The Gun Owners Association says President Jacob Zuma's comment there were too many guns in South Africa was wrong.

Zuma hinted at tighter gun control on Wednesday while speaking about violent crime.

He said guns were too easily available, adding people tended to behave like heroes when they had a gun in their hands.

"We must take very firm action on guns. We'll talk about it. I'll talk to my colleagues and leaders of other parties."

The association's Martin Hood said the problem was not private gun owners.

"Gun ownership in South Africa is very low. There are too many guns in the hands of criminals," he explained.