Results revealed that race, gang membership, drug dependence, and institutional behavior were the most significant factors predicting the timing of reconviction among 17 and 24 year old males released from prison. Surprisingly, gun use was not associated with post-release recidivism. The findings underscore the importance of considering institutional behavior when making release decisions since institutional misconduct was a significant predictor of recidivism and may be an important marker of sustained gang membership. The findings also suggest that institutional programming and aftercare services are a priority for young male offenders who act out while in prison. Data were drawn from a larger study of firearm use in a Midwestern State. Participants were 322 inmates from 3 correctional institutions who were aged 17 to 24 years and who had been incarcerated less than 18 months as of the date of data collection, which occurred in June 1996. Inmates completed surveys regarding their gun use and acquisition, attitudes and perceptions of gun use and violence, nature and level of involvement with crime and victimization, and gang membership. Data on current offense, criminal history, individual and family demographic information, and drug dependence were drawn from presentence investigation reports. Data on reconvictions were drawn from the department of corrections repository. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate analyses. Tables, figures, footnotes, references, appendixes