(Asked of those dissatisfied with U.S. gun policy) Would you like to see gun laws in this country made more strict, less strict or remain as they are?
Combined responses: Satisfaction with nation's gun laws + follow-up of those dissatisfied
Total satisfied
Dissatisfied, want stricter
Dissatisfied, want less strict
Dissatisfied, keep the same
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
2024
31
46
13
5
4
2022
41
36
13
7
3
2021
42
41
8
7
2
2020
42
42
9
5
3
2018
39
46
8
5
2
2017
42
37
11
6
5
2016
34
38
15
9
4
2015
42
31
12
8
6
2014
40
31
16
8
5
2013
43
38
5
8
5
2012
50
25
8
9
8
2008
49
30
8
6
7
2007
50
30
6
7
7
2006
47
32
7
4
9
2005
51
32
6
5
6
2004
51
33
6
6
4
2003
47
32
9
6
6
2002
48
33
8
6
5
2001
38
39
9
9
6
Gallup
(Asked of those who have a gun in their home or on their property) What is the total number of guns kept in your house or property?
1
2-4
5+
None
No opinion
Mean
%
%
%
%
%
Gun in home/on property
2023 Oct 2-23
29
33
22
--
16
4.9
2010 Oct 7-10
30
37
22
--
11
4.2
2004 Oct 11-14
31
33
29
--
7
4.4
2002 Oct 14-17
23
45
24
--
8
4
2000 Aug 29-Sep 5
28
41
21
--
10
4.1
1999 Feb 8-9
26
38
24
--
12
4.4
1996 Jul 25-28
28
34
25
--
13
4.3
1993 Dec 17-21
24
39
29
--
8
4.5
All U.S. adults
2023 Oct 2-23
13
14
9
57
7
1.9
2010 Oct 7-10
12
15
9
57
7
1.6
2004 Oct 11-14
12
13
12
59
4
1.7
2002 Oct 14-17
10
20
11
55
4
1.9
2000 Aug 29-Sep 5
11
17
9
58
5
1.6
1999 Feb 8-9
10
14
10
60
6
1.7
1996 Jul 25-28
10
14
10
58
7
1.6
Gallup
Do you think having a gun in the house makes it -- [ROTATED: a safer place to be (or) a more dangerous place to be]?
Safer
More dangerous
Depends (vol.)
No opinion
%
%
%
%
2023 Oct 2-23
64
32
5
*
2014 Oct 12-15
63
30
6
1
2006 Oct 9-12
47
43
7
3
2004 Oct 11-14
42
46
10
2
2000 Aug 29-Sep 5
35
51
11
3
1993 Dec 17-21 ^
42
52
5
1
(vol.)=volunteered response
Gallup
Next, I'm going to read a list of problems facing the country. For each one, please tell me if you personally worry about this problem a great deal, a fair amount, only a little or not at all. First, how much do you personally worry about the availability of guns?
Great deal
Fair amount
Only a little
Not at all
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
2023 Mar 1-23
44
17
18
20
1
2020 Mar 2-13
42
19
17
21
1
2019 Mar 1-10
41
20
19
20
*
2018 Mar 1-8
51
19
14
17
*
* Less than 0.5%
Gallup
How worried are you that you or someone in your family will become a victim of a mass shooting -- very worried, somewhat worried, not too worried or not worried at all?
Very worried
Somewhat worried
Not too worried
Not worried at all
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
2019 Aug 15-30
19
29
27
25
*
2017 Oct 5-11
10
29
34
26
*
2015 Dec 11-12 ^#
11
27
35
27
*
^ Asked of a half sample; # Asked on Gallup Daily Tracking survey; * Less than 0.5%
Gallup
Are you for or against a law which would make it illegal to manufacture, sell or possess semi-automatic guns known as assault rifles?
For
Against
No opinion
%
%
%
2019 Aug 15-30 ^
47
51
1
2018 Oct 1-10
40
57
3
2017 Oct 5-11
48
49
3
2016 Oct 5-9
36
61
3
2012 Dec 19-22
44
51
5
2011 Oct 6-9
43
53
5
2004 Oct 11-14
50
46
4
2000 Oct 25-28 #
59
39
2
1996 Apr 25-28 #
57
42
1
^ Asked of a half sample; # WORDING: Would you vote -- for or against a law which would make it illegal to manufacture, sell, or possess semi-automatic guns known as assault rifles?
Gallup
Thinking about mass shootings that have occurred in the United States in recent years, from what you know or have read, how much do you think each of the following factors is to blame for the shootings -- a great deal, a fair amount, not much or not at all? How about -- Easy access to guns?
