The role of firearms in crime has become a critical issue in crime prevention in recent years (see Lester, 1983). As firearms come under increasing control through registration of weapons and licensing of owners, there is a corresponding increase in offenses under these firearms control statutes. Furthermore, firearms are used by those committing crimes, and a great deal of consideration is being focused on efforts to reduce the involvement of firearms in criminal acts through such measures as mandatory sentencing for felonies involving firearms and stricter gun control laws. (Publisher abstract)