Gun Control Policy of The Clinton Administration - Settlement With Smith & Wesson

Settlement With Smith & Wesson

In 2000 the Clinton administration reached an agreement with Smith & Wesson, to end federal and state lawsuits, in exchange for marketing and design changes by the company. Some of the items Smith & Wesson agreed to were; to sell guns with locks, to build the locks in the weapons within two years, implement smart gun technology, and take ballistic fingerprints of its guns. Clinton called the deal a "major victory for America's families." The NRA and other gun rights groups heavily criticized the settlement calling Smith & Wesson's actions "a sell-out", with the NRA calling the agreement ""tantamount to back door blackmail". Smith & Wesson's ownership changed in 2001 and the agreement fell apart after George W. Bush came to office and supported lawsuit protection for gun manufactures. However, Smith & Wesson continues to sell guns with internal locks.