Best Gun Trigger Locks For Pistols & Rifles: By A Master Gunsmith
- Ariel Babinsky
- Oct 1
- 13 min read
Updated: Nov 5
Are you looking for an easy-to-use, durable trigger lock? I personally tested the most popular options on Amazon and here's my ultimate ranking.
FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing.
1. AINIRO - Biometric Wall-Mount Gun Trigger Lock
Highlight: Adaptable for most firearms; can save up to 50 fingerprints.
Recently I came into possession of a couple of different models of the Ainiro biometric trigger lock. One lock is a portable or stand-alone version and the other a wall mount version. Here I am talking specifically about the wall mounted trigger lock. This is really a neat option for not only safely and securely storing a firearm but for having that firearm on display and or just readily accessible.
This kit comes with two pieces, first is the trigger lock section that is attached to a mounting plate that has two pre-drilled holes in it. Second there is a little shelf that also has two pre-drilled holes in it. This shelf is what you would use to place the fore-grip or front section of a long gun on for support. I mounted an AR-10 in a vertical position and used this to slide the barrel in between the arms of the shelf and rest the front handguard on the arms. If you are wanting to mount a handgun all you need to do is mount the trigger lock assembly to the wall or other firm surface and you are good to go. They do include the necessary screws and drywall anchors allowing you to mount this set-up anywhere. I would recommend at least mounting one screw from each component into a wall stud if you are mounting onto drywall just for the added strength/security.
This biometric trigger lock is a phenomenal piece of equipment. It operates based off either a pin code that can be set by the operator or a fingerprint. It also has a set of keys as a back up in the event the trigger lock loses its charge or something along those lines.
The personal pin code must be set first before you can do the fingerprints. The four numbered buttons 1,2,3, and 4 have a raised dot on each that corresponds with its number so even in low light the user can feel what number they are touching and be able to unlock the trigger lock via the pin code. The instructions for setting the personal pin and the fingerprints are quite simple and extremely easy to understand. The fingerprint or biometric scanner is impressive. This trigger lock can store 50+ fingerprints. So not only can you have multiple users, but you can store multiple of your own fingerprints. I stored both thumbs and index fingers. Which is great because now when uncasing my firearm there is no fumbling with where to find the key slot or input numbers on a tumbler lock. I can maintain muzzle awareness of the firearm and safely unlock the trigger guard. In a tactical situation this again gives the user the advantage of being able to operate this lock no matter the hand he or she is holding the firearm with versus operating the lock.
Also, this biometric scanner will read your fingerprint from any angle presented giving a good 360-degree use of the biometric scanner.
An outstanding feature is that this trigger lock is the fact that it is rechargeable. You simply plug in the USB cord that is included in the package and in just an hour or, so the lock is fully charged. Once fully charged this lock will maintain the charge under normal use for months. So, this relieves the stress of worrying about if the batteries are still good or having to constantly swap out expensive batteries every other month or so.
This trigger lock can securely hold a wide array of firearms via the six spring loaded pins arrayed around the center post that will conform around all distinctive styles of triggers and trigger guards making this piece of equipment very versatile. I tried it on everything from large and small framed handguns to hunting rifles and shotguns and opted to secure my AR-10 with this set up. There is padding on each side of this lock so as you slide the two halves together it will not mark or damage the finish to your firearm. As for speed of access, once the personal code or fingerprint is entered this lock unlocks in less than half a second. If this is being used for a home defense type of situation this makes for a great benefit to the user.
There are pros and cons to mounting a firearm where it is potentially visible. However, if this is something someone is looking to do this is really a budget-friendly option at less than a hundred dollars.
Get it from Amazon now: $52.99 & FREE Returns
2. Master Lock - 90DSPT Gun Trigger Lock with Key
Highlight: Steel and zinc body.
This is a trigger lock made by Master. I mean, come on, that is the industry name in locks. What's not to love? The lock is keyed; this is my preferred method of securing guns, mainly because it will never have a dead battery or forgotten combo.
The kit on Amazon shows one or three packs. The three-pack locks are all keyed alike, which is fantastic. I wish they offered this in a 50-pack and all the locks are keyed the same, so I could get rid of the key ring of doom. Maybe I need to send them a request to make that special for me. I will let ya know later if that can be ordered.
Like all trigger locks, this is NOT made to secure a loaded gun. The bolt, or whatever it's actually called, fits through the trigger guard and sits right on the trigger basically. If this trigger lock is moved, there is a chance it can discharge the gun, and that is a catastrophic failure of the gunner, not the lock.
