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.
No children in our home. I keep a pistol (loaded) by my TV chair and 2 pistols and a shotgun in the bedroom. Everything else is locked away in 3 full sized safes.
I don’t lock up any of my firearms (if I had any)
RIDAY, 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.
The one I wear on me, yeah.
Uh yes. I live in Texas.
When I got my LTC a couple of years ago I consulted my lawyer regarding the thousands of gun laws in Massachusetts. At one point during our conversation he shook his head and basically said that I had better be damn careful because the state’s filthy dyke Maoist Attorney General prosecutes every violation to the max.
“ I can see a new federal program coming to provide gun safes to those who claim they cannot afford them.”
I’m pretty close to needing a second one here. I’ll take the money.
LOL
L
Where I live (and a whole lot of other places) bears have been known to break into houses with and without people present inside. So, four legged varmints do “assault” houses.
I have also read a few stories about deer, elk and moose crashing through windows and screen doors too and once inside they become very agitated by the unfamiliar surroundings and can go a bit nuts.
Stuff happens! :)
Had a physician ask me once if I had firearms in the home. I gave him the Chili Palmer (Get Shorty) answer: No, not really.
“I have also read a few stories about deer, elk and moose crashing through windows and screen doors too and once inside they become very agitated by the unfamiliar surroundings and can go a bit nuts.”
A couple years ago I was using a ground feeder to feed a pair of adult California Quail and their 12 chicks. They hatch a new brood every year under a big fir tree near our back door. They are so much fun to watch. One morning, the deer found the feeder, tipped it over and spilled a lot of seed all over the place. Next thing I knew there were six or seven deer on our porch right next to our dining room window munching the bird seed! I was scared to death one of them was going to do exactly what you described — get spooked, crash into the house through a window, not find its way out and demolish the house. I gently opened the door and quietly evicted them without that happening. Thank Goodness!
I haven’t used the ground feeder since.
No bears yet, but we do get moose coming through the yard once a year. Neighbors a big farther out regularly get elk. The bears haven’t yet moved down our way - they are staying up closer to Canada and NW Montana.
:) But it beats livin’ in the city doesn’t it?
“ready and equitable access to gun safes”
Let me guess. Biracial, indigenous and people of color hardest hit by racist gun safes? Is Walmart stopping trannies from buying gun safes?
Please Mister torture, rape, cannibal Psycho kill can you wait while I unlock my gun until you start murdering me and my family?
Why would any gun owner answer a question from anyone regarding anything about their guns?
Unless John Lott interviews you, STFU.
You have to be an absolute moron not realizing that your answers are going to manipulate data and give them a reason to restrict your rights.
I have a FB frenemy in that area. He doesn’t think people should be allowed to take their guns outside their homes.
I guess I need to break down and buy me a gun for the home. S/
I dont lock any of my guns.
Wow, that’s something. The folks narrating were panting a bit. They said brown bear, but it sure had a grizzly hump.
At LEAST one! In each room?
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