Gun Locks
Gun locks and cable locks are the most accessible firearm safety tools — providing a quick, portable means of securing a firearm to prevent unauthorized access when a gun safe is not available or practical. Trigger locks attach directly to the trigger guard; cable locks thread through the action and prevent the firearm from being loaded or cycled. Both types are widely used for compliance with storage requirements, travel, and temporary securing of firearms in the home.
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Trigger Locks
Trigger locks clamp around the trigger guard and prevent the trigger from being pulled. They are fast to apply and remove with a key or combination, making them practical for quick securing and release. Trigger locks do not prevent the firearm from being moved or transported — they only prevent firing. Master Lock, Gunmaster, and Uncle Mike’s produce the most widely used trigger lock designs. For handguns in a drawer or nightstand where quick access is also needed, a quick-release biometric lock box is a more practical option than a trigger lock.
Cable Locks
Cable locks thread through the action — through the ejection port of a semi-automatic, through the cylinder of a revolver, or through the action of a shotgun or rifle — preventing the action from closing and the firearm from being loaded. Many cable locks also anchor to a fixed object for additional security. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) distributes free cable locks through their Project ChildSafe program — check whether your local law enforcement participates before purchasing.
When a Lock Is Not Enough
Gun locks and cable locks deter casual unauthorized access but are not substitutes for a quality gun safe. A determined individual with time and tools can defeat most portable locks. For long-term storage, child protection, and theft prevention, a locked gun safe provides meaningfully better security. Gun locks are best used as supplemental security, for travel compliance, or in situations where a safe is not available.
Frequently Asked Questions: Gun Locks
Are gun locks required by law?
Requirements vary by state and municipality. California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and several other states have specific safe storage laws that may require locks or safes under certain conditions. Federal law requires licensed dealers to provide a locking device with every handgun sold. Check your state and local laws for specific requirements.
Do gun locks slow down access in an emergency?
Yes — any locking device adds time to accessing a firearm. For a defensive firearm that needs to be accessible quickly, a quick-access biometric safe or rapid-open lockbox is a better solution than a trigger or cable lock. Reserve cable and trigger locks for firearms in storage that don’t need immediate access.
See Also: Gun Safes • Cases & Bags • Handguns • Shooting Accessories