The Effect of Concealed-Carry and Handgun Restrictions on Gun-Related Deaths: Evidence from the Sullivan Act of 1911

Abstract The 1911 New York State Sullivan Act outlawed carrying concealable firearms without a licence, established strict licencing rules and regulated the sale possession of handguns. We analyse effects using historical data on mortality rates, pistol permits citations for illegal carrying. Our analysis reveal clear initial gun-related behaviours. Using synthetic control difference-in-differences methodologies, our main analyses show no overall homicide evidence reduction in suicide rates strong large sustained decrease rates.