I agree it is a symptom, and you need to look at the wider socio-economic aspect; demographics, employment rate, media violence and so on. There is a plentiful supply of potential contributing factors, but the more you wade into the minutiae, the further you remove yourself from resolving the problem. There is prima facie evidence in the form of a tangible object (guns) that would be much simpler to tackle, than a restructuring of a social order, and would likely yield quicker results.
I would favor a incremental gun control policy, backed up by research and education. Within a generation you would be able to enforce a complete ban on all guns, and reduce deaths dramatically. It should form part of a wider policy to eradicate the more indirect causes. It would be healthier for all.
