This study investigated whether women use less lethal methods of suicide than men & determined whether place of suicide influences method of suicide. Data on suicides in Riverside County, 1998-2001, were derived from death certificates. Women were over 73% less likely to use firearms than men. There were no gender differentials in hanging but females were over 4 times more likely to die from drug poisoning than males. Victims killing themselves at home were over 2.5 times as likely to use firearms as those dying in outdoor settings. The proposition that women use less lethal methods of suicide than men was only partially supported by the data. Suicide prevention should concentrate not only on dissuading potential victims but also on limiting access to firearms & promoting responsible firearm storage practices. (52 refs.) JA