing on general crime statistics ^{[5] [6]}. Alternative viewpoints, such as the use of non-firearms in homicides, are mentioned in source ^[7], which reports that non-firearms are used in 11.4% of homicides ^[7]. Additional context is needed to understand the complexities of gun violence and homicides, including the role of other factors such as mental health, socioeconomic conditions, and access to firearms. Some sources, like ^[3], highlight the importance of considering the type of gun used in homicides, with handguns being the most common type ^[3]. Different perspectives on gun control and violence prevention are also relevant, but not explicitly mentioned in the provided analyses.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement asks about the most common calibers used in homicides in the US, which may imply a focus on the weapon rather than the underlying causes of violence. Sources ^[1], ^[2], ^[1], and ^[2] may be seen as supporting a narrative that emphasizes the role of specific calibers in homicides, which could be used to inform gun control policies ^{[1] [2]}. On the other hand, sources ^[5] and ^[6] provide more general information on crime statistics, which could be seen as downplaying the significance of specific calibers ^{[5] [6]}. Bias may be present in the way that different sources frame the issue of gun violence, with some emphasizing the importance of gun control and others focusing on other factors ^{[3] [2]}. Interest groups, such as gun control advocates or firearms manufacturers, may benefit from certain framings of the issue, highlighting the need for careful consideration of the sources and their potential biases ^{[1] [3] [2]}.