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    NEW POLL: Americans Want Nationwide Concealed Carry Reciprocity

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    Americans are still rattled by rising crime in the nation’s cities and want law-abiding citizens to have the ability to defend themselves — including letting concealed-carry permit holders travel armed across state lines, a new national poll shows.

    The survey, conducted Oct. 7-9 by Quantus Insights and sponsored by Sugarcane Strategies, questioned 1,000 registered voters and found strong backing for national concealed-carry reciprocity along with deep frustration over violent crime and the criminal-justice system.

    Despite political trench warfare in Washington, voters appear united on self-defense. Quantus, ranked among the top pollsters in the 2024 cycle, reported that 77% say law-abiding citizens should be able to protect themselves with firearms rather than wait for police. Another 88% say criminals ignore existing gun laws, fueling skepticism about piling on more restrictions.

    The survey found a sharp split in how Americans view safety at home versus nationwide. Nearly 88% say they feel safe in their own communities. Suburban voters report the highest level of being “very safe” at 40.3%, followed by rural voters at 38.7% and urban voters at 31%. But 52% say America’s cities have become less safe in recent years, while only 19% say they’ve become safer.

    Women report lower levels of feeling “very safe” than men, at 35.2% compared with 39.6%. Rural voters feel most secure in their own neighborhoods but are also the most convinced the country as a whole is headed in the wrong direction on crime.

    Support for national concealed-carry reciprocity is overwhelming. Sixty-four percent back a federal law recognizing permits across state lines, similar to driver’s licenses. Support jumps to 67% when framed as “People should never be defenseless.” Rural support is highest at 74.7%, followed by urban voters at 62.8% and suburban voters at 59.4%. Men support national reciprocity at 66.7%, while women support it at 60%. Among women, the strongest message was “Our Second Amendment rights shouldn’t disappear when we cross state lines,” with more than 60% agreeing.

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    Voters largely point the finger at criminals, not legal gun owners, as the real threat. Sixty percent say the biggest danger comes from criminals with illegal guns, while only 4% say they’re more concerned about citizens who carry legally.

    The issue may still have electoral punch. Thirty-nine percent say they would be more likely to support a candidate who backs national reciprocity, compared with 21% who say it would make them less likely.

    The poll also shows majority support for deploying the National Guard to violent crime hotspots. Men back the move at 55.6%, women at 53.8%. Urban voters support it at 56.2%, suburban voters at 52.1% and rural voters at 59.7%. A 57% majority believes that legally armed civilians make communities safer. Seventeen percent say they make communities less safe, and 21% say it makes no difference.

    The results paint a picture of a public that feels secure day-to-day but believes national institutions are weakening and crime in major cities is getting worse. The findings suggest voters want practical steps to strengthen public safety — and don’t want responsible gun owners left defenseless.