How to Use a Cable Gun Lock

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Using a cable lock to lock your gun prevents it from being loaded and fired. Plus, it’s an easy, relatively cheap way to keep your guns safe while in storage. In this article, we’ll tell you exactly how to use a cable gun lock on pistols, shotguns, rifles, and revolvers. Keep reading to lock up your firearm to keep yourself and your family safe.

Things You Should Know

  • Always unload your firearm and put the safety on before locking it up.
  • For pistols, thread the cable lock through the ejection port and out the empty magazine slot. For shotguns and rifles, thread the cable lock through the ejection port and out the loading port.
  • To lock a revolver, thread the cable lock through the barrel, if you can. If not, thread the cable lock through 2 chambers in the cylinder.
  • Store the key to the cable lock separately from your firearm.
1

Unload the gun and put the safety on.

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  1. Take out the magazine if it has one, then double check that the chamber is empty. If your gun has a safety, put that on as well. [1]
    • To follow gun safety rules, always treat every gun like it’s loaded, even if you know it isn’t. Never point a gun at someone else, and keep your firearms away from children at all times.
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2

Unlock the cable lock.

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  1. Your cable lock will most likely come in the “locked” position with the key inside the lock. Turn the key to unlock the cable from the locking mechanism, and set the key aside. [2]
3

Thread the cable through the ejection port of the gun.

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  1. If you’re locking up a pistol, rack the slide to keep the chamber open. Then, slide the end of the cable through the ejection port of the gun. [3]
    • For a shotgun or a rifle, thread the cable lock through the ejection port and out of the loading port.
    • If you’re locking up a revolver, thread the cable through the barrel if possible. If not, thread the cable through 2 chambers in the cylinder instead. You can also thread the cable around the frame.
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4

Bring the cable out of the empty magazine slot.

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  1. Guide the cable out through the magazine slot, which is still empty. Your gun now cannot be loaded or fired without taking the cable lock off. [4]
5

Connect the cable lock and lock it with the key.

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  1. Grab the end of the cable lock that you pushed through your gun and connect it to the locking mechanism of the cable lock. Take the cable lock key and twist it clockwise to lock the cable lock to itself. [5]
    • Make sure that the cable lock is secure by tugging on the locking mechanism after you lock it. If the cable releases and opens up, try locking it again.
    • Some cable locks have a 3-digit combo instead of a key. If yours has a combination lock, simply scramble the numbers to lock it.
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6

Store the key separately from your firearms.

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  1. Now that your gun is locked with a cable lock, you can store it safely in a gun safe away from children. Store the key to your cable lock in a separate spot to keep it away from your firearms and any ammunition. [6]
7

Unlock the cable lock with the key when needed.

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  1. Whenever you want to use your gun, simply grab the key and twist it in the locking mechanism to unlock it. Then, pull the cable lock out of the gun. You can now load and fire your gun like normal. [7]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can cable locks damage a gun?
    Mark Schneider
    Firearms Instructor
    Mark Schneider is a Firearms Instructor based in Denver, Colorado. His journey into the world of firearms, novice gunsmithing, shooting, and tactics began nearly two decades ago. Over the course of his career, he has amassed over 18 years of firearms instruction experience and 10 years of security experience, predominantly in the realm of armed uniformed security. Mark has run a licensed security company and holds a license as an armed security guard with the City & County of Denver. Mark holds NRA certifications and has held multiple roles, including NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, NRA Inside The Home Protection Instructor, NRA Outside The Home Protection Instructor, NRA Refuse to Be a Victim Instructor, and NRA Chief Range Safety Officer. Mark’s extensive training history includes a wide array of tactical and security courses, encompassing advanced pistol, rifle, and shotgun training, close-quarter combat, ambushing tactics, and more.
    Mark Schneider
    Firearms Instructor
    Expert Answer
    No, cable locks will not damage firearms unless improperly installed, such as by forcing them into the action or chamber. Properly securing a gun with a cable lock during storage in a safe is safe and won't cause damage. However, it's crucial to store ammunition separately. While cable locks are suitable for securing firearms in stores, they may not be ideal for home defense guns, as unlocking the cable in an emergency could be time-consuming. It's recommended to use additional, more accessible security measures for home defense firearms to ensure quick and efficient access when needed.
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      Warnings

      • Always store your ammunition and keys away from your firearms. [8]
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      • Cable locks will deter small children, but they are easy to remove with only a little bit of effort. Always lock your firearms in a gun safe to follow gun safety rules.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/firearmsafety/docs/Firearm_Safety_Matters_Final.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/firearmsafety/docs/Firearm_Safety_Matters_Final.pdf
      3. ↑ https://cdn.masterlock.com/masterlock/resources/documents/pdfs/107_Cable_Gun_Lock_Instructions.pdf
      4. ↑ https://cdn.masterlock.com/masterlock/resources/documents/pdfs/107_Cable_Gun_Lock_Instructions.pdf
      5. ↑ https://health.ucdavis.edu/what-you-can-do/firearm-safety.html
      6. ↑ https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/firearmsafety/docs/Firearm_Safety_Matters_Final.pdf
      7. ↑ https://health.ucdavis.edu/what-you-can-do/firearm-safety.html
      8. ↑ https://health.ucdavis.edu/what-you-can-do/firearm-safety.html

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