When you purchase your firearm, it will come with a locking device, usually a cable lock, sometimes a trigger lock. Cable and trigger locks are helpful and can keep a a curious child from danger. Like any security device it can be defeated. It will NOT keep a determined person away that includes school age children.
Above a common cable lock provided by a major manufacturer that was defeated.
Cable locks do provide a level of security but please don’t use it as your only security. Consider investing in a locking device such as a gun safe, lock box or other storage device. The National Shooting Sports Foundation provides a lot of information on locking and security.Please see Project Child Safe for more information.
More than anything teaching your children about firearms and what to do if they come across one is the most important thing you can do. Teach your children if they see or find a firearm to
- Stop and Don’t Touch!
- Leave the area!
- Tell a trusted adult immediately!
Every child is different and you as a parent are the only one who knows how your child will handle such a situation. This applies to any situation where your child finds a firearm such as a neighbor’s or on the street etc.
In many states, if a minor child accesses your firearm, you can be held criminally and/or civilly responsible for it! States such as California you must have a DOJ approved storage device.
–Castle
