My opinion on that, Johnny, is that handguns are much easier to conceal and are the weapons of choice for most criminals. Sure, you get the odd rifle-toting criminal, but not usually. Handguns are easy and convenient and can be used in the heat of the moment. Using a rifle takes a great deal more pre-meditation. Most rifles are used for hunting, not crimes. Its also a lot harder for a child to handle a rifle. Any idiot can use a hand gun and lots of them do.