Trigger lock

Trigger lock on a revolver

Close-up of the trigger lock, showing the warning

A trigger lock is a device designed to prevent a firearm from being discharged while the device is in place. Generally, two pieces come together from either side behind the trigger and are locked in place, which can be unlocked with a key or combination. This physically prevents the trigger from being pulled to discharge the weapon. Other types of trigger locks do not go behind the trigger, but encompass the full area behind the trigger guard making the trigger inaccessible.

There is controversy surrounding manufacturing standards, usage, and legislation of trigger locks. Critics of trigger locks point to demonstrations that some models can be removed by children with very little force and common household tools. They also point out that a trigger lock will increase the time it takes a gun owner to respond to a self-defense emergency. There are no universal standards for the design or testing of trigger locks. Some jurisdictions, such as the state of California, maintain a short list of approved trigger lock devices.

In Canada, a trigger lock is one of the methods prescribed by law to secure a firearm during transport or storage.

Debate re effectiveness

Criticisms

Numerous people have pointed out deficiencies in the idea that trigger locks somehow "make guns safe." Points of argument include, but are not limited to, some of the following:

• In 1996, even though there were around 80 million people owning guns, there were only 44 accidental gun deaths for children under age 10, or about 0.0001%.
• Children as young as seven (7) years old have demonstrated that they can pick or break trigger locks, or operate a gun with a trigger lock in place. Over half of non-criminal firearm deaths for children over age seven are suicides so, as gruesome a statement as this may be, trigger locks are unlikely to reduce these deaths.
• California has a trigger lock law and saw a 12% increase in fatal firearm accidents in 1994. Texas doesn't have one and experienced a 28% decrease. "Trigger-locks" do, however, render guns inaccessible for self-defense.

Others have pointed out the apparent reluctance of even the manufacturers of these devices to state that they make firearms safe or secure. The following is from the Exerpt from Master Padlock Instructions for a MasterLock trigger lock (used without permission, emphasis is as in original):

Not exactly a safety measure...

DO NOT USE THIS LOCK ON A LOADED GUN!

Attempts to use on a loaded gun may result in an
accidental discharge. A loaded gun must always be
regarded as dangerous. If the lock becomes damaged in
any way do not attempt to use on your firearm - refer to
guarantee information for replacement.

Before attempting to use, carefully read all of the following
instructions along with the firearms safety tips.

IMPORTANT: We do not guarantee that this product will
lock all firearms. It will block access to many guns when
properly attached. Some lever action rifles, firearms
without trigger guard surrounding the triggers, guns with
extra light or extra wide triggers or guns with trigger
shoes or extensions may not be able to be effectively
locked with this gun lock. NO GUN LOCK CAN OFFER
COMPLETE PROTECTION AGAINST THE
ACCIDENTAL OR INTENTIONAL MISUSE OF
FIREARMS. Keep guns unloaded and out of children's
reach. Master Lock Company is not responsible for
incidental or consequential damages.

Not exactly a ringing endorsement of their product, is it?

Alternatives

So what are the alternatives? Some suggestions include:

• For theft prevention: safes and security cabinets are available at many prices for those with multiple guns.
• For child safety: discuss guns with your children, just as you discuss other dangers, such as bicycling in the street and what to do when a gun is present. Tell your kids that if they see a gun, they should "stop -- don't touch -- leave the area -- and tell an adult."
• Also: Simplex-lock and electronic lockboxes provide both keyless childproof security and quick access to loaded guns(plus they can be bolted down for theft prevention).

Why the push?

With all the debate over whether or not a trigger lock makes things better or worse, the obvious question becomes, "why is there such a big push, politically, behind the use of these devices?"

To be sure, trigger locks do offer a minimal amount of security. They may (or may not) prevent a child from easily using a firearm but they are not entirely safe and secure. Most don't prevent loading the firearm and may actually allow the trigger to be pulled. The second biggest objection most gun owners have is the false sense of security that these devices can give. A novice gun owner might feel that a trigger locked pistol will be safe with the lock installed, even if a loaded magazine is in the weapon (a foolish notion, to be sure, but not unheard of) or that a revolver is "safe" with the lock. And removing a lock from a firearm that's loaded may put the operator in danger as well.

The gun control advocates who claim trigger locks are "common-sense devices that will keep our children safe" are doing nothing more than relying on their untrained intuition as a substitute for actual knowledge. One is reminded that "common sense" once dictated that the earth was flat.

As an example of the "fuzzy feel-good thinking" of these advocates, one proposal included trigger locks on guns being shipped to the manufacturer for repair. But doing so would require that the key be shipped along with the gun and lock, negating any benefit. Likewise the idea that guns stored in thousand dollar fire-resistant, blast-proof safes aren't "secure enough" unless outfitted with a $10 trigger lock.

External links

• http://depts.washington.edu/lokitup/locks.html