The body of this lock is steel and zinc, making it as tough as a master paddlock. The lock is a standard brass lock to help with weather concerns, but it is on a gun or a shed door, so I am sure that will not be an issue.
The box has a warning or advice. It seems that this may not work on some guns, like lever-action guns without a trigger guard. I have no idea what lever-action gun that is, but that is concerning. There are some guns where the trigger guard is the whole handle. One example from Europe comes to mind, but right now I can't think of the brand. This will not work on that or anything like that either. A super thick or over-thin guard frame may have a problem, but in everything in my safe, this works like a champ, just as I would expect it to.
Get it from Amazon now: $34.91 & FREE Returns
3. Lockforall - 15" Cable Gun Locks with Keys
Highlight: Larger packs available.
This gun lock is a cable style that is placed through the action to ensure the gun is not loaded and cannot be fired. The cable is coated in heavy plastic, so it will not damage the gun in any way. The cable is 15 inches long, so it will fit in everything I can think of, except for a break-action gun. There is no frame to run this through.
Here is the great part: I can get an 80-pack, all keyed alike, from this manufacturer, which makes me happy. Maybe I will use that option for training days, as I will know for sure each gun on the table has an open action before standing out front talking to students.
One thing about this cable lock and the range I have been considering is to get a bike lock. This long pigtail-style lock curls up into nearly a ball, and put a padlock on it around the shooting bench. Then put the gun lock through the gun and the bike lock, so when I walk down range to check targets and stuff, that gun is not only safe, but secure.
Get it from Amazon now: $23.99 & FREE Returns
4. RioRand - 3-Digit Combination Gun Lock
Highlight: Best value for money.
This lock will keep fingers out of the trigger guard, and it does that very well. The dials on the combination tumblers are loose and built cheaply. This trigger guard will work, and if that is all that someone can afford, it is better than nothing at all.
I hate to bash folks in the gun world. We all get enough of that, so I will not go deeply into build quality. This lock costs under 10 buck, or 5 for just under 40.
You can determine the build and material quality from there. The lock does work, but I am not confident on it opening every time with the combination dials seeming like they skip turning the tumblers at times, and maybe that was just the one I had in hand. I would never use this on a gun I may need in a relative hurry, but to lock up an air gun from curious fingers, yes, all day long.
Get it from Amazon now: $39.99 & FREE Returns
5. AINIRO - Quick-Access Trigger Lock for Firearms
Highlight: 12-month warranty.
Trigger locks for firearms are something I use quite often. I tend to use them in my gun shop for firearms on the bench and in various forms of repair or processing. I also like to use trigger locks for hunting. When I am bouncing from pond to pond or one spot to the next chasing small-game or birds I like to slide my firearm into a soft case with a trigger lock on it. However, especially with the hunting part I get frustrated easily with most trigger locks. I find myself fumbling with the small key in the low light times, searching for the key and am always concerned about losing the key.
I just came into possession of a couple of different models of the Ainiro biometric trigger lock. One lock is a portable or stand-alone version and the other a wall mount version. Here I am talking specifically about the portable trigger lock. The Ainiro biometric trigger lock model- GL-001 is a phenomenal piece of equipment. It operates based off either a pin code that can be set by the operator or a fingerprint. It also has a set of keys as a back up in the event the trigger lock loses its charge or something along those lines.
The fingerprint or biometric scanner is impressive. This trigger lock can store 50+ fingerprints. So not only can you have multiple users, but you can store multiple of your own fingerprints. I stored both thumbs and index fingers. Which is great because now when uncasing my firearm there is no fumbling with where to find the key slot or input numbers on a tumbler lock. I can maintain muzzle awareness of the firearm and safely unlock the trigger guard. In a tactical situation this again gives the user the advantage of being able to operate this lock no matter the hand he or she is holding the firearm with versus operating the lock. Also, this biometric scanner will read your fingerprint from any angle presented giving a good 360-degree use of the biometric scanner.
The four numbered buttons 1,2,3, and 4 have a raised dot on each that corresponds with its number so even in low light the user can feel what number they are touching and be able to unlock the trigger lock via the pin code.
Moving on from the ease of operation. Let talk about the set up. Setting up was extremely simple. The instruction manual was easy to read and took absolutely no time to set my code and set my fingerprints.
The trigger lock came charged, but I went ahead and plugged it in just to be safe. Yes, I said, charged. I love the fact that these charge with a basic USB cable. I have multiple gun safes around my house and a huge frustration is that every 6 months I am making the rounds swapping out AA and AAA batteries. I am sure we have all experienced the frustration of wanting to access a safe and the batteries are dead. This trigger lock boasts the ability to maintain a charge for over 140 days. Having the ability to charge this trigger lock with a USB cord makes it quite simple and convenient to just plug it in periodically and never have to worry about losing access to your firearm.
