Gun Locks and Gun Safety
Gun safety is the most important aspect of owning a firearm.
We all know what can happen when a gun is left unattended and isn’t properly secured within a home.
This means taking extra steps when storing a firearm, and an easy way of adding some extra security is a gun lock.
The Purpose of Gun Locks
Gun locks will keep anyone from firing or using a gun unless they have the right combination, key, or biometric indicator.
When you need to keep unauthorized people from using a firearm, a simple gun lock is the best way to do it!
If you have young children at home as I do, gun locks provide peace of mind that is invaluable.
Gun locks have been around for a long time, and have gone through many iterations.
As guns change, so must the locks that are used to secure them.
And as technology advances, gun locks can change and adapt the way they function and perform.
Types of Gun Locks
Gun locks come in different shapes and sizes. There are some that lock out the entire gun, and others that resemble a bike lock that goes through the action of the firearm to prevent it from functioning.
Cable Locks
Some of the most common gun locks are known as cable locks. These use a cable to thread through the action of a gun that provides a hard block to prevent the gun from functioning. What I love about cable locks is how inexpensive yet effective they are at safeguarding a firearm.
Trigger Locks
The most common and easiest to use type of gun lock is a trigger lock. These are my favorite, and they go where the trigger is and prevents it from being used. These can be unlocked with keys, combinations, or even fingerprints to quickly and easily give you access to the trigger and use the firearm.
The Best Gun Locks Reviewed
Regardless of the type of gun lock you get, it is important to pick the best gun lock for your needs. Here are a couple of great gun locks I’ve used that you can buy today!
#1 Master Lock 94DSPT Combination Trigger Lock Review
Buying options for the Master Lock 94DSPT Combination Trigger Lock:
Master locks don’t just make locks for doors and gates, but guns too.
Their 94DSPT model is a 3-digit combination lock that is easy to use and very secure.
I personally love combination locks as I don’t have to worry about losing a key to them.
For less than $20, you get a great trigger lock that can fit any type of gun or model that you have.
And with its rubber cushion pads, you don’t have to worry about it scratching or damaging the surface of the gun while it is attached to it.
This is my go-to gun lock for almost all of my guns, and it has not to let me down.
#2 RioRand Keyed Alike Trigger Gun Lock Review
Where to buy the RioRand Keyed Alike Trigger Gun Lock:
Now if you need to use a keyed trigger lock, a great option is the Keyed Alike gun lock from RioRand.
Thanks to its ratcheting mechanism, it can easily attach to most shotguns, pistols, and rifles with no issues.
It also offers a high level of protection when compared to other trigger locks.
Thankfully, it also comes with a backup key in case you are a forgetful person like myself.
At the end of the day, this trigger lock is excellent considering its inexpensive price point and that I can lock up a gun safely without spending too much money.
#3 RioRand 3-Digit Combination Gun Cable Lock Review
Buying options for the RioRand 3-Digit Combination Gun Cable Lock:
Another great lock made by RioRand, this particular lock is a cable-style lock that is unlocked via a 3-digit combination that you can set.
Again, I am a huge fan of combination locks that allow me to forget about keys, and cable locks are great for long-term storage when you don’t necessarily need quick and easy access to a certain firearm.
I love that the cable is very heavy-duty and will not break on you, while the overall construction screams quality.
No matter what kind of gun you want to lock up, this could serve you well as it has for me.
While I don’t use cable locks very often, this is the best cable lock for guns. I reach for it every time I need a gun cable lock!
#4 Bison L2 Biometric Fingerprint Trigger Lock from Bisonlock Review
If quick and easy access is the most important for you, then you should probably look into biometric trigger locks.
These use your fingerprints to unlock, making them extremely fast to unlock and get off the gun.
The Bison from Bisonlock is a great option and will fit most shotguns, rifles, and pistols. Being able to unlock in under one second with a touch of your finger, my favorite aspect is just how easy it is to operate.
While biometric locks like the Bison are more expensive than keyed or combination locks, they do the job extremely well and provide a safe way to lock your guns up while still providing quick access and I have had zero issues myself with this trigger lock.
#5 Identilock Biometric Trigger Lock Review
Another biometric gun lock, the Identilock is one of the best (and most expensive) gun locks out on the market.
It is different from most, however, due to its clamshell design that closes over the entire trigger area of a gun instead of simply locking out the trigger.
I have been using this gun lock for a few months and can tell that it would make it extremely hard to pry open from would-be thieves.
It is constructed of high-strength polycarbonate and the fingerprint scanner can be accessed while holding the gun.
Quick and easy is the name of the game with biometric locks, and this is one of the best.
While I don’t like how expensive it is, I am very impressed with the overall quality and design of this lock.
Gun Lock FAQ
Do you have to lock up your gun with a gun lock?
Some states and areas require that you use a gun lock for every gun, while other places may simply require that you store your firearms in a secure box or safe. Laws and regulations will vary from state to state.
Can you still use a gun even though it has a gun lock on it?
No, gun locks (when placed properly) will prevent you from using the firearm until it is removed.
Are trigger locks or cable locks more secure?
Both trigger and cable locks work great to lock up a gun. They each have their own pros and cons, but both will secure a gun and keep it from firing unless removed.