It wasn't CPSC that brought the problem of problematic gun locks to the attention of the public. NSSF's program provides free firearms safety locks to over 400,000 homes, in partnership with police departments nationwide. Last October a Tennessee police department discovered that the locks could be thwarted, causing NSSF to promptly issue a free lock replacement notice to its police partners.
Parents know that the motivated child can circumvent any mechanical safety precautions.
An adult or even a determined child can break into a locked house or circumvent any gunlock given time and opportunity. True safety with firearms begins with education. Its firearms education program begins with a cadre of over 10,000 instructors nationwide. These instructors teach children and adults safe and proper firearms handling, as well as marksmanship. As a result, firearms accidents have dropped consistently throughout the twentieth century.