Will a cable lock harm my guns?

[jerdog3]

I don't have a gun safe for my rifles so I store the bolts in my handgun safe. I don't like storing my guns in a way that makes them useless in an emergency, but until I get a bigger place, and can get a big gun safe, it seems like the best alternative to the cable lock.
I figured a gunsmith can answer the question of whether or not a cable lock would harm my gun, or if storing them without the bolt would for some reason cause harm?
I don't like the idea of leaving the bolt open on my semiauto rifles for most of the year as that seems to be doing something to the spring that's not "normal" for extended periods of time. I also don't like the idea of slowly releasing the bolt and letting it press against the lock in an almost closed position, as that's definitely not a "normal" position for storage.
Thank you!

[mossy]

Most modern cable locks have rubber coating over the cable to protect the guns. Leaving a spring compressed does not damage it, rapid compression and release damages Springs. That's why you can leave a magazine loaded for years. Cable locks are not high security locks i can pick them in seconds and a the cables can be cut. Just because you use them does not mean that a motivated individual can't open them. Save the money and get a proper safe.


I am not a gunsmith, I know locks. Cable locks are a joke and won't keep your guns safe. I am not a trained locksmith, I pick locks for fun and I can have a cable lock open in seconds. They never use security pins.

[jericho89]

if care is taken a cable lock will not damage your gun. But as stated it will not protect your gun either. It will deter a kid from using the gun (But they will possibly cause damage to the firearm if they try to manipulate the forearm with the lock in) but will not protect against theft or a normal person defeating the lock system. Cable locks is the government feel good way of securing guns. Does not stop real crime but makes you thing you are doing the right thing.

[HardwoodRods]

Won't hurt anything but also won't deter theft

[edgerly779]

Does not satisfy transport requirments either.



just for the kids.

[Geared Hub]

Cable locks AND a safe is a good idea if you live in an area if your tools boxes/safes get cut into.

You loop your guns into cable lock all together as a unit, that way if someone cuts a hole on the top or side of the safe, they can't reach in and pull out rifles one by one.

I grant that it is an extreme case, but I'd do it for long term storage.

Cable locks by themselves? I guess something is better than nothing.

Maybe pick up one of those 120-140$ residential security containers, the stack on lockers?

[readysetgo]

Maybe, but not anywhere near as bad as dropping your gun on the carpet!

Get some foam wrestling mats. Drop protection and when you're done training you can hide the gun in the middle of the foam.