PORTLAND — A poll says Mainers own more guns than most Americans but also are more supportive of restrictions on semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines.

The poll commissioned by The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram says 79 percent of Mainers support some restrictions on gun ownership. A third of respondents said their views were influenced by the shootings last month in Newtown, Conn.

The poll by Critical Insights says 55 percent of Maine adults have a gun on their property and that 73 percent of gun owners say they use them for hunting. The poll indicates gun ownership is far higher in northern counties than in southernmost Maine.

The poll, based on telephone interviews with 600 adults, has a margin of error of 4 percentage points for the statewide results.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.