5 Best Gun Trigger Locks: Pistols & Rifles

As gun owners, it is our responsibility to ensure that firearms are stored safely and securely whenever not in use.  

Safe storage is important to ensure that the gun is not only secure from theft or use by a home invader but also to keep it away from curious kids, impulsive teens, and other unauthorized users who could potentially pose a danger to themselves and others.

There are a few different ways to make sure your gun is safely stored, including locking gun safes or quick access pistol safes.

However, one of the most widely recommended and widely available gun security solutions, however, is the trigger lock.

Advantages of Trigger Locks

The popularity of the trigger lock makes sense.  

Trigger locks are inexpensive or even free in some areas through Project ChildSafe, an initiative to promote gun safety.

Trigger locks don’t require the gun to be locked up in a case, cabinet, or safe and can be quickly put on and taken off of the gun.

They’re also very portable, adding very little weight or bulk to the gun, and are very easy to use.

So why, then, does anyone even bother using anything else?  

Disadvantages of Trigger Locks

Well, trigger locks aren’t all good.

For one, trigger locks should never be used on a loaded gun. The bar that connects the two sides of the lock comes far too close to the trigger, and the trigger can easily be hit while the lock is being put on or removed.

Dropping or jostling the gun or even just applying too much pressure while the gun lock is on the gun can result in an accidental discharge.

Trigger locks are also less secure than other forms of gun storage, like a safe or locked case.

Their locks can be easily picked, drilled through, or even pried open with a screwdriver. The same key can also be used on many different locks, even if they’re supposed to be keyed differently.

For these reasons, trigger locks should not be used as a security method for go-to home defense guns. Use a quick-access gun safe instead.

Trigger locks are better used as a backup security method for hunting guns or guns reserved for the range.

Best Gun Trigger Locks

Now that we’ve discussed what you should and shouldn’t count on trigger locks for, let’s talk about a few of our favorite trigger locks currently on the market.

1. Master Lock 94DSPT Combination Trigger Lock

Master Lock is somewhat of a go-to brand for trigger locks, and the Master Lock 94DSPT Trigger Lock is one of their most popular.

The 94DSPT Trigger Lock has a durable steel and zinc body and uses a three-digit combination that you can easily set - and reset - yourself.  

Combination locks mean you don’t have to worry about keeping up with a key and can give access to several people without having to get extra keys or store a key in a common location. 

Since you can reset this lock, you can always choose a new combination if you no longer want someone to be able to access the weapon.

The width of the lock can be adjusted using an included ratchet, which allows this trigger lock to fit securely on just about any handgun, rifle, or shotgun.  

A positive locking mechanism keeps the lock secure, and the back of the lock is padded to prevent it from scratching the finish of your guns.

Master Lock also offers a lifetime warranty on all of their firearms products, including the 94DSPT Trigger Lock and our next lock, the Master Lock 90TRISPT Trigger Lock.

Its affordability, ease of use, and durability make it easy for us to call it our Editor's Pick.

Editor's Pick Trigger Lock

Master Lock 94DSPT Trigger Lock

$16

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$16 at Amazon

What's your take on the Master Lock?

2. Master Lock 90TRISPT Key d Trigger Locks, Keyed Alike

The same steel and zinc body, adjustable width, and padded back as the 94DSPT Trigger Lock, but with a different locking mechanism.

Instead of a combination, the Master Lock 90TRISPT is a keyed lock with a 4-pin tumbler cylinder to prevent picking.

Best Keyed Trigger Lock

Master Lock 90TRISPT, Keyed Alike 3-Pack

$30

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$30 at Amazon

Available in packs of two or three, the Master Lock 90TRISPT Keyed Trigger Locks are keyed alike, which means that each of the locks included in the set can be unlocked with the same key.  

This adds a lot of conveniences if you want to secure multiple guns, but it also means you can’t give people access to certain firearms and not others unless you use a different locking system.

Like the Master Lock 94DSPT Trigger Lock, this lock can be used on any rifle, shotgun, or handgun.

Master Lock 90DSPT Keyed Trigger Lock, Keyed Differently

While these may look identical to the 90TRISPT above, these locks have a unique feature.

Master Lock 90DSPT Keyed Trigger Lock, Keyed Differently

$13

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$13 at Amazon

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

So what’s the difference?

As the title implies, each Master Lock 90DSPT is keyed differently. This means each lock you buy will use its unique key.  

While this may be less convenient for you than having a single key for all your locks, it allows you to restrict access to specific guns by providing someone with only the key for the locks on the guns you want them to be able to use.

4. CENXIGO Biometric Trigger Lock

Newer on the scene and bringing some tech...is the CENXIGO Biometric Trigger Lock.

Much faster than scrolling through some numbered dials or finding a key...the trigger lock unlocks in under a second.

However, it is a little bulky if you're also placing it into a smaller area like a pistol safe. But for drawer or nightstand use you are good to go!

It recharges with Micro-USB and holds enough charge for over 1000 lock/unlock cycles.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that it doesn't work with every gun (so make sure you check out the full compatibility list) and you're probably out of luck if you're using a pistol with a light.

That could very well be a deal-breaker since we recommend having a pistol light for a home defense gun for positive target acquisition.

But if your handgun is light-less and you want some fast biometric lock...check it out.

Best Biometric Trigger Lock

CENXIGO Biometric Trigger Lock

$59

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$59 at Amazon

5. FSDC Gun Cable Lock

Up until now, all the options have been geared toward pistols, but what about rifle trigger locks?

That's where gun cable locks come in, and if your rifle never came with one...or you lost it...our go-to is the FSDC Cable Lock.

It's a cheap and easy way to make your rifle inoperable by running it through its chamber.

And it still works for pistols.

Plus, it's both California and Massachusetts approved for a firearm safety device.

Best Cable Lock

FSDC Gun Cable Lock

$9

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$9 at Amazon

Final Thoughts

At the time of writing, there had already been 1,290 unintentional shootings in the United States since the beginning of 2022.

Safe, secure gun storage is essential in preventing these shootings and an inherent responsibility that goes along with firearm ownership.  

Locking up your guns with trigger locks and other gun locks, cases, and safes is a large part of meeting that responsibility.

How do you store your gun? Let us know in the comments below! Have you thought about getting a full on safe? Take a look at our article on the 17 Best Gun Safes For All Budgets!