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As gun owners, we know it is our responsibility to keep our guns safe and secure. There are many different ways to do this, and they can be as elaborate as building an actual vault in your home to as simple as attaching a trigger lock. I’m not here to tell you the best way to secure your guns and deter unauthorized persons from getting access to them; that decision is up to you. I am here to tell you that one of the simplest ways to secure your gun is with a trigger lock. There are a wide variety of options and models to choose from based on your firearm and needs. Either way, the best trigger locks will keep your guns safe and secure.
Best Biometric: Bison L2 Fingerprint Trigger Lock
Best Combination: Master Lock Combination Gun Trigger Lock
Best Keyed: Master Lock Keyed Trigger Lock
Best Biometric: Bison L2 Fingerprint Trigger Lock
Specs
Locking mechanism: Fingerprint
Security features: Pick and drill resistant tumble key lock
Other features: 0.3 second release time, backup key included
Pros
California DOJ approved firearm safety device
Fits a variety of pistols, rifles, revolvers, and shotguns with trigger dimensions of 2.67Lx1.37Hx0.70W
If for some reason, the fingerprint tech fails, there’s a secure tumble key lock for backup
Cons
Expensive: List price is $125; street price is $99
The Bison L2 Fingerprint Trigger Lock was designed with two core goals—safety and accessibility. The aluminum casing houses a top-of-the-line capacitive sensor that reads your fingerprint profile at any orientation with 99.9 percent accuracy. With a touch of your finger, the lock pushes apart, releasing the trigger in just 0.3 seconds. This new, redesigned model also comes with a pick and drill resistant “butterfly” tumble key lock, increased tensile strength, and improved programming—adding extra security to your firearm.
Best Combination: Master Lock Combination Gun Lock
Specs
Locking mechanism: Combination
Security features: Positive locking adjustable ratchet mechanism
Other features: Keyless entry
Pros
Can be bought in multiples to save money
Durable steel and zinc construction
Rubber pads protect your gun’s finish
Cons
Only 3-digit combination
Master Lock is trusted all over the world for making quality locks. The 94DSPT Lock lets you set your own 3-digit numeric combination for keyless convenience. This lock’s four-pin tumbler is designed to resist lock picking. It is made of steel and zinc with a positive locking adjustable ratchet mechanism for even greater security. The rubber pads will help protect your gun’s finish by preventing any scraping or unwanted bumps. These locks can be bought in bulk to save money, and they’re backed by Master Lock’s lifetime limited warranty.
Best Keyed: Master Lock Keyed Trigger Lock
Specs
Locking mechanism: Key
Security features: Durable steel and zinc construction
Other features: Three locks, rubber protective pads
Pros
Can be bought in multiples to save some money
Durable steel and zinc body
Rubber pads protect your gun’s finish
Cons
Key locks are most prone to lock picking
Master Lock’s 90TRISPT Keyed Trigger Lock is ideal if you’ve got multiple guns that you need to secure. They can be bought in sets with your choice of using the same or different keys. Made of steel and zinc with a design that can fit handguns, rifles, and shotguns, this lock’s four-pin tumbler is made to resist lock picking. Rubber pads will protect your gun’s finish and they’re backed by Master Lock’s lifetime limited warranty.
How We Picked The Best Trigger Locks
Before owning a gun safe, I used trigger and cable locks. Admittedly, I went this route because they either came free with the purchase of a new gun, or I got them for free through NSSF’s Project ChildSafe. As a result, I’ve seen, and used, a wide variety of different locks over the years, and they’re not all created equal. Similar, yes. Equal, no. Were I in a position where I needed to buy a trigger lock, I would use the following criteria that were also used to put together this list:
Construction: Is this lock built from durable materials like steel, zinc, etc? You want to be sure that it is made from a durable material that will last for years.
Lock Quality: Is the lock mechanism itself of high quality? If not, then it doesn’t matter how well constructed it is if the lock is easily defeated.
Cost: Does this lock provide good value? Am I getting my money’s worth out of it, or is it overpriced for what it is?
What To Consider When Choosing a Trigger Lock
A trigger lock allows for easy and simple firearm security. Although, different types of guns, models, and brands may impact the type of lock you purchase. Here are some things to consider before buying the best trigger lock.
One thing to note: If you bought your gun brand new, you might already have a trigger lock. Many, but not all, gun companies include some kind of gun lock in the box. Sometimes it’s a cable lock, but sometimes it’s a trigger lock. If you haven’t thrown away your box, dig around and see if the manufacturer included one.
Method of Entry
The three most common methods of entry to a trigger lock are with a key, a combination, or biometric recognition. They’ve all got their pros and cons, so weigh your options first and then start looking at models with your preferred method of entry.
Gun Usage
How do you intend to use the gun after you unlock it? If your answer is self-defense or home protection, then a trigger lock is not the right safety device for you. Trigger locks should never be used on a loaded gun. For almost all trigger locks, the actual locking mechanism is too close to the trigger. The trigger can be engaged while putting the lock on or taking the lock off. Dropping, jostling, or even just applying too much pressure while the gun lock is on the gun can result in an accidental (negligent) discharge.
FAQs
Q: Do trigger locks fit all guns? No, not all trigger locks fit all guns. However, there are a variety of trigger locks available, so there’s bound to be at least one trigger lock that fits your gun.
Q: Is a trigger lock enough in California? Some trigger locks are considered enough in California, while others are not. In order for a trigger lock to be listed as a California DOJ Approved Firearm Safety device, it must meet Penal Code 23655 regulations. Don’t worry—you don’t have to learn the code. A trigger lock will usually say on the packaging if it is approved by the California DOJ.
Q: What locking device for firearms is safest? The safest locking device for firearms is the one you are most comfortable using, and you feel that it offers the safest level of protection for you and your individual needs. Depending on your living condition and location, people will have different ideas about requirements for gun safety. The most important thing is to make sure you abide by the law and feel comfortable and secure with your locking device.
Final Thoughts
All firearm security devices are fallible. It doesn’t matter if it’s a free cable lock, a $200 biometric trigger lock, a high-end gun safe, or even a gun vault built into your house. The fact of the matter is that if someone wants to gain access to your guns bad enough and they have enough time, they’ll find a way to get to them.
I’m not saying this to be all doom-and-gloom. Instead, I’m saying this to drive home the fact that no type of firearm security is absolute, but that something is certainly better than nothing. You don’t need a concrete vault poured into the foundation of your home to deter unauthorized usage of your guns. Simple locks like the ones on this list thwart gun theft and misuse every day across the country. Firearm safety and security is the number one responsibility of every gun owner, and the best trigger locks are an easy way to meet that responsibility.
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