Gun safety is not something that you want to take lightly when you have even a single firearm in your collection. Regardless of whether you bought it for self-defense or you simply like having a few weapons to show-off, you always need to be responsible for whatever happens to and with your firearms.
The best way to ensure security for your weapons is by putting them in a gun safe. However, gun safes tend to be quite expensive, and realistically speaking; not everyone can afford to buy one. But with the best gun trigger lock, you can have the next best thing for the security and safety of your firearm.
Granted, it is not the same as having your weapons locked behind the doors of a safety vault. However, the relatively affordable nature of the unit means that you can get cheap and easy protection for your weapons if you cannot invest in a safe at the moment.
But not all units are made equally, and you cannot expect all of them to give you the same level of performance. If you want to get a trigger lock that will keep unauthorized people from using your weapon, you need to invest in the right product. And that is where we come in.
In this article, we will give you a complete rundown of everything you need to know about this handy little tool, along with our reviews for some of the finest models available on the market. So without further ado, let us jump.
Image | Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master Lock 94DSPT Gun Lock | 5 out of 5 | |
| Master Lock 90TRISPT Keyed Lock | 5 out of 5 | |
 | Zore X Core Series Gun Lock 9MM | 4.5 out of 5 | |
 | IDENTILOCK Fingerprint Trigger Lock | 4 out of 5 | |
 | Etronic G7K Keyed Trigger Lock | 4.5 out of 5 |
The Key Benefits and Setbacks of the Best Gun Trigger Lock
Before we head further, it would be wise to look at some of the benefits you get out of this nifty little tool. However, it is important to understand that it in no way can give you the same level of security that you get from a gun safe. However, it does have a few major benefits that make it worth buying, even if you have a gun safe.
Benefits
The key advantages that you get out of a gun trigger lock are:
Affordability
The most obvious advantage of using a gun trigger lock is its price. Gun safes tend to be expensive, and considering the massive utility it offers, the price is not exactly unfair. But if you are on a tight budget, you will not be able to get this product regardless of how much you care about security.
A gun lock is a good alternative if that is your situation. Although it does not usually work with multiple guns at once, if you have a single handgun or pistol, you can easily set it up with a high-quality gun trigger lock, without spending a fortune.
Quick and Easy Access
Another sector where a gun trigger lock really shines is in terms of quick and easy access. With a gun safe, unless you are in the same room as your device, you cannot easily get to your gun in a high-stress situation. But a gun lock allows you to keep your weapon on you at all times without sacrificing security.
Because of the simpler nature of the locking mechanism that you usually find in this type of unit, accessing your gun is also quite a bit faster compared to gun safes. Most gun locks use either keypad or mechanical locks, and some models even give you ways to unlock it with only one hand.
Compact Design and Easy to Use
Besides, gun trigger locks are also extremely compact and take little to no space in your room. In fact, some trigger locks are so tiny that you can even holster your weapon with it equipped. This is highly convenient if you are traveling with your weapons.
In addition, using it is also effortless and straightforward. You do not need to fiddle around with power tools, and sometimes, you also do not need to work with screws. If you are looking for the easiest way to ensure your pistol’s security, a gun trigger lock is the best way to go.
Lightweight and Portable
Another excellent benefit of using a gun trigger lock is that it adds no weight to your firearm. As a result, it is the perfect option to go with if you are planning on taking a long drive. Unless you have a portable travel gun safe, a gun trigger lock is the next best thing to keep your weapons safe while traveling.
Drawbacks
Unfortunately, even though a gun trigger lock offers many benefits, it is not without any problems. Here are a two setbacks of a gun trigger safe that you need to be aware of.
Safety
The first thing that you need to remember about a gun trigger lock is that it is not a replacement for a gun safe when it comes to security. Although it can give you a decent amount of security on the go, your guns can easily get stolen if you do not keep your eyes on it.
Loaded Gun
Another issue with this unit is that you should always keep your gun unloaded when you are using this trigger lock, especially if you are not very experienced with it. Although a bit unlikely, there is always a chance that you might accidentally pull the trigger when you are trying to activate or deactivate the locking mechanism of the gun lock.
Top 5 Best Gun Trigger Lock Reviews
When you are on the market for the best gun trigger, the first issue you will face is the abundance of many different models available. This can be a good thing and a bad thing. For instance, if you like messing around with different variants of this tool, you might enjoy yourself because of its availability.
However, most people want a decent unit without getting ripped off; and to achieve that, you need to know which devices are worth your time and effort. To help you on your quest, here are our picks for the five best trigger locks you can find that promises excellent performance.
1. Master Lock 94DSPT Set Your Own Combination Gun Lock
We will be starting off our list of reviews with a brand that specializes in manufacturing high-quality trigger locks for your gun. The Master Lock 94DSPT is a simple little tool that packs a lot of nice features and a solid build quality at an extremely reasonable price point.