Great deal
Fair amount
Not much
Not at all
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
2019 Aug 15-30 ^
48
21
16
14
1
2013 Sep 17-18
40
21
16
20
3
2011 Jan 14-16 ^
46
19
16
18
1
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup
Thinking about mass shootings that have occurred in the United States in recent years, from what you know or have read, how much do you think each of the following factors is to blame for the shootings -- a great deal, a fair amount, not much or not at all? How about -- Violence in movies, video games and music lyrics?
Great deal
Fair amount
Not much
Not at all
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
2019 Aug 15-30 ^
25
23
26
26
*
2013 Sep 17-18
32
24
23
20
2
2011 Jan 14-16 ^
31
27
26
15
2
^ Asked of a half sample; * Less than 0.5%
Gallup
Thinking about mass shootings that have occurred in the United States in recent years, from what you know or have read, how much do you think each of the following factors is to blame for the shootings -- a great deal, a fair amount, not much or not at all? How about -- The spread of extremist viewpoints on the internet?
Great deal
Fair amount
Not much
Not at all
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
2019 Aug 15-30 ^
50
29
12
7
1
2013 Sep 17-18
29
28
22
15
6
2011 Jan 14-16 ^
32
31
19
12
6
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup
Thinking about mass shootings that have occurred in the United States in recent years, from what you know or have read, how much do you think each of the following factors is to blame for the shootings -- a great deal, a fair amount, not much or not at all? How about -- Failure of the mental health system to identify individuals who are a danger to others?
Great deal
Fair amount
Not much
Not at all
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
2019 Aug 15-30 ^
55
28
12
4
*
2013 Sep 17-18
48
32
11
8
2
2011 Jan 14-16 ^
48
30
11
8
3
^ Asked of a half sample; * Less than 0.5%
Gallup
Thinking about mass shootings that have occurred in the United States in recent years, from what you know or have read, how much do you think each of the following factors is to blame for the shootings -- a great deal, a fair amount, not much or not at all? How about -- Inflammatory language from prominent politicians or political commentators?
Great deal
Fair amount
Not much
Not at all
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
2019 Aug 15-30 ^
34
24
24
17
1
2013 Sep 17-18 #
18
19
30
28
6
2011 Jan 14-16 ^#
19
25
29
25
3
^ Asked of a half sample; # WORDING: Inflammatory language from prominent political commentators
Gallup
Thinking about mass shootings that have occurred in the United States in recent years, from what you know or have read, how much do you think each of the following factors is to blame for the shootings -- a great deal, a fair amount, not much or not at all? How about -- Drug use?
Great deal
Fair amount
Not much
Not at all
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
2019 Aug 15-30 ^
32
33
22
12
*
2013 Sep 17-18
37
29
17
15
3
2011 Jan 14-16 ^
42
35
16
6
2
^ Asked of a half sample; * Less than 0.5%
Gallup
Thinking about mass shootings that have occurred in the United States in recent years, from what you know or have read, how much do you think each of the following factors is to blame for the shootings -- a great deal, a fair amount, not much or not at all? How about -- Insufficient security at public buildings including businesses and schools?
Great deal
Fair amount
Not much
Not at all
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
2019 Aug 15-30 ^
28
34
28
11
*
2013 Sep 17-18
29
29
26
14
2
^ Asked of a half sample; * Less than 0.5%
Gallup
Next, I'm going to read you some things people may do because of their concern about mass shootings. For each one, please tell me if it is something you have done, something you are seriously considering, something you are not seriously considering or something you haven't even thought about. How about -- [RANDOM ORDER]?
Have done
Considering
Not considering
Not thought about
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
Purchased a gun or other weapon
13
16
21
48
2
Avoided going to events with large crowds, such as concerts, festivals or sporting events
12
17
23
47
1
Avoided going to public places such as stores, restaurants or churches
6
13
23
56
1
Purchased special gear or products that could protect you in the event of a mass shooting
6
10
21
62
1
Aug. 15-30, 2019
Gallup
What is your overall opinion of the National Rifle Association, also known as the NRA -- is it very favorable, mostly favorable, mostly unfavorable or very unfavorable?
