In episode 30: Firearms & Suicide, we discuss the importance of securing firearms so that they will not be used in a suicide attempt. In this blog we want to elaborate on how gunlocks prevent suicide. What methods are available to secure firearms? What are the pros and cons of the various methods? Where can you get gunlocks? Do they really reduce suicide risk?
Do Gunlocks Prevent Suicides?
Simple answer: YES This has been demonstrated in numerous studies. Gunlocks slow down the time line from when a person reaches for their gun and their ability to use the weapon. By slowing down the timeline, even just by a few moments, we create more time for that individual to have a second thought. For example, in the added time they may choose to call a friend instead or reach out to a crisis center. Suicide attempts often are impulse decisions. We want to make it harder for individuals to act on that impulse. When someone uses a firearm in a suicide attempt it is almost always fatal. There are different types of gunlocks; cable gunlocks and trigger locks.
How Do I Use a Cable Gunlock?
Cable gunlocks are a very effective and easy way to secure a weapon. They can be used with almost any kind of firearm: automatic pistols, revolvers, rifles, assault weapons, and shotguns. For info on installation there are a number of videos that exist. I like this one:
Trigger Locks
Alternatively, you may consider using a trigger lock. Although trigger locks are inexpensive and simple, they are not really safe with a loaded gun. While the lock prevents the trigger from being engaged, a loaded weapon with a trigger lock can still go off if the gun is dropped. Furthermore, removing a trigger lock from a loaded weapon may cause the gun to accidentally discharge. Bottom line: If you are using a trigger lock, you need to make sure your weapon is unloaded. https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2013/07/trigger-locks-the-dubiously-effective-safety-measure-that-gun-control-advocates-love.html
Where Can I Get a Gunlock?
Since 2005 federal law has required that gun buyers be given a gunlock when they purchase a firearm. If you don’t happen to have one, though, there are several ways to obtain a free cable gunlock. https://projectchildsafe.org/safety/get-a-safety-kit/
Veterans can obtain free gunlocks from the VA. Contact your local VA and speak with the Suicide Prevention Coordinator to be sent or given a cable gunlock. Furthermore, gunlocks are often given away by law enforcement agencies such as police departments.
Gun Safes Are Another Popular Way to Secure Weapons
Some people prefer the idea of a gun safe for storage of their firearms. However, they are more expensive than gunlocks. They are also heavy and take up space. Many people own gun safes but fail to store their weapons inside them securely. To prevent suicide the safe cannot be left open.
Criticisms of Gunlocks and Safes
Some critics have complained that a determined person can break a gunlock and thus defeat its purpose. However, gunlocks and safes prevent suicide by slowing down the person from making an impulsive decision to use the weapon. A person who is committed to ending their life can find various ways to die, perhaps including breaking a gunlock. However, we know from the research that many people make the decision for suicide quite quickly, often in as little as 5-10 minutes. If the person is delayed from acting on that impulse, again as research has demonstrated, they often change their minds. The point of gunlocks and gun safes is exactly that: to give the person time to reconsider.
Another criticism of securing weapons with a lock or safe is that it makes it slower for the gun owner to respond in cases of self-defense (e.g., a home invasion). However, according to FBI crime data https://policyadvice.net/insurance/insights/burglary-statistics/ most burglaries occur during the daytime when no one is home. In addition, only about 7% of burglaries involve violence. Finally, if you use a firearm for self-defense, be prepared to face complex legal issues such as the use of reasonable force. You may have to defend yourself again–probably with a lawyer in a courtroom.
In Summary…
Gunlocks prevent suicide. They are not a panacea, but research repeatedly has demonstrated their value. However, they can only prevent suicide if they are correctly utilized. If you have an open gun safe or a gun lock that is not on your weapon, they will not work to prevent suicide. How much worse will it be for you if your weapon was used in a suicide when it could have been secured, but it was not? If you own firearms, lock them for your safety and for the safety of others as well.