US gunmaker to escape legal action

Washington - The Clinton administration said yesterday it would no longer pursue legal action against Smith & Wesson, the…

Washington - The Clinton administration said yesterday it would no longer pursue legal action against Smith & Wesson, the country's biggest maker of handguns, after the company agreed to a series of safety measures.

The suits were being pursued by 30 cities, concerned about the rising cost of gun violence.

The deal marks a major victory for President Bill Clinton as he seeks to push the Republican-controlled Congress to pass tougher gun control laws.

The move comes after the company agreed to install child trigger locks and develop so-called smart-gun technology, which would prevent anyone but the owner of a particular gun from firing it.