Gallup: Americans Still Draw the Line at Handgun Bans By: Larry Z

A new Gallup poll has people talking this week as it reveals a mix of shifting and consistent opinions about firearms in America.

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While many still favor stricter gun laws and an “assault weapons” ban, support for banning handguns has hit a near-record low. Here’s what you need to know.

According to the poll, 56% of Americans support stricter gun laws—a figure that’s held steady over the past three years.

However, this is far from the peak of 78% back in 1990 when violent crime rates were higher.

As history has shown, spikes in gun control support often follow major mass shootings, only to dip again as media coverage fades.

Predictably, support for tougher gun laws is sharply divided along party lines:

• 89% of Democrats want stricter laws.
• 56% of Independents support them.
• Only 25% of Republicans back stricter measures, with the majority (59%) preferring the status quo.

Handgun Bans? Almost Nobody Wants That

Perhaps the most striking result (to those outside the 2A community) is the drop in support for banning handguns.

Only 20% of Americans favor such a measure—just one point above the all-time low of 19% recorded in Gallup’s 65-year trend.

Interestingly, the drop is most pronounced among Democrats, where support fell by 16 points to a new low of 33%.

Among Republicans, support remains minuscule at 6%, and Independents sit at 22%.

It’s clear: most Americans, regardless of party, aren’t on board with banning handguns.

On the other hand, 52% of Americans support a ban on black rifles, though this number is trending downward. In 2019, 61% favored such a ban. Among political groups:

• 82% of Democrats support a ban.
• 50% of Independents are on board.
• Only 27% of Republicans agree.

This decline in support for an “assault weapons” ban across the board signals a shift, particularly among Independents and Republicans, as the public debates what “common sense” gun laws should really look like.

While the Gallup poll shows that stricter gun laws and bans on modern sporting rifles still have majority support, the near-record low interest in banning handguns is a win for advocates of the Second Amendment.

The public’s consistent opposition to sweeping bans on firearm ownership underscores a fundamental respect for gun rights, even among those who favor some level of control.

For the pro-2A crowd, this data reinforces the importance of staying engaged in the conversation, especially as high-profile events often drive temporary spikes in support for stricter laws.

Educating the public about responsible gun ownership and effective safety measures remains key in shaping future policy.

Gallup’s findings highlight the nuances in America’s gun debate.

While there’s a push for tighter regulations in some areas, Americans clearly draw the line at outright bans on handguns—a stance that’s held firm for decades.

The takeaway?

Gun owners should stay informed, active, and vocal. The numbers show that the Second Amendment still has strong support, but keeping it that way means staying vigilant.

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