Gun dealers and pawnbrokers who responded to a 2011 survey were nearly unanimous in support of denying gun purchases based on prior convictions, serious mental illness with a history of violence, or abuse of alcohol or drugs, according to a study in this month’s Journal of Urban Health.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis surveyed 1,601 dealers, pawnbrokers and gunsmiths who sold 50 or more firearms each year.
The survey found that more than half of respondents, 55.4 percent, supported a comprehensive background check requirement.
About 99 percent of respondents supported the denial of handgun purchases to those with previous convictions for aggravated assault involving a lethal weapon or serious injury, armed robbery, or serious mental illness with a history of violence.
About 80 percent supported denying purchases based on a history of domestic violence, possession of equipment for illegal drug use.
A majority of respondents also indicated they would support denying handgun purchases for a variety of other factors, including: publicly displaying a firearm in a threatening manner; assault and battery; violent alcohol-related history; repeated cases driving under the influence; and serious mental illness.
The full study is available for purchase HERE.