We surveyed practicing pediatricians in 6 midatlantic states +DC, with return rate of 44% after two mailings (10.2% urban affluent practice, 15.3% rural, 17.6% urban poor, 60.4% suburban). 28.3% of the total 1923 respondents had experience with firearm injury in their practice, 10.9% owned a handgun(20.9% loaded, 41.8% locked up, 43% ammunition stored separately), 12.5% a rifle or shotgun (4.1% loaded, 38.1% locked up, 50.5% with ammunition stored separately). 41.9% never discuss firearm safety with families. Of these: lack of time 48.7%; families would resent as intrusion 23.2%; sufficient emphasis elsewhere 25.6%; not appropriate for a pediatrician's office 10.4%; would“give the child ideas” 5.9%; and unacceptable to charge for this discussion 4.1%). Pediatricians also estimated a) the% of families they routinely ask about firearms: <1% (45.1%); 1-50% (23.5%); >50% (12.4%); could not estimate (19.0%), b) the% of their practice owning firearms: < 1%(7.1%); 1-50% (77.0%); >50% (15.8%), c) their intended use, d) how stored and e) the% of families who would answer untruthfully. Of those who discuss firearms with child present, 72.2% believe child needs to hear, 21.7% cannot easily separate child and parent and, 3.4% believe child needs to learn to handle guns. Pediatricians owning a firearm (p<.0001) or with experience with firearm injury (p<.0001) were more likely to believe families in their practice owned a firearm. Female pediatricians were more likely to discuss firearms with families even if ownership was denied (p<.0001). 16.4% of respondents have firearm literature in their waiting room; 74.0% would supply if available. 68.5% were interested in showing firearm videos, although only 51.5% currently have a VCR in their waiting room. The survey also revealed frustration of practicing pediatricians regarding their responsibilities for discussing firearms, considering the limited time allotted for patient care visits and the many other subjects recommended as anticipatory guidance. A number considered themselves unable to discuss firearms with families because of lack of training and experience.