This editorial asks if greater availability of guns in the US increases or decreases the risk of violent death. A telephone survey by Kleck & Gertz suggests that firearms prevent more injuries than it causes. On the other hand, a case-control study by Cummings et al. suggests that firearms increase the risk of violent death or suicide. The difficulties in determining the answer to the above question are explained. However, it is worthwhile to continue research to find the answer. (14 refs.)