Survey: America is a pro-gun nation!

The Los Angeles Times recently reported on a Rasmussen Reports poll commissioned by Outdoor Life Magazine, which sought to gauge opinion on whether the Constitution guarantees the right to own a gun and, asked for opinions on what was behind the recent increase in gun sales.

An overwhelming majority of Americans, including Republicans and Democrats, agree that the Constitution guarantees an individual right to own a gun.

From the story:

Among Americans polled, 75% said the Constitution guaranteed the right to own a gun. The percentage of "yes" answers was higher among Republicans (92%) and lower among Democrats (64%). Among others, 71% answered yes.

As for the second question, 57% of those polled cited fear of increased government restrictions as the reason for a spike in gun sales; 23% said it was because of a fear of crime, while 20% were unsure.

Only 44% of respondents said stricter gun control laws are needed, and the Times notes that Republicans and Democrats were evenly divided on that issue: 63% of Republicans polled said they opposed stricter gun laws while 62% of Democrats said stricter laws are needed.

A Rasmussen poll conducted last October found that 63% of U.S. voters believed Barack Obama would be more inclined to restrict gun rights than John McCain, his rival in the presidential election (84% of Republicans answered yes to this question).

To be sure, it was no coincidence that the run on guns and ammo began when it became clear who would win that election.