Very favorable
Mostly favorable
Mostly unfavorable
Very unfavorable
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
2019 Aug 15-30
18
30
19
30
3
2018 Jun 1-13
28
25
16
26
4
2015 Oct 7-11
26
32
17
18
6
2012 Dec 19-22
21
33
20
18
7
2005 Apr 4-7
18
42
19
15
6
2000 May 23-24
19
33
21
18
9
2000 Apr 7-9
15
36
20
19
10
1999 Apr 26-27
14
37
22
18
9
1995 Jun 5-6
14
28
25
26
7
1993 Mar 12-14
22
33
18
14
13
Gallup
(Asked of gun owners) There are many reasons why some people choose to own guns and others do not. What are some of the reasons why you own a gun? [OPEN-ENDED]
2019 Aug 15-30
2013 Oct 3-6
%
%
Personal safety/Protection
63
60
Hunting
40
36
Recreation/Sport (nonspecific)
11
13
Antique/Family heirloom/Passed down
6
5
Related to line of work -- police, military
5
3
Second Amendment right
5
5
Have always owned/Raised with guns/Family tradition
5
4
Like guns/Wanted one/Enjoy using
4
5
Target shooting
4
8
Collect guns/Hobby
2
1
Animal/Pest control/Euthanize sick animals, pets
1
1
Other
1
1
No reason in particular
*
3
No opinion
*
--
* Less than 0.5%; Percentages total more than 100% due to multiple responses.
Gallup
Please tell me whether you favor or oppose each of the following proposals. [RANDOM ORDER]
Favor
Oppose
No opinion
%
%
%
Requiring background checks for all gun sales
2022 Jun 1-20
92
7
1
2018 Mar 5-11 ^
92
7
1
2017 Oct 5-11
96
4
*
Prohibiting people who have been determined to be a danger to themselves or others from purchasing guns
2022 Jun 1-20
86
14
*
Allowing courts to order the confiscation of guns from people who have been determined to be a danger to themselves or others
2022 Jun 1-20
81
18
1
Enacting a 30-day waiting period for all gun sales
2022 Jun 1-20
77
23
*
2017 Oct 5-11
75
24
1
Raising the legal age at which people can purchase certain firearms from 18 to 21
2022 Jun 1-20
76
24
1
2018 Mar 5-11 ^
68
30
1
Banning the sale and possession of high-capacity magazines that can contain more than 10 rounds of ammunition
2022 Jun 1-20
55
44
1
^ WORDING: Please tell me whether you favor or oppose each of the following approaches to prevent mass shootings at schools; * Less than 0.5%
Gallup, June 1-20, 2022
Do you think each of the following would be very effective, somewhat effective, not too effective or not effective at all in preventing mass shootings as schools [RANDOM ORDER]
Very effective
Somewhat effective
Not too effective
Not effective at all
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
Requiring background checks for all gun sales
70
19
5
5
*
Increased training for police officers and first responders on how to respond to active shootings
60
30
5
5
*
Installing more security checkpoints and security systems for allowing people into schools
54
32
7
6
1
Instituting new programs to identify, assess and manage certain students who may pose a threat
52
32
8
6
3
Banning the sale of semi-automatic weapons such as the AR-15
48
15
7
28
2
Raising the legal age at which people can purchase certain firearms from 18 to 21
40
26
12
21
1
Having teachers or other school officials with appropriate training carry guns at school
27
20
14
39
1
* Less than 0.5%
Gallup, March 5-11, 2018
If you had to choose, which approach to preventing future school shootings should the president and Congress focus on -- [ROTATED: making major changes to the laws on the sale of guns and ammunition, (or) making major changes to school security measures and the mental health system]?
Laws on guns and ammunition
School security measures/Mental health
No opinion
%
%
%
2018 Mar 5-11
41
56
4
2013 Jan 19-20
30
65
5
Gallup
In terms of gun laws in the United States, which of the following would you prefer to see happen -- [ROTATE: enforce the current gun laws more strictly and NOT pass new gun laws (or) pass new gun laws in addition to enforcing the current laws more strictly]?
Enforce current laws more strictly
Pass new laws in addition
No opinion
%
%
%
2022 Jun 1-20
42
55
3
2017 Oct 5-11
47
51
2
2012 Dec 19-22
46
47
7
2011 Oct 6-9
60
35
5
2007 Oct 4-7
58
38
4
2006 Oct 9-12
53
43
4
2002 Feb 8-10
60
38
2
2000 Aug 29-Sep 5
53
45
2
2000 Apr 28-30 ^
51
44
5
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup
Please say whether you favor or oppose each of the following. [RANDOM ORDER].
