Sandstorms, which should increase with the warming weather, could distort laser beams, degrade thermal sights, jam electronics and prevent guns from firing.

"He's done a great job on preventing guns from getting into the wrong hands in Richmond," the senator said.

The Lawgiver, because of its security features, has been used as an example of the ultimate smart gun that could prevent accidental shootings and guns ending up in the wrong hands.

Plenty of safety devices exist, but few prevent guns from being fired by all but authorized individuals.

During the trial, the association's lawyers argued that the gun industry knows of many ways in which dealers could be monitored to prevent guns from reaching criminals, but has failed to take action.

The conference is not about taking guns away from Americans, but about preventing guns from reaching the world's dictators and warlords.

An industry spokesman suggested that negotiators aim for a reduction in accidental deaths and injuries and a way to prevent guns from reaching criminals.

The real question is how to prevent guns from getting here in the first place.

A year ago, the Assembly speaker, Jack Collins, asked the school to research commercial technology that would prevent guns from working for anyone other than designated users.

If the Obama administration is serious about preventing guns from being trafficked to Mexico, they simply need to secure the Southwest border, not restrict the rights of law-abiding citizens.