Title: Public Attitudes Towards the Regulation of Firearms

Publication Date: March 2007

What does it say?

This report provides data from the General Social Survey and National Gun Policy Survey which shows a wide spread public attitude in support for tougher gun control measures and regulations, including background checks on all gun purchases, limiting the sale of semi-automatic and assault style weapons, making the use of a gun while under the influence of alcohol illegal, and harsher punishments for illegal gun sales, among many other changes.

Data used from the General Social Survey was collected from over 1,000 respondents between 1976-2006 using in-person interviews of adults living in the United States. The survey entailed asking respondents a series of questions regarding gun regulation. The data from the National Gun Policy Survey was collected in 2001 from 1,176 adults in U.S. households using a random-digit dialing method.

Analysis from this report explains that strong majorities of the public do support a wide range of gun regulations and tougher punishments for those that violate gun laws. The support for gun regulations has been high in the past and continues to grow stronger today.

How can I use it?

Use this report to provide evidence that large numbers of the public do indeed support stricter gun control measures and regulations, including background checks on all gun sales and harsher punishments for illegal gun sales. This report can also be used to advocate for extending gun regulations and changes, such as requiring Brady background checks for the sale of all firearms.

Citation

Smith, Tom W., Public Attitudes Towards the Regulation of Firearms, Chicago, IL: National Opinion Research Center, University of Chicago, March 2007