Favor
Oppose
No opinion
%
%
%
Requiring background checks for all gun purchases
96
4
*
Enacting a 30-day waiting period for all gun sales
75
24
1
Requiring all privately-owned guns to be registered with the police
70
29
1
Oct. 5-11, 2017; * Less than 0.5%
Gallup
If new gun control laws were passed, do you think it would reduce the number of mass shootings in the U.S. -- a great deal, a moderate amount, a little or not at all?
Great deal
Moderate amount
A little
Not at all
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
2017 Oct 5-11
21
20
16
42
1
Gallup
Which party do you think can do a better job of reflecting your views about gun control -- [ROTATED: the Republican Party (or) the Democratic Party]?
Republican Party
Democratic Party
Neither (vol.)
No opinion
%
%
%
%
2015 Oct 7-11
44
38
14
4
1999 Jun 25-27
41
44
6
9
1999 May 23-24
39
42
8
11
(vol.) = volunteered response
Gallup
Would you favor or oppose a law which would require universal background checks for all gun purchases in the U.S. using a centralized database across all 50 states?
Favor
Oppose
No opinion
%
%
%
2015 Oct 7-11
86
12
2
Gallup
If such a law were passed, do you think it would reduce the number of mass shootings in the U.S. -- a great deal, a moderate amount, a little or not at all?
A great deal
A moderate amount
A little
Not at all
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
2015 Oct 7-11
19
28
22
31
1
Gallup
Suppose more Americans were allowed to carry concealed weapons if they passed a criminal background check and training course. If more Americans carried concealed weapons, would the United States be safer or less safe?
Safer
Less safe
No opinion
%
%
%
2015 Oct 7-11
56
41
3
Gallup
As you may know, last week the U.S. Senate voted on, but did not pass, a measure to expand background checks for gun purchases. Do you think the Senate should or should not have passed the measure to expand background checks for gun purchases?
Yes, should have
No, should not have
No opinion
%
%
%
2013 Apr 22-25
65
29
6
Gallup
(Asked of those who do not want Senate to pass bill to expand background checks) What are some of the reasons you did not want the Senate to pass expanded background checks for gun purchases? [OPEN-ENDED]
2013 Apr 22-25
%
Violates 2nd Amendment/People have right to own guns
40
Need to enforce gun laws already in place
23
Criminals will always get guns/Will buy on black market
20
Does not work/Does not make a difference/Waste of time
19
Guns aren't problem/People are
11
Privacy issue/Government doesn't need to know about gun purchases
9
Too much bureaucracy/Government too involved/has too much power
6
Other
10
No opinion
3
Gallup
Next, suppose that on Election Day you could vote on key issues as well as candidates. Would you vote for or against a law that would -- Require background checks for all gun purchases?
Vote for
Vote against
No opinion
%
%
%
2013 Apr 22-25
83
17
1
2013 Jan 19-20 ^
91
8
2
Gallup
Next, suppose that on Election Day you could vote on key issues as well as candidates. Would you vote for or against a law that would -- Reinstate and strengthen the ban on assault weapons that was in place from 1994 to 2004?
Vote for
Vote against
No opinion
%
%
%
2013 Apr 22-25
56
41
4
2013 Jan 19-20
60
35
5
Gallup
Next, suppose that on Election Day you could vote on key issues as well as candidates. Would you vote for or against a law that would -- Limit the sale of ammunition magazines to those with 10 rounds or less?
Vote for
Vote against
No opinion
%
%
%
2013 Apr 22-25
51
45
4
2013 Jan 19-20
54
43
3
Gallup
Next, suppose that on Election Day you could vote on key issues as well as candidates. Would you vote for or against a law that would -- Increase government spending for mental health programs for young people?
Vote for
Vote against
No opinion
%
%
%
2013 Apr 22-25
79
18
3
2013 Jan 19-20
82
15
3
Gallup
Next, suppose that on Election Day you could vote on key issues as well as candidates. Would you vote for or against a law that would -- Increase government spending for training police officers, first responders and school officials on how to respond to active armed attacks?
Vote for
Vote against
No opinion
%
%
%
2013 Jan 19-20
79
19
2
Gallup
Next, suppose that on Election Day you could vote on key issues as well as candidates. Would you vote for or against a law that would -- Increase criminal penalties for people who pass the required background check but who buy a gun for someone who has not passed a background check?
Vote for
Vote against
No opinion
%
%
%
2013 Jan 19-20
75
23
2
Gallup
Next, suppose that on Election Day you could vote on key issues as well as candidates. Would you vote for or against a law that would -- Spend $4 billion of federal government money to help keep 15,000 police officers on the street?
