Trigger locks? No way!

I noted today that the anti-gun forces are playing their little legislative games - trying to get a trigger lock amendment attached to the gun manufacturers lawsuit protection bill making its way through the senate It's being pushed as a poison pill amendment which would kill pro-gun support for the bill.

It sounds like a great idea, though, right? Put locks on the triggers of all those bad guns and then everything will be sweetness and light as criminals and youth gang members follow the new statute to the letter, youngsters forego their drive and ability to get into anything forbidden and home invasions are scheduled a week in advance so the homeowner has time to remove the trigger lock and load the weapon in defense of home and family.

"I'm sorry, Juwon, I'm booked solid for burglary next week...how's the 23rd for you?"

I know it's been said ad nauseum, but guns are tools. Used carelessly, they are dangerous tools. Gun owners bear the responsibility to learn how to use these tools properly, educate their family members in the safe use of these tools and protect these tools from casual misuse. This may include keeping them unloaded and in a gun safe/cabinet, may include keeping them cased and out of sight, may include trigger locks or may include having them loaded and in a known location for quick access and use.

A trigger lock is redundant for a weapon already stored in a safe. A trigger lock is an impediment in a gun designated as being ready for quick use. If I'm forced to defend my home or family with a gun, I want the weapon immediately and I want it to be loaded and ready for use.

By attempting to mandate trigger lock use, well-meaning (or not) legislators are attempting to take responsibility from gun owners for the safe use of the gun. I have no problem with requiring an optional trigger lock be included with each new gun sale, but have a big problem with mandating its use.

That loaded gun that was sitting in the corner after you came in from target shooting fell over and discharged? Wouldn't have happened if the gun was unloaded and had a trigger lock. Child got ahold of the gun and discharged it accidentally? Wouldn't have happened with a trigger lock. While the above are true, the real problem is that education and basic gun safety are lacking.

Lock up the guns you're not expecting to need in a hurry and unload them. Teach your children about guns, gun safety and take them shooting. Nothing removes the forbidden allure of guns to children like some education and experience. Make sure all family members know you have a "ready" gun and its approximate location so there are no "accidental" discoveries.

Education, not legislation, is the answer.