Guns are dramatically more effective than other methods for suicide, followed by jumping from a sufficient height. Those rare liberals who think at all believe fewer guns would lead to fewer successful suicides.
In the US, suicide by firearms is about 90% effective and accounts for 50% of successful suicides, and there are widespread efforts to restrict firearms access. In Hong Kong, where firearms are uncommon, suicide by jumping from a sufficient height is about 90% effective and accounts for 50% of successful suicides, and there are widespread efforts to restrict rooftop access by mandating alarms and locks. In Canada, when they banned and restricted many firearms, suicide shifted from firearms to jumping. Unsurprisingly, as that change took place, the total suicide rate in Canada barely changed (rising only slightly). The treatment for mental illness is not to remove a tool used by the mentally ill.
People do not succeed at suicidal gestures because they foolishly chose a firearm (or jumping). People who wish to succeed choose a firearm (or jumping from a tall building if firearms are not available) because their goal is to succeed.
All true.
It is also true that men use guns to commit suicide at a higher rate than women, and also have higher suicide “success” (if it can be called that) rates.
When men do it, they usually mean to succeed.