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GSS 1972-2021 Cumulative Datafile

2006 TOPICAL MODULE: GUN CONTROL

gunsalesshould background check be required for private gun sale

Text of this Question or Item

1113. In most states a gun owner may legally sell his or her gun 
without proof that the buyer has passed a criminal history 
check. How strongly do you favor or oppose a law that required 
private gun sales to be subject to the same background check 
requirements as sales by licensed dealers? Do you...

Cells contain: -Valid row pct. -N of cases		gunsales
Cells contain: -Valid row pct. -N of cases		1 Strongly favor	2 Favor	3 Neither favor nor oppose	4 Oppose	5 Strongly oppose	.d	.i	.n	ROW TOTAL
year	1972	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,613	- 0	- 1,613
	1973	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,504	- 0	- 1,504
	1974	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,484	- 0	- 1,484
	1975	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,490	- 0	- 1,490
	1976	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,499	- 0	- 1,499
	1977	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,530	- 0	- 1,530
	1978	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,532	- 0	- 1,532
	1980	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,468	- 0	- 1,468
	1982	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,860	- 0	- 1,860
	1983	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,599	- 0	- 1,599
	1984	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,473	- 0	- 1,473
	1985	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,534	- 0	- 1,534
	1986	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,470	- 0	- 1,470
	1987	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,819	- 0	- 1,819
	1988	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,481	- 0	- 1,481
	1989	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,537	- 0	- 1,537
	1990	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,372	- 0	- 1,372
	1991	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,517	- 0	- 1,517
	1993	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,606	- 0	- 1,606
	1994	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,992	- 0	- 2,992
	1996	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,904	- 0	- 2,904
	1998	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,832	- 0	- 2,832
	2000	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,817	- 0	- 2,817
	2002	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,765	- 0	- 2,765
	2004	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,812	- 0	- 2,812
	2006	62.0 826	17.7 236	8.2 109	6.8 91	5.3 71	- 26	- 3,139	- 12	100.0 4,510
	2008	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,023	- 0	- 2,023
	2010	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,044	- 0	- 2,044
	2012	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,974	- 0	- 1,974
	2014	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,538	- 0	- 2,538
	2016	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,867	- 0	- 2,867
	2018	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,348	- 0	- 2,348
	2021	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 4,032	- 0	- 4,032
	COL TOTAL	62.0 826	17.7 236	8.2 109	6.8 91	5.3 71	- 26	- 67,475	- 12	100.0 68,846

Properties
Data type:	numeric
Missing-data codes:	.d,.i,.n

gunsdrugshould penalty for illegal gun sale be tougher than drug

Text of this Question or Item

1114. Should penalties for illegally selling guns be tougher, 
less tough, or about as tough as penalties for illegally selling 
drugs?

Cells contain: -Valid row pct. -N of cases		gunsdrug
Cells contain: -Valid row pct. -N of cases		1 Tougher	2 Less tough	3 About as tough	.d	.i	.n	ROW TOTAL
year	1972	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,613	- 0	- 1,613
	1973	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,504	- 0	- 1,504
	1974	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,484	- 0	- 1,484
	1975	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,490	- 0	- 1,490
	1976	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,499	- 0	- 1,499
	1977	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,530	- 0	- 1,530
	1978	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,532	- 0	- 1,532
	1980	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,468	- 0	- 1,468
	1982	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,860	- 0	- 1,860
	1983	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,599	- 0	- 1,599
	1984	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,473	- 0	- 1,473
	1985	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,534	- 0	- 1,534
	1986	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,470	- 0	- 1,470
	1987	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,819	- 0	- 1,819
	1988	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,481	- 0	- 1,481
	1989	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,537	- 0	- 1,537
	1990	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,372	- 0	- 1,372
	1991	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,517	- 0	- 1,517
	1993	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,606	- 0	- 1,606
	1994	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,992	- 0	- 2,992
	1996	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,904	- 0	- 2,904
	1998	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,832	- 0	- 2,832
	2000	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,817	- 0	- 2,817
	2002	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,765	- 0	- 2,765
	2004	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,812	- 0	- 2,812
	2006	55.3 734	7.8 104	36.9 490	- 31	- 3,139	- 12	100.0 4,510
	2008	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,023	- 0	- 2,023
	2010	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,044	- 0	- 2,044
	2012	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,974	- 0	- 1,974
	2014	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,538	- 0	- 2,538
	2016	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,867	- 0	- 2,867
	2018	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,348	- 0	- 2,348
	2021	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 4,032	- 0	- 4,032
	COL TOTAL	55.3 734	7.8 104	36.9 490	- 31	- 67,475	- 12	100.0 68,846

Properties
Data type:	numeric
Missing-data codes:	.d,.i,.n

semigunsshould semi-auto gun sale be limited to military

Text of this Question or Item

1115. Should semi-automatic, assault weapons or semi-automatic 
guns known as assault rifles be sold to the general public or 
should their sales be limited to the military and police?

