The Preventive Effect of Strict Gun Control Laws On Suicide and Homicide

ABSTRACT: States with stricter handgun control laws in 1968 were shown to have lower suicide rates by firearms both in 1960 and in 1970. These states also had higher rates of suicide by “other means.” In contrast, no such effect of strict handgun control laws was found for mortality from homicide by firearms. More detailed analyses indicated that restrictions on selling and buying handguns were more important than restrictions on carrying handguns.