To the editor:

Missouri might look to Washington state for clues on how to make concealed-carry work. Washington's law is relatively liberal. No training is required. A licensee may carry his gun to just about any public venue except courtrooms, bars and schools. State firearms laws pre-empt local ordinances. Recent reports indicate that 250,000 Washington residents hold licenses.

Washington's gun homicide rate is considerably lower than Missouri's. Whether this is a result of concealed-carry or other factors is anyone's guess. It would, however, appear that concealed-carry in Washington has not resulted in an increase in gun homicides.

LEE MATTHEWS

Seattle