Aimpoint Pro

When guns started to become commodities for protection, safety procedures were created to ensure that these will not be accessible to the children and reduce child shooting incidents. In order to address this, the safety division of gun manufacturing companies constantly creates devices ranging from simple gun locks to complex gun safes.

Due to a widespread campaign for gun safety that promotes safe handling and stringent storage practices, all firearm owners are required to use locks. In some states, the law enforcement agencies distribute free gun locks to all gun owners to further this campaign. There are a number of standards and protocols in manufacturing them which depends on the type of need and the make of the firearm. Some are ideal for transporting guns and some serves as complex locks that can’t be easily opened.

Common Types of Gun Locks

The major function of locks is to that prevent any firearm from discharging bullets. Though considered not totally effective unlike gun safes, these simple devices can help reduce the risk of careless gun use. Check out this list of three common types of locks.

• Trigger Lock – this hinders the trigger from moving. Trigger locks are built into the body of a gun. Basically, this has two parts attachable at both sides of the gun and can be released with the use of key or a numbered combination. Some locks do not go right down the barrel but covers than whole area of the trigger guard.

• Cable locks – several kinds of cable gun locks exist in the market today. These are commonly used in pistols.  The cable passes through the barrel and encircles around the gun and goes back to the other side and locks it disabling the gun and making it completely inoperable. Simply unlock it using a key and slide it off the barrel. Some designs prevent loading of the magazine.

• Biometric Locks – the biometric gun locks are high technology locks that went along with aimpoint pro and surveillance telescopes commonly used during surveillance operations. These locks have fingerprint recognition technology that allows the gun trigger to be moved. This is designed to be used by an authorized gun user only. Just pick and hold the gun as you would normally do, the sensor will read your fingerprint and it’s ready. When you let go of it, the gun locks again.

As a gun owner, you are responsible in securing your firearms and teaching your children about its hazards. Always do not assume that kids are not capable of pulling the trigger. Sometimes, out of curiosity, a toddler may push the trigger with his thumb and in worst case the barrel might be pointing directly at his face. Practice gun safety at all times even if you don’t have kids at home; a niece or nephew, grandchild or your friend’s kids may come to visit.

Store all guns unloaded and lock them up if you don’t have a safe. Magazines and other ammunition must be stored separately from the gun and should not be visible and accessible to the children. Never leave them lying around the house.

Kids are curious on things which they do not know are forbidden. When your child starts to ask and begins to act out a gun play, address this immediately by answering them honestly and openly in a manner that they can easily understand. Educate them that real guns even though they may look like toys, can hurt and kill people. Lastly, never show them that you are carrying or using a gun. Actions speak louder than words and children learn by merely observing the people around them.