People in non-gun-owning households have more positive views about the possible impact of stricter gun laws than those who live in a household with a gun. Majorities of those in non-gun households say that stricter gun laws would reduce deaths from mass shootings (66%) and accidents (65%), and would keep guns away from criminals (63%). […]
Overview The vast majority of gun owners say that having a gun makes them feel safer. And far more today than in 1999 cite protection – rather than hunting or other activities – as the mai reason they own guns. A national survey finds that nearly half of gun owners (48%) volunteer that the main […]
There is no definitive data source from the government or elsewhere on how many Americans own guns or how gun ownership rates have changed over time. Also, public opinion surveys provide conflicting results: Some show a decline in the number of households with guns, but another does not. The General Social Survey (GSS), conducted roughly […]
Overall, the public sees both positive and negative consequences from stricter gun laws. By 54% to 43%, more agree that stricter gun laws would reduce the number of deaths caused by mass shootings. However, by comparable margins, the public also says that stricter gun laws would make it more difficult for people to protect their […]
Though nearly half of the public says it is essential for the president and Congress to act on major gun legislation this year, Democrats are much more likely to say this than Republicans.
More than eight-in-ten gun owners support proposals to require background checks on private gun sales and at gun shows.
Overview Coming off of two consecutive presidential election defeats, most Republican voters believe that their party must address major problems to be more competitive in the future. And roughly six-in-ten say improved messaging alone will not be enough – the GOP also needs to reconsider some of its positions. Yet while Republicans may agree on […]
Overview By a 45% to 31% margin, more Americans favor than oppose the U.S. and its allies taking military action against Syria, if it is confirmed that Syria used chemical weapons against anti-government groups. Public interest in the Syrian conflict remains low, and nearly a quarter of Americans (23%) have no opinion about the use […]