Gallup Poll: Gun Control Still a Hard Sell
In a new poll examining public attitudes towards expanding gun control laws, a very slim majority — 51% — favor additional measures; 47% are against it. BUT: If the question is phrased as passing new gun control laws or instead not new laws but stricter enforcement of existing laws, the results swing significantly in the opposite direction. From Gallup Poll:
Americans’ opposition to aggressive gun control is further evident in a question eliciting their attitude about the need to pass new gun laws. Gallup asked respondents whether they would prefer to see the United States enforce current gun laws more strictly and not pass new gun laws, or pass new gun laws in addition to enforcing current laws more strictly. A solid majority of Americans (58%) opt for focusing exclusively on better enforcement of existing laws — a position similar to that advocated by the National Rifle Association.
A clear majority are against banning civilian ownership of handguns.
Various localities around the country, including Washington, D.C., have passed bans on the possession of handguns by ordinary citizens. However, since 1975, Gallup has found a solid majority of Americans disagreeing with laws. And, public opposition has expanded in recent years. The current 68% saying handguns should not be banned is similar to the 66% last year, but significantly higher than the 50% in 1987.
So much for lies by the Brady Bunch that the NRA is out of step with the mainstream of Americans on gun control issues.
9 Responses to “Gallup Poll: Gun Control Still a Hard Sell”
on 12 Oct 2007 at 10:23 am # Gringo_Malo
That’s all very nice, but with the Hildebeest in the White House and a Democratic Congress, will it matter?
on 12 Oct 2007 at 11:41 am # Jeff Soyer
Nope. The survey also clearly indicates that Democrats favor more gun control by a huge majority. Not surprising when you consider how they also favor curtailing free speech on college campuses and on talk radio (think Fairness Doctrine) unless it agrees with their agenda.
on 12 Oct 2007 at 5:48 pm # Robert
This may be the case but we are being attacked by the California state government (microstamping and ammo taxes), by the BATFE (Reds), in the Senate by Schumer so it’s not like they aren’t advancing the cause of disarmament.
Plus if Hillary is elected, we’re toast.
on 13 Oct 2007 at 4:15 am # R.J.
No, Gringo_malo, it won’t matter if that Marxist b&%ch gets in.
But has anyone noticed that NONE of these polls ever give us the choice of REPEALING these anti-gun laws?
on 13 Oct 2007 at 10:31 am # PN NJ
The poll results lack a certain context. It would be interesting to see the correlation between various groups of respondents and their experience or perception of violent crime. It would also be interesting to see whether or not respondents had an accurate sense of “gun risk” compared to other causes of death such as heart disease, traffic accidents, etc.
Furthermore, rather than ask about gun laws in the abstract, Gallup should ask more concrete questions. This is too long, but something like the following: “If a person owned a gun legally, and received appropriate instruction (somewhat similar to training and testing for new drivers), do you think the gun owner would be more safe or less safe?” Gallup’s abstract questions tend to steer the respondents (who are probably not informed about the issues) in the direction of favoring more controls.
on 13 Oct 2007 at 6:58 pm # Tom Bri
Another point is just how ignorant many people are of gun laws. People often favor tougher gun laws, but when questioned they do not realize the things they want already are in force.
on 16 Oct 2007 at 11:05 pm # Jadegold
There’s a good reason why Jeff didn’t link to the poll. Because it doesn’t exactly say what Jeff asserts:
In reality, the poll says 51% favor stricter gun laws, 8% favor less strict laws, 39% say keep laws as is, and 2% are unsure.
on 16 Oct 2007 at 11:55 pm # Clint
In Windows, go to Start -> Accessories -> Calculator. Left click. Turn on Num Lock on your keyboard. Input “39″, input “+”, input “8″, input “Enter”. See result in Calculator display.
on 17 Oct 2007 at 7:23 am # Jeff Soyer
I’d have to agree with Clint on this. 39% plus 8%, both groups that don’t favor additional gun control, equal 47%. I stand by my statement.