[WS:] Agreed. I think I stated that earlier. My point is that easy access to gun increases the probability of lethal outcomes of violent acts, not that it causes these acts in the first place. I also said that even in the absence of social factors (such as propensity toward crime) increased availability is bound to increase the number of deaths due to purely chance events (like someone accidentally mishandling the weapon).
As to the final point, I really think you are barking at a wrong tree.
I never suggested a ban on weapon ownership - I suggested stricter regulation, meaning ease of access, special handling requirements, and restricted access to public places. I think that is a sensible position aiming to protect public safety at a reasonable cost that most reasonable persons would accept.
-- Wojtek
"An anarchist is a neoliberal without money."