This article discusses the epidemiology of suicide by firearm in the United States. Firearm-deaths accounted for 42% of all suicides in 1949 & 59% in 1997. The United States ranks second among industrialized countries for rates of suicide by firearm. 23,859 American youths under the age of 20 died by suicide by firearm between 1980 & 1997. Reasons cited for choosing this method of suicide are: accessibility & readiness for use; knowledge, experience, & familiarity; & the potential suicide’s state of mind. (SC)