For its locking system, the gun uses a three-digit old-school combination locking mechanism. This time-tested system is more than capable of keeping the gun’s trigger locked even if it falls in the hands of burglars or children. The odds of perpetrators guessing the combination are slim at best.
Furthermore, the excellent build quality further enhances the impenetrable nature of the unit. The mixture of zinc and steel in its construction boosts the strength of the device. In addition, it features a four-pin tumbler that protects it from being picked open by any adept lock picker.
The unit even features an adjustable ratchet that you can set up to accommodate the size of a wide range of firearms. So compatibility with your weapon should not be much of an issue with this unit. It even has rubber pads on the inside so that it does not scratch and wear out the weapon even after handling it roughly.Pros:
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2. Master Lock 90TRISPT Keyed Alike Gun Lock, 3 Pack
If you have two or three different weapons at your disposal and want to buy a complete set for all of your firearms, then thee Keyed Alike Gun Lock by the brand Master Lock might be worth a check. It comes in a set of three and offers great value to people looking to secure multiple weapons.
The unit features a simple keyed locking system and offers you two keys with your purchase. Although the lack of modern locking mechanisms might disappoint some people, the quality of the lock in this unit is quite decent. The main idea behind the unit is simplicity and efficiency. To further enunciate that aspect, you can open all three lock with any one of the two keys.
For the build quality, there really is no reason to doubt this brand. It comes with a similar steel and zinc alloy that we saw in their last offering. In addition, it even utilizes the four-pin tumbler mechanism to protect against picking attempts. So in terms of durability, you are well-covered with this unit.
Thanks to the internal cushioning, you also do not need to worry about the cosmetic integrity of your weapons when using it regularly with this unit. The adjustable ratchet ensures you get a snug fit with whichever weapon you are using. If you are on a tight budget, this might be one of the best investments out there for you.Pros:
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3. Zore X Core Series Gun Lock 9MM 9X19 for Fast Unlocking and CA DOJ Approved
For people who want a quick and easy way to access their guns, the X Core Series 9MM 9X19 gun lock by the brand Zore is a life-saver. The unit features a unique patented design for its locking mechanism that can boost both your security and your access time, making it a prime choice for people who want their gun ready to go at all times.
The bread and butter of this unit is an interesting RAPDial locking system that utilizes clicks instead of digits to set up a combination lock. If you think about it, the idea is pretty simple. However, the way they utilized it really makes you appreciate the focus they gave to make this product stand out from the rest.
The dial of the unit goes in either direction and makes a click each time you rotate a step. You need to input the right number of clicks in either direction that you set up before, and the gun instantly activates. As soon as you cock your firearm, the lock falls off, and your gun is ready to use.
Additionally, for wrong input, the bullet gets locked and cannot be pushed to the chamber. This ensures that even if the wrong person tries to open the lock, the odds of them cracking it is practically nil. Even if you have no vision, you can access your gun simply by focusing on the number of clicks.
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4. IDENTILOCK Fingerprint Trigger Gun Lock, 360° Touch 0.5 Second Unlock
If you do not want to go with the different design of the Zore gun lock, but still want quick access, something a bit more traditional might be for you. The gun lock by the brand IDENTILOCK offers you one of the most efficient ways to unlock your gun that takes little to no time, biometric scanning.
This gun lock features a fast and responsive scanner that is extremely easy to use. The scanner can store up to three user fingerprints in its database, and anyone of them can access the gun. Alternatively, you can set it up for three different fingers on your hand so that accessing it is never an issue.
The best thing about the unit, however, is not the high-end biometric security but rather the superior build quality. It uses a special alloy termed as metal alloy actuation designed and tested by none other than NASA. This alloy can withstand extreme temperatures and will not jam up in any conditions.
The unit also comes with a secondary keyed locking system in case the battery runs out. You can even use the key to change the active authorized fingerprints. However, make sure you check the compatibility chart before you buy this unit as it does not work with all the weapons in the market.Pros:
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5. Etronic Gun Lock G7K Keyed Gun Trigger Lock, Keyed Different
The last product to make its way on our list is the superbly simple trigger lock by the brand G7k. One of its most attractive features is its dirt-cheap price tag along with a simple and easy to use design. It might be the simplest product on our list, but it is definitely not one you want to underestimate.
The locking mechanism in the unit is nothing complicated. All you get is a simple lock and a set of keys to open it. However, the tumbler cylinder inclusion in the lock makes it highly tamper-resistant. Anyone thinking of swiping your gun and picking the lock is in for a tough time.
Construction-wise, you get the same zinc and steel combination that you find in other high-end units. Despite its lower price tag, the manufacturers made no compromise in terms of material and build quality. In addition, the low-profile nature of the unit makes it a highly appealing purchase.
