On my monitor, I can make out the back of her hand, top of her hair, and just barely her lips. I do not see the gun at all in this version (checked out the re-do on flickr or I'd not know there was a gun there at all). Also be aware that guns are not a popular subject among some voters. Had I seen it, I would not have voted at all on the shot, for instance.
Hmmm maybe you have made the photo too dark, the gun (I suppose that it's a gun) can be barely seen and the title doesn't seem right, maybe "A point of no return" sounds better, anyway I very much like your idea for this contest