By John Crook
74p, A4, Soft cover, ISBN 1 876279 25 7, 1st Ed 2003, $28
For generations Australians have lived in confidence that this country would not take the tragic American hanggun path. About 350 Australians die each year from gun wounds – but in the US the figure is closer to 35,000 – the majority of whom die from wounds inflicted by pistols and revolvers (handguns). But the new century has shown that we have over-confident and that the potential for handguns to threaten public safety in this country is great indeed.

This book examins the rise and causes of the hand-gun problem in Australia, compares with America and then looks for answers to the problem. An actual overview of the handgun incidents in recent years in several Australian states is included. The extensive handgun problems experienced in Sydney over the last five years are examined. A special chapter looks at the strenghts and weaknesses of the new handgun laws which become operative in mid 2003.