    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [August 14, 1997]
    [Page 1105]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Child Safety Locks for Handguns
    August 14, 1997

        This week, Smith and Wesson, the world's largest manufacturer of
    handguns, announced that it is forging a partnership with the Master
    Lock Co. to provide a child safety lock with every handgun sold for
    commercial use. I applaud both of these companies for their efforts to
    promote gun safety.
        I particularly want to commend Smith and Wesson for taking an
    important and responsible step for children's safety. Child safety locks
    are the right thing to do. In 1994, 185 children were killed by
    accidental gunshot wounds. That is why my anti-gang and youth violence
    legislation would require that all federally licensed gun dealers
    provide such safety devices with every handgun sold. And that is why on
    March 3d I ordered all Federal agencies to provide child safety locks
    with the thousands of handguns they issue to Federal law enforcement
    officers.
        Child safety locks have garnered the wide support of law
    enforcement, the medical community, many local governments, and now a
    part of the firearms manufacturing industry. This fall the full Senate
    considers the anti-juvenile crime legislation. I hope they will include
    the child safety lock as part of the legislation.