The survey was based on a review of State laws related to gun ownership, possession, sale, and transfer. Each State's gun control law was scored on 30 criteria that were grouped into the following categories: registration of firearms, safety training, regulation of firearm sales, safe storage and accessibility, owner licensing, and litigation. Forty two States scored less than 20 percent on the study criteria. The two highest ranking States, with strong gun control laws, were Massachusetts and Hawaii. Six States had moderate gun control laws (California, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Illinois, and New York). Only Massachusetts had both licensing and registration for all guns; 35 States did not have licensing or registration for any type of gun. With regard to background checks, 32 States required no background checks when a handgun was purchased from a private seller; 44 States required no background checks when a rifle or a shotgun was bought from a private seller; and 23 States required only the basic Federal background checks when a handgun was purchased from a dealer. Seven States had no legal minimum age for a child buying rifles or shotguns from a private seller, and six States had no legal minimum age for a child to possess handguns. In addition, 31 States had no waiting period for handgun purchases, 43 States required no license or registration for assault weapons, only 4 States had laws requiring guns to be kept locked or unloaded, and 13 States had laws protecting the gun industry from being sued by local governments. Recommendations to improve the consistent application of gun control laws are offered. Tables and figures