Small Step on Guns

The recent announcement by manufacturers of most handguns in the United States that they will provide childproof trigger locks on new firearms was welcome.

The gunmakers' predicament isn't unlike the tobacco industry's. Both have been pushed hard by the states and the Clinton administration to take greater responsibility for often lethal products. The issue for handgun manufacturers is accidental shootings, which killed 185 children in 1994.

Ultimately, the responsibility will lie with gun owners to actually use the locks. But even that's not enough. Above all, they need to keep guns away from children.

By agreeing to provide safety locks, the handgun industry has recognized it has a responsibility. Handgun owners do too.