Gun Locks & Security Devices

Guns Magazine, Feb, 2001 by Roy Huntington

There are some manufacturers who offer phony "picture frames" that open to hide a handgun, or some other common household object that in reality holds a handgun. This "hidden-in-plain-sight" approach is a good idea, but you're playing the odds if it also doesn't offer some kind of locking protection. Don't go halfway!

Soft Cases

Many manufacturers offer the ability to snap a small padlock onto their soft gun cases, locking the zipper closed. This might be okay for transporting your guns to the range to meet state transportation laws, hut put it out of your mind if you think it offers security at home. Either the cheap padlock will fail (I've had them fall apart in my hand) or simply a determined 9-year-old will figure out a way to get that zipper open. They are a great way to store your guns, but don't be lulled into thinking a soft case is secure.

We've only touched upon some of the designs available on today's market. Like most things in life, though, it's not always the equipment that makes the difference, but the mind behind it. A decent security device, coupled with some intensive parent/child interaction, can keep your home safe from firearm accidents and help to keep shooting the safe, exciting sport it is.

As gun owners, it is incumbent upon us to do what we can to keep our kids safe and to prevent accidents. Simply spending as little as five or six dollars can often make the difference.