The Prime Minister's calls for state and territory governments to tighten restrictions on gun ownership has angered pro-firearm groups.
On the eve of the 10th anniversary of the Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania, John Howard says he is still concerned about the level of gun use in Australia.
But the president of a group called the Coalition of Law Abiding Sporting Shooters, Peter Whelan, says tougher laws would not have stopped 35 people from being shot dead that day.
He says he does not understand why the Prime Minister hates guns.
"I don't know why you would hate an inanimate object - they're simply metal and wood. But to vilify all those law abiding citizens who enjoy shooting, who like to compete in target shooting or go hunting or get rid of rabbits and foxes. I think to class them all in the same group as Martin Bryant I think it quite despicable."