Supporters of a proposed concealed-carry handgun law in Michigan have had a tough time convincing that state's lawmakers that the bill is a good idea when nearly every Michigan police association opposes it. Now the bill's promoters have a new problem: An independent survey reveals that the voters don't want it either. The poll, conducted by Educational Political Industrial Consumer Market Research Analysis, or EPIC-MRA, concluded that Michiganders strongly oppose the... (GunPolicy.org)

ATLANTA — The United States has by far the highest rate of gun deaths — murders, suicides and accidents — among the world's 36 richest nations, a government study found. The U.S. rate for gun deaths in 1994 was 14.24 per 100,000 people. Japan had the lowest rate, at .05 per 100,000. The study, done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is the first comprehensive international look at gun-related deaths. It was published Thursday in the International... (GunPolicy.org)

CHRISTCHURCH — Police say they need public assistance to establish who owned the gun used to shoot an Ashburton constable last Sunday. Detective Inspector John Doyle said the manufacturer's markings had been ground off the Chinese-made, type 56, semi-automatic carbine used in the shooting. It was fitted with a 10-round magazine. The gun is a military pattern that was widely manufactured in China. Although police earlier referred to the rifle as a Norinco, the... (GunPolicy.org)

WELLINGTON — Alliance leader Jim Anderton said today he would introduce a member's bill to Parliament introducing tighter gun controls in a bid to force the Government's hand on the issue. Mr Anderton said he would introduce legislation implementing last year's Thorp report, after the Government failed to act on the report's recommendations. 'The coalition Government promised the New Zealand people action on gun control after the review of firearms was completed.... (GunPolicy.org)

MANILA — Philippine National Police Chief Director General Santiago Alino said here on Thursday that the police had confiscated 847 firearms nationwide since the imposition of the gun ban. Alino said he expect more weapons to be confiscated since he had directed a stepped-up campaign against violators of the election gun ban. He warned violators that once caught, they will be charged with illegal possession of firearms and violation of the Commission on Elections... (GunPolicy.org)