Owning a handgun isn’t inherently risky, but certain factors can require extra steps to keep your firearm secure. For example, if you have kids in your household, you need to keep your handgun locked up or secured with some kind of trigger lock device.
You also need to practice safe handling and always treat your handgun as if it’s loaded. With that said, there are several ways technology can help you keep your handgun safe, whether you’re carrying it on your person or in your car, or stashing it at home.
Biometric trigger locks
When you’re going to spend at least $350 on a high-quality handgun, there’s no reason to skip the purchase of a security device as well. The most practical security device you can get will be a fingerprint-powered trigger lock.
This won’t stop your handgun from being stolen, but it will prevent unauthorized people from firing your gun. One popular trigger lock is called IDENTILOCK, and it’s actually a simple device.
Your handgun fits into the clamshell-style cover as if it were placed in a holster, but the gear locks around the trigger and makes it impossible for someone to remove the gun from inside.
The only person who can release the handgun is the person (or people) who have registered a fingerprint with the device. The best part is, it doesn’t take long to release your handgun; just 300 milliseconds.
Trigger locks aren’t complete solutions but are good for some situations
The drawback to using IDENTILOCK and similar implements is that certain people can pick the lock easily, even though it uses double-sided dimple keys. You must remember that it’s not intended to be an anti-theft device.
A biometric trigger lock would be most useful in situations where you need to have your handgun around small children, although you would be advised to keep it out of their easy reach.
You also need a gun safe
Whether your handgun is your main self-defense weapon or not, you ought to have a gun safe. The safe doesn’t have to be gigantic and difficult to access.
Obviously, if you plan on using your handgun for self-defense, you’ll need to get to it quickly. The best safe for fast access is one that opens swiftly and easily for you, but not for anyone else.
Gun Digest published a review of ten different quick-access safes, so you might find what you’re looking for in this article.
Smart guns
Although smart guns don’t seem to be making significant headway in the market, a small percentage of firearms enthusiasts are rooting for their inclusion on the list of must-have items for gun owners.
Smart guns are designed to work similarly to keyless car entry, in which you need to have a device on your person (or within a short distance) from your vehicle. With a smart gun, that device is usually an RFID watch, bracelet, or key fob.
Most smart firearms require the unlocking device to be within ten feet of the gun for it to discharge. However, as happens with many useful inventions for security and safety, individuals apparently have found ways to hack smart guns with magnets.
Also, smart guns are expensive – some cost close to $2,000 in U.S. dollars – but they have the potential to prevent suicide by teenagers hoping to do away with themselves because they have easy access to a gun.
Just like a trigger lock, you can’t rely on a smart gun without fail. It would be useful, however, if you’re in a situation where you can’t lock up your usual handgun to prevent unauthorized use.
For example, a smart gun would be a solid choice if you go camping with a group of people you don’t know very well. Still, the technology is far from being an utterly reliable EDC.
Handguns with built-in biometrics
Some handguns are designed with built-in biometric technology that will read your fingerprint as you grip the piece. For example, a company called Biofire makes a .40-caliber smart gun that reads your middle fingerprint on the side of the grip.
Biofire guns are capable of responding to multiple users, and the admin can wipe out all users if he or she sells the gun to someone else. The greatest benefit is that you have a weapon that’s always locked, which means you don’t have to worry about forgetting to secure your gun at home.
We would hope you’re already in the habit of securing your firearm, but just in case, a biometrically locked handgun offers a sound backup plan.
Technology is great, but don’t forget about training
Although it’s not a technology, training and practice are the two best methods of handgun safety. Knowledge is critical, and practice is required to develop muscle memory for safe handling.
