The Nation - News from May 11, 1986

Despite recent congressional action easing federal handgun restrictions, the American people continue to favor stringent curbs on the sale and possession of these weapons. The latest Gallup Poll reported that 60% of those surveyed said the laws governing the sale of handguns should be made stricter, while 30% said the present regulations were adequate. Only 8% said the laws should be relaxed. The survey also found that 41% of handgun owners backed stricter controls. Fifteen percent urged more lenient laws, while 43% said present laws should be kept as they are.