“I have 2 kids under 9 years old, so it would be important to have a safe trigger lock thingamajiggie.”
I found a better solution. I bought a small handgun safe from a local outdoor shop. It has a keyless entry using a 4 digit code. I set up a code that uses all the left keys so I can open it by simply remembering to go down the numbers top to bottom on the right of the keypad. I can get my handgun out in far less time than it takes to remove a trigger lock, and I can keep the gun loaded with the safety off. I keep one by the bed, and one easily accessible when I am downstairs. We have had a number of home invasions in our area so quick access is important.
I like that idea. How much $ was it? Can it hold a shotgun or rifle?
I would not underestimate the ability of an eight-year-old to get access to any gun, however secured.
I believe that the best way to "kid-proof" your guns is to "gun-proof" your kids.
Children who understand the following will be much safer than those that don't:
1 - Guns make unpleasantly loud noises when fired.
2 - Guns make holes in objects, animals, or people that are sufficient to kill them, causing extreme pain in the process.
3 - Unless you know for a certainty that a gun is not loaded, then it has the potential to fire and many people, including children, have died for misunderstanding this point.
4 - Mom and Dad are more than willing to supervise safe use of guns whenever the children desire it.
5 - Reports of unsupervised gun use will result in severe punishment.
Both of my daughters were educated to this level at the age of FOUR.