Poll: 9 Out of 10 Gun Owners Support Background Checks

Rob Gotham calls in a background check for a gun buyer at Great Lakes Outdoor Supply in Middlefield, Ohio Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013.
AP Photo/Mark Duncan
Dashiell Bennett 1,913 Views Jan 17, 2013

A new poll conducted by The New York Times and CBS News says that one of the most popular initiatives being pushed by gun control advocates is pretty popular among gun owners too. One of the key legislative proposals made by President Obama yesterday—it was the first one he mentioned during his announcement speech—is that background checks should be required for any and all gun purchases, ending loopholes that allow some gun buyers to pick up weapons at shows where checks are currently not required. According to the poll, that particular idea enjoys almost universal support. North, South, Democrat, Republican, gun abolitionists, or even members of the NRA—every groups stood solidly behind it.

Only seven percent of those who were asked are against the idea of universal background checks, and 90 percent of current gun owners are in favor of them. Opinions quickly diverge on other issues, however. Around 75 percent of respondents from all backgrounds actually side with the NRA on the issue of increased security at schools, agreeing that more armed police and guards could help prevent school shootings. 

The Times says they will release the full results from the survey on Thursday evening.

Want to add to this story? Let us know in comments or send an email to the author at dbennett at theatlantic dot com. You can share ideas for stories on the Open Wire.

Related Articles   More by Dashiell Bennett

The Senate and America Are Ready for a Do-Over on Background Checks

With Gun Laws Struggling in the Senate, Newtown Passion May Officially Be Gone

GOP Filibuster of Gun Bill Begins to Fizzle

 
Iranian President elect Hasan Rowhani, claps his hands, at the start of a press conference in Tehran, Iran, Monday, June 17, 2013.

Iran's New President Wants to 'Heal' Wounds, Enrich Uranium

A Syrian Air Force fighter plane fires a rocket during an air strike loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in Raqqa province, eastern Syria June 10, 2013.

Russia Says No to a No-Fly Zone over Syria

Elsewhere on the Web

User Comments

Please type your comment and click Post. If you’re not already logged in you will be prompted to log in or register

  • The Atlantic Wire on Twitter
  • The Atlantic Wire RSS Feed
  • The Atlantic Wire iPhone App