looking for some information

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wink212

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Could someone help me with some research? I'm looking for some information on the reliability of trigger locks. Don't worry I'm not a gun control advocate :) I would just like to know if it's really safe to have a gun equipped with a trigger lock around children. Any information or opinions you could give me would be appreciated.
 
I don't see anything that could go wrong. Guns don't go off without pulling the trigger and the lock definatly prevents that. HOWEVER, a locked gun is next to useless for self defense so why keep it loaded and locked in the first place? I think the best way to keep kids safe around firearms is to educate them about guns. (of course this doesn't work with the very young)i
 
Here is an opinion...

I have seen them not put on correctly/work loose (not really sure which) and you could still work the trigger. I don't like them or use them. I like the cable style locks that you run through the gun to make sure the bolt can't close on the chamber.
 
Two things:

They have been known to jam, and in an emergency you might not be able to get it off. I know of a case where a federal law enforcement agent had to go to a gunshop to have one removed. Most teens (and gunshops) can pry the lock off with a screwdriver.

Many one-size-fits-all locks come with instructions saying they shouldn't be used on a loaded gun. The lock can press on the trigger and fire the gun if it is loaded and cocked.

A better alternative where children are concerned is to keep the gun in a locked case, box or safe. Or you can snap a small padlock behind the trigger of a double-action revolver, or some pistols, and the trigger can't be pulled back far enough so the handgun can be fired.
 
This has been discussed before.

Check out the search function on this site. Search can be your friend.

That said, lots of trigger locks are cheap, ineffective and as has been noted before some of the companies that make them tell you NOT to use them on a loaded gun. You can also check out a thread about an airline pilot, a loaded gun and a trigger lock.

One time when this came up a YouTube video link was posted showing a young lad picking a cable trigger lock with a couple of paper clips. I'm not sure this is it but it demonstrates a point.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6PeeDty9Ks&feature=related
 
What type of weapon--semi-auto or revolver? The typical revolver trigger lock is put on BEHIND the trigger, which means the trigger is being pushed FORWARD. Revolvers don't go off with the trigger going in that direction! I've used one on my loaded revolver some 15 years now. The lock can be tough to put on with some aftermarket grips, but applied properly locks both the hammer and the trigger.

Pry it off? I guess you could with a bit of work. What do you want to do? Put it in a safe? You can pry some of those open too. The idea, for me, is that I can have fairly quick access to a loaded gun without having to worry about one of my kids ignorant friends getting ahold of it and shooting themselves.
 
One of those single-gun safes with the biometric (fingerprint) opening mechanisms would be better.

Having said that, gun-proofing your children is a better idea than trying to child-proof your guns.
 
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