Thin trigger locks?

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Martin248

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Anyone know of any thin profile combination trigger locks suitable for use on a handgun? I have one of those "gun rugs" that can be zipper locked but it's pretty slim profile. When I put a conventional trigger lock on my pistol it doesn't slip into the pocket properly, it bulges in an annoying and awkward way because the trigger lock is 3x wider than the pistol. Looking for solutions.

I know there are thin profile DAC trigger locks that take a universal key, that would work--but I hate keys. I forget them at home or wind up having to carry too many of them. Only way I'd use one of those keys would be if it were legal to store the key inside the gun rug alongside the handgun so I don't forget it. Is that legal?

Another choice are those cable locks that run through the action. The gun came with one, but I am uncomfortable storing the gun in a soft case with the action open like that, worried that if the case were dropped or crushed that the slide's in a weak position open like that. Maybe I'm paranoid.

I searched online with no luck, a slim profile trigger lock with a combination seems to be unobtanium. Not sure why, anyway, thought I'd ask what other people do if they have those gun rugs--how do you trigger lock?
 
I had the same issue and solved it by taking the combination trigger locks that I had and cutting off the piece on the opposite side from the combination pad that the shank slips into. The locks still work fine and they no longer have a piece that sticks off of the back by an inch, making them fit in all of my cases.

You just have to leave about 3/16" on that side so that you don't cut off the locking teeth.
 
Martin248 said:
Anyone know of any thin profile combination trigger locks suitable for use on a handgun? I have one of those "gun rugs" that can be zipper locked but it's pretty slim profile. When I put a conventional trigger lock on my pistol it doesn't slip into the pocket properly, it bulges in an annoying and awkward way because the trigger lock is 3x wider than the pistol. Looking for solutions.

I know there are thin profile DAC trigger locks that take a universal key, that would work--but I hate keys. I forget them at home or wind up having to carry too many of them. Only way I'd use one of those keys would be if it were legal to store the key inside the gun rug alongside the handgun so I don't forget it. Is that legal?

Another choice are those cable locks that run through the action. The gun came with one, but I am uncomfortable storing the gun in a soft case with the action open like that, worried that if the case were dropped or crushed that the slide's in a weak position open like that. Maybe I'm paranoid.

I searched online with no luck, a slim profile trigger lock with a combination seems to be unobtanium. Not sure why, anyway, thought I'd ask what other people do if they have those gun rugs--how do you trigger lock?
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Why don't you keep the DAC key on your car's keychain. You'll always have it with you, it's not like you're walking to the range. Are you?
 
jackrabbit000 said:
Why don't you keep the DAC key on your car's keychain. You'll always have it with you, it's not like you're walking to the range. Are you?
Click to expand...

If there is no other way that is exactly what I will do, but having to carry one less key in my pocket all the time is a plus. I have lost my keys before you know! And it's a PITA to replace them all.
 
AndrewNS said:
I had the same issue and solved it by taking the combination trigger locks that I had and cutting off the piece on the opposite side from the combination pad that the shank slips into. The locks still work fine and they no longer have a piece that sticks off of the back by an inch, making them fit in all of my cases.

You just have to leave about 3/16" on that side so that you don't cut off the locking teeth.
Click to expand...

I looked at doing what you did with the Masterlock combination locks that I have but after having a good look can you not just take a small knife or screw driver and lift on the locking teeth and unlock it with the end cap missing?
 
"they are much slimmer than other locks, except for the cheap plastic ones with the 2 pronged key."

The "cheap plastic ones with the 2 prong key" are perfectly legal trigger locks. If you lose the key, you can open it with a needle nose plyers or multitool. (Every other person at the range has a multitool.)

In addition these locks can actually take longer to get off than a key or combination lock, thus providing marginally more security. See the following:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P397UsoyNBc
 
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stampede said:
they are much slimmer than other locks, except for the cheap plastic ones with the 2 pronged key.

The "cheap plastic ones with the 2 prong key" are perfectly legal trigger locks. If you lose the key, you can open it with a needle nose plyers or multitool. (Every other person at the range has a multitool.)

In addition these locks can actually take longer to get off than a key or combination lock, thus providing marginally more security. See the following:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P397UsoyNBc
Click to expand...

That's what I was getting at as it would be even easier with the what AndrewNS has cut off. Not too sure how legal that would be.
 
Reeferman said:
I looked at doing what you did with the Masterlock combination locks that I have but after having a good look can you not just take a small knife or screw driver and lift on the locking teeth and unlock it with the end cap missing?
Click to expand...

We all know that trigger locks are a joke, but we have to live with them. At one shoot I went to, one guy forgot his trigger lock key. About 5 of us all pull out a number 250 Masterlock key (mine is from 20 years ago too), how secure is that? Of course his lock didn't take that key, so we opened it up exactly like stated above with a small screwdriver.
 
Buy "keyed alike" locks for all your guns........each comes with 2 keys.............then put a key on every key ring you have, and one in the glove box, etc., etc.............
 
Reeferman said:
I looked at doing what you did with the Masterlock combination locks that I have but after having a good look can you not just take a small knife or screw driver and lift on the locking teeth and unlock it with the end cap missing?
Click to expand...

Probably, I haven't tried but I imagine that you could. Thing is, the trigger locks that you can get like these ones:

https://www.canadaammo.com/product/detail/76/one-dozen-trigger-locks/

can be opened with two bent nails or a bobby pin, and they meet legal requirements...
 
Did the same thing as AndrewNS. Had to make it fit on my 45 in the Gunvault. Just had another look. Don't see any way to open it without the combination. Works fine, solved the problem.
 
Martin248 said:
If there is no other way that is exactly what I will do, but having to carry one less key in my pocket all the time is a plus. I have lost my keys before you know! And it's a PITA to replace them all.
Click to expand...

I made my own key out of a piece of 3/8" x 4" piece of stainless tubing. Use a hacksaw and make 2 notches so it looks like the DAC key. You can spin off the screw in the lock in about 2 seconds. Simple and works great, I keep them in my range bag.
 
AndrewNS said:
Probably, I haven't tried but I imagine that you could. Thing is, the trigger locks that you can get like these ones:

https://www.canadaammo.com/product/detail/76/one-dozen-trigger-locks/

can be opened with two bent nails or a bobby pin, and they meet legal requirements...
Click to expand...

The only thing that would concern me about doing it is if there was an issue about tampering the locks. I fully agree with you that the whole trigger lock deal is a joke. I got one of those plastics ones with the screw from the CFO and are they take about two seconds to break off.
 
bixter said:
Did the same thing as AndrewNS. Had to make it fit on my 45 in the Gunvault. Just had another look. Don't see any way to open it without the combination. Works fine, solved the problem.
Click to expand...

So you can't take a small screw driver or something similar and pry the locking teeth apart. If it can't be done then I will give it a try. Just don't want to waste 15 bucks.
 
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