Fewer Americans Support Stricter Laws on Gun Sales

The percentage of Americans who believe that laws regulating gun sales should be made stricter has fallen to its lowest level since 1990, according to a Gallup poll conducted Oct. 1-4.

Forty-four percent are in favor of tougher gun laws, down from 49 percent last year and a far cry from the 78 percent who were for more controls when Gallup first asked the question 19 years ago.

Forty-three percent say laws on gun sales should be kept as they are now.

Also falling to a new low was the number of Americans that believe the possession of handguns should be banned for anyone other than police and other authorized persons. Twenty-eight perent hold that view compared to 36 percent last year and 60 percent in 1960.