Master Lock Trigger Lock 94DSPT - Torture test

[BigJ]

I was looking for a trigger lock (Ca approved, or not) that would render my firearms unusable. Searching Amazon, I came across this one:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004SQM9/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I mentioned this in another thread and someone responded saying they used a similar one (key lock, not combo) and that it was, basically, worthless. They were able to pull it apart with nothing more than a couple of channel lock pliers. Reading the Amazon reviews though I was left thinking this lock was the best thing since sliced bread. So what's up with that?

Rather than take others' word for it, I bought one, figuring it was cheap enough to try and destroy, to learn for myself.

Test 1:








I set the lock to about half way (not fully out, but not fully compressed either) and pried with as much force as I felt safe doing, and the lock didn't budge. The dials still spin, and the slide still works (ie you can lock and unlock just as normal). I'd call that a pass.

By the way I don't exactly consider this a realistic test; its more of a worst case. There'd be no way to wedge a prybar in there like I did with the lock installed. At least, not without seriously damaging (maybe breaking?) the gun in the process.

Any other tests you'd like to see me try? If I can do it, I will.

PS: I have no financial interest in this at all; I don't work for Amazon, Master Lock or anything related. This is simply the result of me searching for a good quality trigger lock, and trying to find this particular one's limits.

[Condorguns]

Here is my take on any trigger lock designed like this.

First if you are locking a completely unloaded firearm this will work great for you.

NEVER LOCK A LOADED FIREARM WITH THIS LOCK DESIGN!!!!!

Trigger locks like this are designed to lock behind the trigger. That setup is dang near impossible in lots of firearms. Most of the time you will be locking in front of the trigger and this is beyond dangerous.

A few years ago on a slow day in the shop we decided to test this. Put the Master lock on an unloaded revolver. We were able to open the cylinder, load the gun, cock the hammer, and then fire by jerking the entire lock assembly backward. We were able to do the same with a semi ( load mag, cycle slide, and fire).

I changed to cable locks after that.

Yes cable locks can be cut off, and trigger locks can be pried off. I have done both many times. If you have someone who wants to get into your gun SO bad they are willing to cut and or pry you are not going to stop them. I'm more worried about accidents, and these are a accident waiting to happen.

[BigJ]

Yes, never use this lock on a loaded firearm. There are at least a half dozen warnings about this all over the package, instructions and the lock itself.

You most certainly can use this lock set to in front of the trigger. It has both rigid and spring loaded fingers that compress and extend, that are designed to contour to the trigger guard. When installed correctly, those fingers act as a form fit wall that totally prevents the lock from moving inside the trigger guard, and therefore preventing you from using the lock to pull the trigger. The instructions discuss this in detail.

With your comments in mind, I just went out and tried that exact test and once I made sure the lock was installed correctly (you have to put the two halves on either side of the trigger guard, compress them together and wiggle it a little bit to set the fingers. I don't see how the lock can move once its in this position? Basically, as I understand it, if you can move the lock once its installed, its not installed correctly.

[jben]

BigJ,
If you're looking for a stout lock, take a look at Pro-Lok:

https://www.pro-lok.com/pc-131-95-gl650ka-instant-access-gunlock-keyed-alike.aspx

User-adjustable to fit almost any handgun and can be set to be "locked" but open with a press of two buttons.

[BigJ]

BigJ,
If you're looking for a stout lock, take a look at Pro-Lok:

https://www.pro-lok.com/pc-131-95-gl650ka-instant-access-gunlock-keyed-alike.aspx

User-adjustable to fit almost any handgun and can be set to be "locked" but open with a press of two buttons.

Interesting. I'll check it out. Thanks!

[olddirtygerm]

I have a few of the Masterlock combination trigger locks and haven't had any problems. The guns I use these on are not loaded and I believe they advise you not to use these on a loaded gun

[RobertMW]

Nope, the Masterlock is a POS. Back when I got my first handgun this looked like a good idea. 9/10 you can't get it in a positions that the little plastic "fingers" in a position that will reasonably fix the lock in position. This lock also does not, as pointed out above, disable the action in any way. Anyone can still lock and load the firearm, and then manipulate the trigger lock mechanism to do some damage. You are MUCH better off with a small lockbox, barely bigger than the firearm itself and usually easy to lock down on a cable to make theft a task, rather than a walk in the park.

[BigJ]

Huh. Well I'll try it on a couple more guns tomorrow and let ya'll know how it goes (only have tried it on a K31 and M1917; in neither case was I able to pull / use it to pull the trigger with it installed). I have to admit I'll be surprised if I can't install it in such a way where it won't budge.

[piker]

Does anyone know why this trigger lock is not California-approved?

[kmas]

Try this

This worked - try it.

It can always be returned within 30 days

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M5K9DYO/ref=asc_df_B01M5K9DYO5055755/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=395033&creativeASIN=B01M5K9DYO&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167128855192&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4655496953063631306&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031172&hvtargid=pla-310273237329