<B>AM-Clinton-Gun Locks,160<P> <B>Clinton applauds gunmaker for safety locks<P> WASHINGTON (AP) - President Clinton belatedly applauded Smith & Wesson Thursday for the handgun manufacturer's decision to begin outfitting all its pistols with safety trigger locks. In a written statement, the president called the move "an important and responsible step for children's safety" and said he hoped it would encourage the Congress to require safety locks on all guns sold. "Child safety locks are the right thing to do," Clinton said. Smith & Wesson, the country's largest gunmaker, announced Monday that all of their handguns would be equipped with a two-piece, keyed lock starting next month. Clinton has pushed legislation requiring such locks with all gun purchases, but House and Senate committees rejected the provision when they put together their anti-crime legislation earlier this year. The Senate bill must still be voted on by the full chamber when it returns from the August recess. APTV-08-14-97 1544EDT