A retrospective & descriptive study was undertaken to determine the characteristics of victims killed by firearms, whether they died by suicide, homicide or accident. Autopsy data was obtained for 587 firearm deaths during the period 1980-89. Suicide victims accounted for 76% of the deaths. The authors conclude that recent debate regarding firearm legislation has failed to recognise the predominance of interpersonal & psychological issues in the causation of firearm deaths. (27 refs.)