10 Apr 04

On "internal gun locks" from and LEO friend:

"I had a bad experience with built-in lock on a pistol, which taught me a lesson. I'm glad to be alive to relate it!

I recently acquired a Steyr M357. I really like the pistol but haven't qualified with it yet to carry on duty. However, I started carrying it off duty, just to get used to it. I've owned and carried revolvers, 1911s, and more recently, Glocks. None of these had a built-in lock. The Steyr does. A few weeks ago I locked the pistol for some reason that I can't remember. And, then I promptly forgot. After carrying this pistol concealed for another week or so, I took it out to check it. I did a normal chamber check. It was loaded, of course. I then unloaded it. When I attempted to dry fire, it, naturally, wouldn't fire. That internal lock worked real well! You can imagine what kind of idiot I felt like. Looks as if this operator needs some work. In my defense, I've never owned a pistol that could be "turned off" before now. I don't think internal locks on serious guns are a good idea!"

Comment: My opinion of internal gun locks is well known. Here is yet another example of how this ill-conceived notion is destined to cause far more injuries than it will ever prevent. My guns are all constantly "turned on." The ones I'm not carrying are locked away. Smart people will ignore internal locks and treat guns as if they weren't there. Guns that are "turned on" all the time are usually handled correctly and are available and functional when needed. Guns that are "turned off" are a menace, any way you want to look at them.

/John