Nationally, the number of unintentional injuries and deaths and suicides exceeds the number of intentional killings involving firearms. In New York State, of the 2,422 deaths caused by firearms, 1,820 were homicides, 572 suicides, and 30 accidental shooting deaths. In the country as a whole, the proportion of all homicides that involved firearms increased dramatically beginning in the mid-1980's. The danger of firearms is compounded by the involvement of juveniles in firearm-related crime. This paper discusses characteristics of offenses committed with firearms, the firepower of weapons being used by violent criminals, and the need for law enforcement to control the illegal gun market. New York State initiatives to reduce gun-related crime involve intervening in illegal gun sales, restricting possession of assault weapons, improving handgun registration information, restricting gun possession by high-risk groups, and deterring negligent firearm storage. The paper also outlines actions to be taken at the Federal level to ensure uniform national regulation of firearms. 6 references and 6 figures