In a state that has endured mass shootings at Columbine and at an Aurora theater, a majority of residents say they approve of the National Rifle Association, a new Denver Post poll finds.

When asked whether they support the views of the NRA, Coloradans said they support the gun advocacy group by 56 percentage points, compared to 30 percent who said they oppose the organization.

However, the poll also found that Coloradans are clearly open to specific proposals to strengthen gun laws and add new ones.

At a moment when the debate over gun control roars both at the state and national level, The Post asked Coloradans a wide array of gun questions this week following President Barack Obama's call to step up gun control

FILE -- Karen Woods, from Parker Colorado, talks with gun rights supporter Dennis Nathanstadt, from Aurora Colorado, while while she protests assault weapons on the corner of 58th Ave. and Logan St. near where the Tanner Gun Show was being held at the Denver Merchandise Mart, Mart Pavilion Saturday afternoon. (Andy Cross, The Denver Post)
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The poll follows the massacre at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., waged by a gunman wielding an assault-style rifle and high-capacity ammunition magazines.

In September, The Post asked likely voters, "What do you think is more important — to protect the right of Americans to own guns? Or, to control gun ownership?

At the time, 56 percent said it was more important to protect the right to own guns, while 39 percent said it was more important to control gun ownership.

But now, as the debate over gun control has intensified, the latest response to this poll question has narrowed to 50 percent who say it is more important to protect gun ownership to 45 percent who say it is important to control gun ownership.

The recent poll, conducted by Survey USA, interviewed 600 Colorado adults and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

Check back with The Post on Sunday for more detailed results from the poll, which takes a look at specific gun proposals being discussed by lawmakers at the state and local levels.

Kurtis Lee:

FILE -- Kyle C. Fenner is a gun advocate and carries a concealed weapon permit. Most of the time she carries her gun with her. She is photographed in front of her Dodge truck holding her lever action Henry Long Colt .45 and has on her hip a .38 Snub Nose revolver. The revolver is her concealed weapon. (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)
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