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We often get asked about gun safety locks. As one of the most critical components of responsible gun ownership, it’s essential to know everything you can about them. Research shows that most cases in the emergency department involve high school students using guns. It is becoming the leading cause of suicide.
In this article, we’ll be answering some of the most frequently asked questions regarding gun safety locks, and we will also discuss firearm safety.
What is a Gun Safety Lock?
A gun safety lock is a device that attaches to your firearm and works as an added layer of security by preventing the trigger from being pulled. The lock usually comes in two forms – internal and external- based on how they are attached.
Internal Locks
An internal lock typically sits within your firearm, locking it internally by engaging with the trigger assembly or hammer mechanism, thereby making the trigger physically unable to move. Internal locks are great because they don’t require any external attachment and don’t affect the gun’s exterior’s aesthetics but offer substantially less protection against theft if compared to an external lock.
External Locks
On the other hand, while External locks need to be manually installed outside your firearm after removing magazines or bullets, these provide better firearm protection against theft than internal locks do.
External locks come in various designs, such as cable-style or chamber blocks cable style which pass through different parts of your firearm to avoid triggering without opening up its action, while chamber blocks plug into a weapon’s barrel serving as an obstacle inside which doesn’t allow backup ammo or magazine fittings.
Why Use Gun Safety Locks?
The primary reason why you should use a gun safety lock is simple; it will ensure unauthorized people like children have no access and prevent accidents with loaded guns left carelessly around firearms without adult attention or supervision.
It also prohibits thieves from misusing firearms stolen during intrusions by prompting them to waste time trying to unlock them, ultimately diminishing their violent plans as they look quickly for other unarmed targets. Plus, you must always have your bb guns unloaded if you are not on duty.
How do Gun Safety Locks Work?
Gun safety locks work by acting as an impenetrable barrier between the gun’s trigger and the user. Once activated, they prevent the trigger from being pulled in any way until you unlock them.
For internal locks, when engaged, your firearm’s firing ability gets paralyzed on top positions of the hammer so that it doesn’t contact vital parts and blocks other mechanisms too. When unlocked from your firearm, it will then allow you to use your weapon again after deactivating or removing them entirely if needed.
For external locks such as a cable-style lock – which typically wraps around the barrel of a firearm- once it limits access to the trigger, it only opens after a specific key matching your gun safety lock. Some external locks have combinations instead of keys.
To unlock them, you need to enter the right combination pattern in the designated reset buttons that indicate they are opened.
What are the Different Types of Gun Safety Locks?
There are several different types of gun safety locks available in the market. Here are some of them:
Cable-style Locks
It wraps around your firearm’s barrel and locks through a metal ring attached at one end while passing another end through your weapon’s action or magazine, preventing unauthorized firing.
Chamber Blocks
These blocks or plugs fit into your firearm’s action or chamber barrel that is usually slightly smaller than the diameter of bullets or new mags, making a barrier for loading backup ammo again without removing the first block.
Trigger Locks
A trigger lock stops the trigger from moving when its lock body is secured by any material such as alloy, steel, or titanium with keys.
Biometric Gun Safe
The biometric mechanism uses fingerprint scanning as an access control function providing high-end security more advanced than other methods.
How Do I Install Gun Safety Locks?
The approach depends on which type of gun safety lock you choose. Internal locks can be complicated and time-consuming to install since they require dismantling parts inwards- specifically, hammer-holding pins.
But most external ones involve just inserting them, typically by barrels/plugs/cables through action ports if there aren’t obstacles so your firearms stay safe and secure while not in use.
Furthermore, most manufacturers now provide instructions manuals and video tutorials showing how each model operates/reset if required.
Are Gun Safety Locks 100% Effective?
No firearm safety device provides 100% protection against accidental discharges or gun violence, although high-quality devices offer better security features and an additional layer of defense where each level reduces risks significantly, leading towards higher levels of gun ownership responsibility shown via storage safekeeping and overall domestic attitude.
Is it Legal to Use Gun Safety Locks?
Yes, gun safety locks are legal to use and do not interfere with the gun’s shooting performance. The National Rifle Association (NRA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) recommend gun owners obtain/use approved firearm safety devices that have undergone specific testing by various certification bodies such as Underwriters Laboratories(UL).
Can Any Gun Safety Lock Fit Any Weapon?
No, not all gun safety locks fit every weapon type- there exists a diverse range of sizes and shapes depending on the gun model and make to match. Therefore, you must check if your intended gun lock is compatible with your firearm before purchasing to prevent possible firearm injuries.
Are Gun Safety Locks Expensive?
The cost of gun safety locks varies depending on the type of device and its quality. Generally, they range from $10-$100 for external padlocks or trigger locks, while intricate internal locking systems may be installed nearly at the cost of another firearm.
Some gun manufacturers like S&W include external safety locks; meanwhile, others provide integrated mechanisms in their firearms’ designs that come with a pre-installed safety function – this can affect the prices charged.
Can I Still Access My Firearm When Using Gun Safety Locks?
Yes, you can still access your firearm when using a gun safety lock- adjustments differ between models- either by entering codes/combinations or unlocking the latch with an appropriate key to deactivate triggers entirely without compromising additional layers of protection against unwanted access if required
Do Gun Safety Locks Affect The Life Span Of The Gun?
No, approved and tried safety locking devices have no negative effect on the lifespan of firearms but instead prolong it by reducing damage brought by mishandling inside gun storage and gun safes, as well as providing security benefits.
Conclusion
Gun safety locks are essential tools for responsible gun ownership. They add extra protection to ensure that only authorized users handle weapons reducing rates of accidental discharges which bring harm to individuals.
These gun locks help in limiting such occurrences and help promote awareness concerning respect and proper handling of weaponry as objects that demand care/skill. There has been an increased rate of suicide using guns among high school students. To keep the kids safe, it is important for gun owners to keep their guns in safe storage in their own homes.