Vote for
Vote against
No opinion
%
%
%
2013 Jan 19-20
70
24
6
Gallup
Next, suppose that on Election Day you could vote on key issues as well as candidates. Would you vote for or against a law that would -- Spend $30 million of federal government money to help schools develop emergency response plans?
Vote for
Vote against
No opinion
%
%
%
2013 Jan 19-20
69
27
4
Gallup
Next, suppose that on Election Day you could vote on key issues as well as candidates. Would you vote for or against a law that would -- Ban the possession of armor-piercing bullets by anyone other than members of the military and law enforcement?
Vote for
Vote against
No opinion
%
%
%
2013 Jan 19-20
67
30
3
Gallup
How often does the NRA reflect your views about guns -- always, most of the time, only sometimes or never?
Always
Most of the time
Only some of the time
Never
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
2012 Dec 19-22
6
29
32
29
4
1999 Feb 8-9
6
19
36
31
8
1996 Jul 25-28
5
15
35
35
10
Gallup
Just your opinion, what do you think are the one or two most important things that could be done to prevent mass shootings from occurring in the United States? [OPEN-ENDED]
2011 Jan 14-16
%
Stricter gun control laws
24
Better mental health screening/Better mental health support
15
More education/Teach children about violence/proper use of guns
9
More extensive background checks for those buying guns
8
Need stricter security measures for public gatherings
6
Ban handguns/bullets
5
Americans need to be aware/speak up about possible dangers
4
Better parenting/Hold parents accountable
4
Allow people to carry guns for their own protection
4
Bring God/morality back into people's lives
4
Tougher criminal justice/sentencing
3
Better enforcement of existing gun laws
3
Less media coverage of shootings/Don't sensationalize
2
Restrict sale of automatic handguns
2
Better cooperation/communication between political parties
1
Improve the economy/More jobs
1
Crack down on illegal immigration
1
Other
4
Nothing
11
No opinion
12
Percentages total more than 100% due to multiple responses
Gallup
Do you believe the Second Amendment to the U.S. constitution guarantees the rights of Americans to own guns, or do you believe it only guarantees members of state militias such as National Guard units the right to own guns?
Americans own guns
State militia members own guns
No opinion
%
%
%
National adults
2008 Feb 8-10
73
20
7
Gun owners
2008 Feb 8-10
91
6
3
Gun non-owners
2008 Feb 8-10
63
28
9
Gallup
Have you, personally, ever fired a gun, or not?
Yes, have
No, have not
No opinion
%
%
%
2007 Oct 4-7
69
31
*
1999 Mar 5-7 ^
67
32
1
1993 Dec 17-19 ^
79
21
*
* Less than 0.5%; ^ WORDING: Have you ever fired a gun?
Gallup
Do you think courtrooms would be safer places or more dangerous places if judges were armed with guns?
Safer
More dangerous
Depends (vol.)
No opinion
%
%
%
%
2005 Apr 4-7
43
50
2
5
(vol.) = Volunteered response
Gallup
Do you think schools would be safer places or more dangerous places if school officials were armed with guns?
Safer
More dangerous
Depends (vol.)
No opinion
%
%
%
%
2005 Apr 4-7
22
73
2
3
(vol.) = Volunteered response
Gallup
Do you think airplanes would be safer places or more dangerous places if pilots were armed with guns?
Safer
More dangerous
Depends (vol.)
No opinion
%
%
%
%
2005 Apr 4-7
62
33
2
3
(vol.) = Volunteered response
Gallup
Which of the following do you think should be allowed to carry a concealed firearm in a public place, such as a restaurant or movie theater -- only government safety officials, such as police officers, only government officials or private citizens who have a clear need for a weapon, such as those who transport large amounts of cash, or any private citizen, except those who would be a potential threat to public safety, such as convicted criminals?
Only safety officials
Only those with clear need
Any private citizen
Any one (vol.)
No one (vol.)
No opinion
%
%
%
%
%
%
2004 Nov 19-21
44
26
27
*
2
1
(vol.)=volunteered response; * Less than 0.5%
Gallup
If you were in a public place such as a restaurant or movie theater, would you feel more safe -- or less safe -- if you knew concealed firearms were allowed?
Thirty-eight percent of U.S. parents of K-12 children fear for their child's physical safety at school. While down slightly from last year, the reading still ranks among the highest in the past two decades.
Gallup https://news.gallup.com/poll/1645/Guns.aspx Gallup World Headquarters, 901 F Street, Washington, D.C., 20001, U.S.A
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