Smith & Wesson Agrees to Changes
Re “Smith & Wesson to Settle Suits With Safety Changes,” March 18: The admirable steps taken by Smith & Wesson to help make guns safer give the lie to the NRA and others who say that enforcement of present gun laws and not new gun laws is all that is needed to reduce gun violence and accidents. None of the safety and distribution reforms being implemented by Smith & Wesson are laws, and all are needed industrywide to prevent the kinds of tragedies we have been witnessing with children. When all the other gun manufacturers adopt the same reforms, they can talk about not needing more laws.
LOIS SAFFIAN
Los Angeles
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I am gladdened to know that Smith & Wesson “will place an indicator on its pistols alerting users that a bullet is in the chamber.” Since approximately 23% of accidental shootings have resulted from “unloaded guns” I hope this “innovation” will reduce these deaths. Pity it wasn’t done sooner: This indicator has been a standard feature on the German DWM Model 1908 automatic pistol, commonly known as the Luger, introduced 92 years ago. Better late than never, I guess.
J.W. McKELLIGOTT
Granada Hills
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Now we have clear evidence that what President Clinton can’t get by way of proper governmental procedures he will get by unconstitutional arm-twisting. Threatening to put the full weight of the U.S. Treasury behind a government lawsuit against gun makers seems to be what broke Smith & Wesson’s resolve to fight this legalized extortion. Especially chilling is Los Angeles City Atty. James K. Hahn’s remark: “We said we were trying to fundamentally change the way these companies conduct business.” Clinton and the lawyers have succeeded in this case and woe now to any industry that falls out of favor with the government.
Whether you like guns or not is irrelevant--this is an assault on American free enterprise, and you should be very afraid.
BROOKS A. PANGBURN
Duarte
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Re “Clinton Shoots From Hip With Loaded Claims,” Commentary, March 19: It’s ridiculous to argue over whether 13 or 10 or six children die every day from guns. Whatever the number is, it’s tragic and a reason for getting rid of guns.
KATHRYN TARBELL
Fountain Valley