Posted on 03/03/2023 5:22:22 PM PST by PROCON
FRIDAY, March 3, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Locking up firearms can help prevent injury and death, yet a majority of gun owners say they keep at least one gun unlocked in case of emergency.
Rutgers University researchers surveyed more than 2,100 adult gun owners about gun storage, types of locking devices and locking mechanisms.
The survey found that 58% store at least one firearm unlocked and hidden. Another 18% store at least one firearm unlocked and unhidden.
When firearm owners lock at least one gun, most use a gun safe. In all, 32% said they used a device opened by key, PIN code or dial lock, and 16% used biometric devices. In general, biometric devices rely on characteristics such fingerprints or facial features to identify a user.
"These findings highlight two key points," said lead author Michael Anestis, executive director of the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center at Rutgers. "First, it appears firearm owners prefer gun safes relative to cable locks and trigger locks. Most locking device distribution programs provide cable locks and trigger locks, so those programs might be mismatched to firearm owner preferences. Second, very few firearm owners use biometric locks, which could indicate that cost is an issue or that firearm owners do not trust the technology to work when needed."
So why do owners not lock their firearms?
The most common reasons: 49% said locks are unnecessary; and 45% said locks will prevent quick access in an emergency.
About 49% said they would consider locking their firearms to prevent access by a child; and 37% would do so to keep them out of adolescent hands or prevent theft.
"Given these results, it appears that increasing the use of secure firearm storage will require several things. First, to address motivation we need to address disproportionate fears regarding the likelihood of armed home invasions," Anestis said in a university news release.
"Similarly, we need to help the public better understand the risks associated with having firearms in the home — above and beyond the risk of unauthorized access by children," he added.
"Second, we need to create more ready and equitable access to gun safes so that the available locking options align better with the preferences of firearm owners," Anestis concluded.
The findings were published online March 2 in JAMA Network Open. The study was funded by the U.S. Defense Health Agency.
Surprise! Leftists will do anything to manipulate you to give up your protection by your own choice.
Wow that is really close I have to reach almost a foot for mine.
When seconds count, the police are only minutes away.
One thing I learned about liberals is that they do the same thing, but they preen their feathers in order to have an advantage over you.
Everything about liberalism is about obtaining a societal advantage over the rest of society.
Yup. A shotgun right beside the china cabinet in the dining room.
Ohhh nooo, needs be locked up and unloaded to avoid any accidents.
Yeah. Crappola
Yes
LOL!
These anti-gunners are such geniuses!
Always on unless you are submerged in water or doing other things. Even then it should be in easy grabbing distance.
Trouble does not send polite notices three hours ahead of time.
Who would answer such a survey? Who would answer it truthfully and honestly?
Wouldn’t most or all people answer the question with “I always keep my guns locked up. It’s the law. [or It’s the safe thing to do]”?
Then there’s this: “...we need to create more ready and equitable access to gun safes” There’s that “equity” crap again. I can see a new federal program coming to provide gun safes to those who claim they cannot afford them. “Equity” baby.
“My answer to nosy phone calls about my firearms; CLICK! (hangup)”
Bingo. What gun owner in his or her right mind would take such a survey? “It’s none of your @#$%@ business. CLICK!”
👏🏻
“varmint guns” - heh, heh. Lots of prairie dogs and coyotes in your neighborhood? Need to keep those guns at the ready in case they assault your house.
A locked up gun unloaded is pretty useless.
I keep a shot gun by every door, and lots of ammo
nearby.
Well, Mr. Anestis, that may involve locking up a huge number of people for long periods of time. And we can't have that, can we?
Dipwad.
It’s interesting. I grew up in a home where my dad was a collector and a hunter. We had lots of guns. We took lessons and learned how to fire them and clean them
The only strictly enforced rule was NEVER point a gun at a person. I list access to my cap gun for a period of time due to this infraction
I still own guns and I love to shoot
Why would I need to lock my guns?
If someone breaks into my locked house, they will be dead before they get to my unlocked guns.
Mine was a white-water rafting accident in the middle of the Grand Canyon. Lost them all.
Oooo … intentionally unlocked. Kinda makes it difficult to use in a moments notice if locked.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.