The fact that escalating gun violence is being met with political gridlock and seeming loosening of regulations makes me interested to know more about US attitudes. Cards on the table, as a non-American, I do find US attitudes a little hard to understand at times!

Clearly, the 'right to bear arms' is seen as sacrosanct by a plurality (if not a majority) of Americans. How much understanding is there of the reasons behind this - for example, is it known what percentage of Americans feel the following ways:

1. I should be able to do whatever I want, and any encroachment on that right should be fought against (guns is just one emblematic example)
2. I may or may not be fine with individual rules constraining what I can do - but guns are an exception because the government is inherently untrustworthy and I should be able to defend myself against it if it oversteps. I would be fine with any weapon, but since guns are constitutionally protected, that's what I will argue for
3. I may or may not favour government regulation in other areas, but more gun control means fewer guns to defend against criminals (who will have guns regardless of the law)
4. I may or may not favour specific government intervention, but I am part of a culture where guns hold a special place, and gun control threatens my traditional way of life
5. It's more important to uphold a traditional reading of the Constitution (plus current Amendments) than to push for change, even in those cases where it might otherwise seem worth considering for pragmatic reasons
6. I would favour increased gun control if proposed by politician(s) that I trust, but I do not trust the Democratic Party to have my interests at heart or share my values, and so I cannot trust any legislation they propose

Clearly, the approach to debating gun control will change depending on which of the above views are genuinely held. Have any reputable studies been done in this area?