Cells contain: -Valid row pct. -N of cases		semiguns
Cells contain: -Valid row pct. -N of cases		1 Sold to the general public	2 Sales be limited to the military and police	.d	.i	.n	ROW TOTAL
year	1972	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,613	- 0	- 1,613
	1973	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,504	- 0	- 1,504
	1974	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,484	- 0	- 1,484
	1975	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,490	- 0	- 1,490
	1976	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,499	- 0	- 1,499
	1977	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,530	- 0	- 1,530
	1978	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,532	- 0	- 1,532
	1980	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,468	- 0	- 1,468
	1982	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,860	- 0	- 1,860
	1983	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,599	- 0	- 1,599
	1984	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,473	- 0	- 1,473
	1985	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,534	- 0	- 1,534
	1986	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,470	- 0	- 1,470
	1987	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,819	- 0	- 1,819
	1988	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,481	- 0	- 1,481
	1989	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,537	- 0	- 1,537
	1990	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,372	- 0	- 1,372
	1991	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,517	- 0	- 1,517
	1993	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,606	- 0	- 1,606
	1994	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,992	- 0	- 2,992
	1996	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,904	- 0	- 2,904
	1998	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,832	- 0	- 2,832
	2000	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,817	- 0	- 2,817
	2002	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,765	- 0	- 2,765
	2004	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,812	- 0	- 2,812
	2006	15.0 198	85.0 1,125	- 36	- 3,139	- 12	100.0 4,510
	2008	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,023	- 0	- 2,023
	2010	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,044	- 0	- 2,044
	2012	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,974	- 0	- 1,974
	2014	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,538	- 0	- 2,538
	2016	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,867	- 0	- 2,867
	2018	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,348	- 0	- 2,348
	2021	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 4,032	- 0	- 4,032
	COL TOTAL	15.0 198	85.0 1,125	- 36	- 67,475	- 12	100.0 68,846

Properties
Data type:	numeric
Missing-data codes:	.d,.i,.n

guns911should gun control law be stricter after 911

Text of this Question or Item

1116. As a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, do you think 
that gun control laws should be stricter, making it harder for 
people to purchase firearms or that gun control laws should be 
less strict, making it easier for people to purchase firearms?

Cells contain: -Valid row pct. -N of cases		guns911
Cells contain: -Valid row pct. -N of cases		1 Should be stricter	2 Should be less strict	.d	.i	.n	ROW TOTAL
year	1972	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,613	- 0	- 1,613
	1973	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,504	- 0	- 1,504
	1974	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,484	- 0	- 1,484
	1975	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,490	- 0	- 1,490
	1976	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,499	- 0	- 1,499
	1977	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,530	- 0	- 1,530
	1978	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,532	- 0	- 1,532
	1980	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,468	- 0	- 1,468
	1982	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,860	- 0	- 1,860
	1983	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,599	- 0	- 1,599
	1984	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,473	- 0	- 1,473
	1985	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,534	- 0	- 1,534
	1986	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,470	- 0	- 1,470
	1987	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,819	- 0	- 1,819
	1988	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,481	- 0	- 1,481
	1989	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,537	- 0	- 1,537
	1990	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,372	- 0	- 1,372
	1991	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,517	- 0	- 1,517
	1993	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,606	- 0	- 1,606
	1994	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,992	- 0	- 2,992
	1996	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,904	- 0	- 2,904
	1998	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,832	- 0	- 2,832
	2000	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,817	- 0	- 2,817
	2002	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,765	- 0	- 2,765
	2004	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,812	- 0	- 2,812
	2006	81.9 1,026	18.1 226	- 103	- 3,139	- 16	100.0 4,510
	2008	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,023	- 0	- 2,023
	2010	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,044	- 0	- 2,044
	2012	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,974	- 0	- 1,974
	2014	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,538	- 0	- 2,538
	2016	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,867	- 0	- 2,867
	2018	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,348	- 0	- 2,348
	2021	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 4,032	- 0	- 4,032
	COL TOTAL	81.9 1,026	18.1 226	- 103	- 67,475	- 16	100.0 68,846

Properties
Data type:	numeric
Missing-data codes:	.d,.i,.n

rifles50should high power rifle sale be limited to military

Text of this Question or Item

1117. Currently under federal law, very high power, 50-caliber 
rifles that can penetrate armor from a mile away are available 
to people on the same basis as standard hunting rifles. Should 
such very high power rifles be 1) restricted only to the police 
and military, or 2) available to civilians like standard hunting 
rifles as they are at present?

