Rasmussen Poll: Majority Say Stricter Gun Control Would Not Prevent Shootings

The Rasmussen Poll conducted a telephone poll of 1,000 American adults on January 10th and 11th. Included in the poll were questions asking about opinions on gun control.

1* Does the United States need stricter gun control laws?

2* Does the U.S. Constitution guarantee the right of an average citizen to own a gun?

3* Would stricter gun control laws help prevent shootings like the one in Arizona?

4* Does anyone in your household own a gun?

Only 29% of adults think stricter gun control laws would prevent tragedies like the Tucson shootings of Congresswoman Giffords, Judge Roll, and the others. By contrast, 62% disagreed overall and 76% of those whose household includes at least one gun owner disagreed with Question No. 3 above.

Moreover, opposition to new gun controls is at high even with the shootings in Arizona. 56% say that they oppose new gun control laws as opposed to 36% who think the U.S. needs stricter gun control. If gun ownership is factored in, both numbers rise. 76% of gun owners oppose stricter gun control while 53% of those without a gun in the house would be in favor of stricter gun control.

The previous high for opposition to new gun control was 51% in July 2010. While the gun banners are trying to score points on the Tucson shootings, people are voting with their pocketbook and buying more guns as a result - at least in Arizona.