NRA keeping mum on gun deal

(Washington-AP) -- The most vocal gun lobby in the nation -- the National Rifle Association -- apparently has put a muzzle on its spokesmen.<br><br>The N-R-A is declining to comment on today's deal

Friday, March 17th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Washington-AP) -- The most vocal gun lobby in the nation -- the National Rifle Association -- apparently has put a muzzle on its spokesmen.

The N-R-A is declining to comment on today's deal between government officials and Smith and Wesson.

However, a firearms trade organization called the National Shooting Sports Foundation is blasting the deal. It calls Smith and Wesson's decision to install safety locks on handguns
"ill-conceived."

A spokesman for the U-S division of the Italian gunmaker, Beretta, says it is unaware of Smith and Wesson advising anyone in the gun industry about the deal.

Under the agreement, the company will not only include safety locks with all of its handguns, but will not produce new handguns
that accept magazines that hold more than ten rounds of ammunition.