Gun Locks & Security Devices

Guns Magazine, Feb, 2001 by Roy Huntington

Perhaps one of the most innovative to come along, and the one which is causing a real stir in the industry, is the Saf-T-Hammer. It's simply a very small cylinder that a gunsmith installs through the bottom of virtually any trigger guard, just behind the trigger. By using a supplied "key," the user simply turns the lock until a pin protrudes into the trigger guard. This makes it "impossible" to pull the trigger, which makes firing the gun a rather difficult proposition.

The only pitfall with this system could occur if a hammer/sear relationship is compromised by breakage. This would allow the hammer to then be pulled back and released on its own, as on a single-action revolver. Still, the addition of a Saf-T-Hammer in combination with an unloaded firearm is a great idea.

Integral Gun Locks

There has been a trend toward manufacturers actually building some type of locking device into the construction of their gun. In the '70s, there was a.45 ACP carbine called the "Commando" that had a three-digit combination lock on the port side behind the trigger. This device locked the trigger and, at the time, was so new that buyers shunned the idea, thinking it would "malfunction." Now we realize it was perhaps simply too advanced for the time.

Today, Taurus, Sako, Steyr and others are designing locking devices into their guns right on the drawing board. Taurus' simple key lock to the back of the hammer and Sako's keyed rifle action are two very elegant solutions to this problem. A locked action combined with another locking device or safe makes it virtually impossible for an accident to occur. It's safe to say this trend will continue.

Action Covers

Somewhere between a trigger lock, bore lock or padlock and a lock box or safe, there lies a gray area that has been filled nicely by one or two companies. Specifically, Firearmour and the Life Jacket by Mogul are two designs that bear looking into.

Rather than locking just the bore or the trigger, these devices lock the entire gun and keep prying fingers away from the levers, buttons and action parts. These "sheaths," if you will, cover the majority of the gun body and are usually key-locked. I have personal experience with the Life Jacket and, for the price (around $20), it offers a great deal of value and peace of mind. One size can handle almost any handgun, except for certain large-frame revolvers and autos.

My Life Jacket safely held a Seecamp .32 or a full-sized Colt 1911 or Smith and Wesson Model 66 safely and securely. The device can be screwed onto a stud in the house to keep a handgun easily at hand. If you're going to keep a loaded handgun readily accessible, this type of device might just be the best idea. You could even use it in combination with a built-in lock (like a Taurus revolver, for instance) and be doubly safe.

Hidden In Plain Sight

If you grew up in a "gun" household, chances are pretty good you got up on a chair to find your Dad's .38 on the top shelf of the closet. For that very reason, the top shelf, under the socks or under the mattress are all simply not options when it comes to keeping your guns safe from kids. They will find it eventually, so don't even go there.