WASHINGTON — Most Americans support strict background checks for firearms buyers but don’t think it will make much difference in reducing gun violence, a new poll found.

A majority 51 percent of Americans said thorough background checks will not prevent gun crime, a Rasmussen Reports poll released yesterday showed.

Still, an overwhelming 75 percent of likely voters think strict background checks for gun buyers is a good idea. Only 16 percent disagree, showed the survey.

Support for expanding background checks has dropped from a high of 86 percent in early January, shortly after the nation was shocked by the school massacre in Newtown, Conn.