In 1981, East St. Louis imposed stricter penalties for individuals who carry firearms outside their homes for protection (individuals could still keep firearms in their homes). In Evanston, a slightly different approach was taken with legislation that banned handguns in the entire city. Results indicate that firearm assault in East St. Louis declined significantly several months before the law took effect during the preintervention period of November 1979 to November 1981. A significant increase in firearm assaults occurred after the gun control law took effect from December 1981 through December 1983. Evanston firearm assaults declined significantly during the preintervention period and showed no change during the postintervention period. In East St. Louis, firearm robberies declined significantly several months before the new law went into effect and increased significantly after the new law was in effect; while firearm robberies in Evanston showed no significant changes in the pre- or postintervention periods. In both cases the impact of the laws was temporary, possibly because the penalties for violations were not severe enough to deter people from possessing or using handguns. 2 figures and 27 references.