1 Many of these shootings result from access to firearms in the home. The storage practices of gun owners are a contributing factor to many of these preventable shootings. Several surveys have found that many handgun owners fail to store their guns locked and separate from ammunition, which is how law enforcement agencies typically recommend that guns be stored. Indeed, two recent studies suggest that gun owners who have received formal training in the safe handling of firearms, including safe storage, are more likely than others to store guns loaded and unlocked. 2,3,4 People who feel they must have guns in the home have several options for decreasing the risk of an unintended shooting.
Most gun stores sell safes and sturdy lockboxes which have key or combination locks.
Most also sell trigger locks or other accessories which prevent the discharge of an otherwise available gun. Trigger locks vary tremendously in quality, but some effective models are available. However, trigger locks should never be used on loaded firearms, because of the risk of discharge during installation or removal of the lock. Although several personalization devices have been available for years, gun manufacturers have failed to incorporate the technology into their products. Several recent lawsuits seek to force the industry to make such devices available, since the design of firearms, unlike every other consumer product sold in America, is not subject to any safety-related regulation.