RE: polls
Polling on generic terms like 'gun freedom' and 'gun control' are like 'pro life' and 'pro choice' in that they are interesting to see general attitudes, but are not indicative of support of specific policies.
For example, latest Quinni poll asked
"Do you support or oppose stricter gun control laws in the United States?"
Support: 50
Oppose: 47
but then they ask a specific policy question and get a very different answer...
"Do you support or oppose requiring background checks for all gun buyers?"
Support: 92
Oppose: 7
...and yet Congress defeated a measure to extend background checks to private sales and gun shows, with only 7% support for that position
Just look through the polling
http://www.pollingreport.com/guns.htmOver and over the public (and often even Republicans) support the actual gun policies that are routinely rejected by various legislatures.