Information about the links between access to firearms and death is critical. Information about effective strategies is critical. Some have even countered economic arguments with economic arguments. Dissemination of information about the extent of the problem is difficult because the data sources are fragmented and often inconsistent. In some states the information is suppressed.
Language sometimes creates barriers.
In Canada a network is being developed to address some of these gaps. More information must be collected and shared. Admittedly there are many methodological challenges in research on firearms and small arms. Unique to the firearms regulation issue is the demand for a level of rigor and certainty that is absent in less political debates. However, waiting for more convincing evidence may prevent rigorous gun control since, beyond a certain point, the task of reducing the number of guns in the hands of private citizens becomes hopeless.