This article discusses the effect of firearm availability on public health, measured by homicide, suicide, & accident rates. As a means of prevention, the authors investigate the restriction of firearm availability at 4 possible points of legal intervention during the ‘lifespan’ of a firearm: 1) its manufacture or importation, 2) the time of sale or transfer, 3) the period of possession, & 4) the time of use of the gun. (19 refs)