The only new guns that can be purchased in Massachusetts at a dealer are S&W models. This continues the sweetheart deal. Many are boycotting S&W here.

http://www.boston.com/dailynews/122/nation/Federal_grant_promotes_smart_g:.shtml

Federal grant promotes 'smart gun' technology

By Associated Press, 5/2/2001 23:48

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) Smith & Wesson was awarded a $1.7 million federal grant Wednesday to develop so-called ''smart guns'' that can be fired only by authorized users.

Researchers are experimenting with various ways of making the handguns work through fingerprint identification or a code punched into a pad mounted on the weapon. A company spokesman said the grant will be used to research fingerprinting technology.

''This gun won't be for the traditional firearm users,'' spokesman Ken Jorgensen said. ''We're expecting younger gun owners to be interested in it people who have grown up with more technology and feel comfortable using it.''

The company has developed several prototype weapons, but hasn't set a date to put the firearms on the market, he said.

Smith & Wesson has spent $5 million on developing ''smart guns'' since 1993. Last year, the company received a $300,000 Justice Department grant.

''Smith & Wesson has done good work in trying to make guns safer,'' said Justice Department spokesman Doug Johnson. ''We want to allow them to continue working on their projects.''

The grant comes at a time of slumping sales at Smith & Wesson. In the last year, sales declined by half, and last fall the company laid off 125 workers.

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2001