Firearm Storage - Locking Devices

Locking Devices

Locking devices can be problematic-the Consumer Product Safety Commission recently found that many of the locks currently on the market could be defeated by children. If you have children living in or visiting your home, you should carefully research the safety features of your locking device.

Trigger Locks

Trigger locks are two-piece devices that fit around the trigger and trigger guard. One side has a post that fits into a hole in the other side. Once in place, they prevent access to the trigger. They are secured either by a key or a combination-activated locking mechanism.

Trigger locks must never be used on loaded firearms, because under certain circumstances they can cause the gun to fire. Unfortunately, they also do not prohibit loading the firearm, nor do they keep the firearm from being handled in an irresponsible manner.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently found that many of the locks currently on the market could be defeated by children. If you have children living in or visiting your home, you should carefully research the safety features of your locking device. While there is no national safety standard for gunlocks, the State of California recently adopted very stringent standards for locks that must be met in order for the lock to be sold in California. A list of locks that have been tested and approved is available at http://caag.state.ca.us/firearms/fsdcertlist.htm.