You even get rubber cushioning on the inside of the unit that ensures the cosmetic integrity of your weapons. Although the quality of the padding could be better, at this price range, you really cannot complain. In addition, the unit has an adjustable ratchet making it compatible with a wide range of firearms.Pros:
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Things to Look for when Buying the Best Gun Lock
For such a simple tool, a gun trigger lock comes packed with a surprising number of features that you need to check before you buy it. However, because of the compact design, not many people understand which elements to check. This can cause them to make mistakes and end up with a mediocre product.
To make sure you get the best performance out of your money, here is a quick rundown of all the elements that you want to check when you are planning to buy the best gun lock.
Locking Mechanism
In terms of features, you want to check; the locking mechanism is on the obvious side of things. If you look closely at our featured products, you will notice that the most common locks used in a gun trigger lock are either the electronic keypad or a mechanical combination lock.
However, you can also find units with keyed locks or biometric security. But the issue with biometric security is that even though they are extremely fast and powerful, they tend to be quite expensive. For budget spenders, biometric security gun locks are not really a very practical option.
The reason why keyed locks are not praised as highly as the rest of the systems is that they are neither as secure nor as efficient. However, they work well as a secondary locking system if the electronic keypad or biometric scanner runs out of batteries. Regardless of which mechanism you go with, make sure the quality is decent.
Durability
Durability is a critical element that you need to consider when buying a gun lock. Since it is such a small tool, there is always a question of whether it can hold up against blunt force or impact damage. If the unit breaks off on a couple of hits, there is no point in buying it.
To understand the durability of the unit, you need to look at the construction material. Ideally, you want the steel structure of the unit to contain a mixture of some type of alloy or zinc to strengthen the core. The major difference between cheaper units and quality products is the alloy combination, not the steel construction.
Weapon Compatibility
Thankfully, most gun trigger locks on the market are compatible with a wide range of weapons, which makes weapon compatibility much less of an issue when you are buying this type of device. However, you also need to keep in mind that gun trigger locks are not universal.
Some models will not work with a particular gun, and if you do not check beforehand, you might get unlucky. It is always worth browsing through the compatible list of weapons to check if your gun will work with the particular trigger lock before you commit to buying it.
Additional Safety Features
Some gun trigger locks come with a few extra features that can further enhance the performance that you can get out of it. Even though some people may not consider it as essential, we believe that every extra bit of security features you get from a gun trigger lock matters in terms of the overall safety of your firearms.
For instance, a tamper-proof tumbler cylinder can be a valuable addition to the gun lock as it can drastically improve its security. Some unit also comes with an automatic lockdown feature that prevents people from trying to guess your access code. These simple additions add a lot of value to your investment.
Battery Life
If you are going with a mechanical gun lock such as a combination locking system or a keyed one, you do not need to worry about the battery life. However, units that require batteries, such as an electronic keypad or biometric security, needs to have decent battery utilization capability if you want a good experience with it.
Without battery efficiency, you will have to resort to changing batteries every few months, which is not very economical. It is an often overlooked feature, but one that is extremely important and can drastically impact your satisfaction with a particular trigger lock.
Price and Value
Typically, gun safes are not what you might call an expensive piece of equipment. It is a budget-friendly alternative to a gun safe that can provide some level of security for your firearm. But that does not mean you have to just throw away your money and get the most high-end unit available on the market.
Remember, price and value are two completely different things. To get the most value, you need to set a fixed budget for yourself and get the best possible unit that you can at the said budget. That way, you will be able to maximize your efficiency and satisfaction with the amount of money that you spend on the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a gun lock if I have a gun safe?
It mostly depends on you. Whether you have a gun safe or not does not dictate if you should buy a gun trigger lock. People who take the issue of gun safety seriously opt to go for both units if they can afford it
If you keep your guns under trigger lock, even if someone breaks into your gun safe, they cannot use your weapon against you. Similarly, if you have a gun lying around in the open, even if it is under trigger lock, people can simply walk away with it without you knowing.
Can bolt cutters cut through trigger locks?
Yes, it can. Remember, a gun trigger lock is not as safe or secure as a gun safe. It offers immediate protection against blunt force or impact damage. However, when dealing with bolt cutters, the pressure can get too much for a gun lock. You can still find a couple of high-end models that offer cutting-resistance, but they might not be as affordable as the rest.
Can a gun trigger lock reduce accidental discharge?
It is definitely one of the main reasons people opt to go for a gun trigger lock even after having a gun safe at their disposal. As long as your gun has a trigger lock activated, you will not be able to pull the trigger until you unlock it.
If you want an added level of safety with your weapons, you cannot go wrong with a high-quality trigger lock. Our featured list of products should help you out in picking the right unit.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are too many good things about a gun trigger lock to pass up if you are an avid gun lover. In fact, some people even choose to go for this tool despite having a gun safe for an extra layer of safety. After all, when it comes to security for your guns, there is no such thing as too safe.
We hope you found our extensive review and guide on the best gun trigger lock enlightening. Hopefully, you now have enough information to go out and make a valid purchase without fear of ending up with the wrong product.