Guns and crimes are intricately linked, as the proliferation and misuse of firearms play a significant role in the perpetration of criminal activities. This study thus identified patterns and dynamics of gun-related crimes vis-à-vis gun control policies in West Africa. Reliant on data from general library materials, including books, journal articles, and newspaper publications; as well as key data hubs like Statista and World Population Review, and employing thematic data analysis, the study observed that guns play a central role in facilitating criminal activities and pose significant challenges for law enforcement agencies who must contend with the threat of armed suspects and the potential for violence during operations. The study concluded that policymakers and stakeholders can develop effective strategies to address the challenges posed by guns within West Africa by understanding the historical evolution of firearms in the region, legal frameworks on firearms regulation, and societal implications of gun proliferation.