Cells contain: -Valid row pct. -N of cases		rifles50
Cells contain: -Valid row pct. -N of cases		1 Restricted to the police and military	2 Available to civilians like other hunting rifles	.d	.i	.n	ROW TOTAL
year	1972	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,613	- 0	- 1,613
	1973	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,504	- 0	- 1,504
	1974	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,484	- 0	- 1,484
	1975	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,490	- 0	- 1,490
	1976	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,499	- 0	- 1,499
	1977	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,530	- 0	- 1,530
	1978	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,532	- 0	- 1,532
	1980	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,468	- 0	- 1,468
	1982	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,860	- 0	- 1,860
	1983	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,599	- 0	- 1,599
	1984	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,473	- 0	- 1,473
	1985	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,534	- 0	- 1,534
	1986	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,470	- 0	- 1,470
	1987	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,819	- 0	- 1,819
	1988	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,481	- 0	- 1,481
	1989	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,537	- 0	- 1,537
	1990	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,372	- 0	- 1,372
	1991	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,517	- 0	- 1,517
	1993	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,606	- 0	- 1,606
	1994	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,992	- 0	- 2,992
	1996	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,904	- 0	- 2,904
	1998	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,832	- 0	- 2,832
	2000	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,817	- 0	- 2,817
	2002	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,765	- 0	- 2,765
	2004	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,812	- 0	- 2,812
	2006	86.0 1,151	14.0 187	- 21	- 3,139	- 12	100.0 4,510
	2008	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,023	- 0	- 2,023
	2010	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,044	- 0	- 2,044
	2012	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,974	- 0	- 1,974
	2014	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,538	- 0	- 2,538
	2016	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,867	- 0	- 2,867
	2018	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,348	- 0	- 2,348
	2021	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 4,032	- 0	- 4,032
	COL TOTAL	86.0 1,151	14.0 187	- 21	- 67,475	- 12	100.0 68,846

Properties
Data type:	numeric
Missing-data codes:	.d,.i,.n

othgunsnumber of adult owing a gun in household

Text of this Question or Item

1118. And how many other adults in your household personally own 
a gun?

Cells contain: -Valid row pct. -N of cases		othguns
Cells contain: -Valid row pct. -N of cases		1 1 person	2 2 persons	3 3 persons	.d	.i	ROW TOTAL
year	1972	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,613	- 1,613
	1973	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,504	- 1,504
	1974	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,484	- 1,484
	1975	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,490	- 1,490
	1976	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,499	- 1,499
	1977	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,530	- 1,530
	1978	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,532	- 1,532
	1980	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,468	- 1,468
	1982	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,860	- 1,860
	1983	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,599	- 1,599
	1984	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,473	- 1,473
	1985	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,534	- 1,534
	1986	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,470	- 1,470
	1987	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,819	- 1,819
	1988	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,481	- 1,481
	1989	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,537	- 1,537
	1990	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,372	- 1,372
	1991	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,517	- 1,517
	1993	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,606	- 1,606
	1994	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,992	- 2,992
	1996	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,904	- 2,904
	1998	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,832	- 2,832
	2000	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,817	- 2,817
	2002	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,765	- 2,765
	2004	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,812	- 2,812
	2006	88.7 125	9.9 14	1.4 2	- 1	- 4,368	100.0 4,510
	2008	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,023	- 2,023
	2010	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,044	- 2,044
	2012	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,974	- 1,974
	2014	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,538	- 2,538
	2016	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,867	- 2,867
	2018	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,348	- 2,348
	2021	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 4,032	- 4,032
	COL TOTAL	88.7 125	9.9 14	1.4 2	- 1	- 68,704	100.0 68,846

Properties
Data type:	numeric
Missing-data codes:	.d,.i

gunsdrnkshould carrying a firearm drinking alcohol be illegal

Text of this Question or Item

1119. In all states it is illegal to drive while under the 
influence of alcohol. Would you favor or oppose state laws 
making it illegal to carry a firearm while under the influence 
of alcohol?

Cells contain: -Valid row pct. -N of cases		gunsdrnk
Cells contain: -Valid row pct. -N of cases		1 Favor	2 Oppose	.d	.i	.n	ROW TOTAL
year	1972	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,613	- 0	- 1,613
	1973	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,504	- 0	- 1,504
	1974	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,484	- 0	- 1,484
	1975	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,490	- 0	- 1,490
	1976	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,499	- 0	- 1,499
	1977	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,530	- 0	- 1,530
	1978	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,532	- 0	- 1,532
	1980	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,468	- 0	- 1,468
	1982	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,860	- 0	- 1,860
	1983	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,599	- 0	- 1,599
	1984	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,473	- 0	- 1,473
	1985	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,534	- 0	- 1,534
	1986	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,470	- 0	- 1,470
	1987	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,819	- 0	- 1,819
	1988	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,481	- 0	- 1,481
	1989	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,537	- 0	- 1,537
	1990	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,372	- 0	- 1,372
	1991	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,517	- 0	- 1,517
	1993	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,606	- 0	- 1,606
	1994	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,992	- 0	- 2,992
	1996	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,904	- 0	- 2,904
	1998	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,832	- 0	- 2,832
	2000	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,817	- 0	- 2,817
	2002	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,765	- 0	- 2,765
	2004	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,812	- 0	- 2,812
	2006	91.0 1,222	9.0 121	- 15	- 3,139	- 13	100.0 4,510
	2008	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,023	- 0	- 2,023
	2010	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,044	- 0	- 2,044
	2012	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 1,974	- 0	- 1,974
	2014	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,538	- 0	- 2,538
	2016	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,867	- 0	- 2,867
	2018	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 2,348	- 0	- 2,348
	2021	- 0	- 0	- 0	- 4,032	- 0	- 4,032
	COL TOTAL	91.0 1,222	9.0 121	- 15	- 67,475	- 13	100.0 68,846

Properties
Data type:	numeric
Missing-data codes:	.d,.i,.n

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