“Absolutely – I agree 1,000 percent,” Mr. Manchin said on MetroNews’ “Talkline.” “People are saying, ‘Joe, we read your legislation, it makes all the sense in the world and we’re for that legislation – we’re just afraid government won’t stop there.’”

Indeed, one of the top concerns among gun rights activists is that Mr. Manchin’s measure to increase background checks to sales online and at gun shows could pave the way for a federal firearms registry, though the legislation expressly prohibits one, with a penalty of up to 15 years in prison.

“The difference is this,” Mr. Manchin continued. “Let’s say the EPA, which we’re fighting every minute of every day, because we believe that they’re overreaching, they’re creating rules and regulations. They’re interpreting and they’re doing things on their own because they are a federal agency. The Second Amendment is [in] the Constitution – it can only be changed by the legislative branch of government.”