I like the fact that there are six pins arrayed around the center post that will conform around all distinctive styles of triggers and trigger guards making this piece of equipment very versatile. I tried it on everything from large and small framed handguns to hunting rifles and shotguns and even my Mini-14 and this lock worked great on all the different platforms. There is padding on each side of this lock so as you slide the two halves together it will not mark or damage the finish to your firearm.
If everything else was not good enough with this trigger lock the last thing to mention is that once unlocked by either the biometric scanner or by inputting a pin code this will unlock in less than half a second and the two halves will just slide apart from one another. Making for a very speedy access time. For what you get with this trigger lock between the security it offers, ease of use and versatility, I do not think there is a better option on the market today.
Get it from Amazon now: $40.99 & FREE Returns
6. USonline911 - Set of 10 Keyed Alike Trigger Gun Locks
Highlight: Comes in a 10 pack, all keyed alike.
The description for the manufacturer says these are unbranded. I thought I would check that out because they look and feel a lot like the Master trigger lock. So whoever makes these, well done. For looks, this trigger lock wins. The paint job is fantastic. I may get a box or two of these for the gun show table, just because they look so dang good. They work and feel like a more expensive lock, and for a ten-pack under 50 bucks, how can I go wrong? All of them come keyed alike so that makes me happy.
The lock body is made from metal. I can't tell what kind of metal it is, due to the coating job, but it's heavy like steel, not like cheap pot metal or magnesium. The lock is also black anodized. I'm not an expert, but it adds to the tuxedo-looking trigger lock beauty.
The insdie jaws are lined with heavy rubber so it will not damage the gun, and it does hold very tight in palce. With that said, this is a trigger lock and not to be used to secure a loaded gun.
Get it from Amazon now: $64.99 & FREE Returns
7. Lockforall - Universal Trigger Gun Locks
Highlight: Simple keyed lock, but comes in a 20-pack all keyed alike.
20 trigger locks in a pack for under 100 bucks, what's not to love? I like the simplicity of this offering. The combination and key locks seem like a great idea. However, I have had similar setups fail in the past and had to be cut off because there was too much going on in a tiny space.
This lock looks good, made of heavy and light materials, so it will stand up to the test of time, as long as the locking mechanism keeps working. The lock appears to be high quality and feels like quality when I turn the key, with no slop or grinding.
My favorite part is the quantity of locks available in a pack, all keyed alike. I don't know how to test the build quality and durability of a trigger lock. It's just a weirdly shaped padlock that fits in the trigger guard. This one feels and acts like a quality choice for a safety tool. It will work for a long time. If it fails, simply get another one from the drawer and change it out. It comes with 19 siblings.
Get it from Amazon now: $15.99 & FREE Returns
8. Master Lock - Black Trigger Guard for Pistols & Rifles
Highlight: Allows you to set your own code.
This Master Lock is much the same as the keyed style lock, with the obvious exception of the combination code. Master has made these so I can set my own three-digit code. This means a box of these could all be the same, which is good, especially because the key cannot be left in the truck when I take the Navigator.
Here is the flaw in this logic. As a red-blooded man, I am honor-bound to use the code 007, like all the other guys in the world, so we all have the same combo. I am sure the only reason this is limited to three numbers is to keep the size compact. I did see a "new" trigger lock at Shotshow that offered some really fancy stuff, and it was the size of my wallet, and I lost all warm and fuzzy feelings when I saw that.
This trigger lock will work on almost all guns in the world, except for those that do not have a trigger guard or have a full hand trigger guard. In such cases, this option is not the one. This trigger guard interacts directly with the trigger itself, so loaded guns cannot be secured with this lock. If the lock is pushed or pried, it may move the trigger and discharge the gun, resulting in massive failure on the gun owner.
The inside of the trigger guard is heavy rubber padding and will not mar or scratch the gun finish. The lock is secured with a four-pin tumbler for resistance to picks or someone who thinks they can pick a lock.
Get it from Amazon now: $23.22 & FREE Returns
9. Lockforall - 3-Digit Combination Lock
Highlight: New design on an old school application.
This idea may be my favorite one for trigger locks yet. It uses a combination code and a key backup (as they call it) just in case. When the box of trigger locks arrives, all the keys will be the same, and the codes can be changed by the owner. This means that grandkids' air guns can have a trigger lock that they can use, remember the code, and open at the range. If they forget, Granddad can save the day with the key in my pocket.
My one issue, and it is not a deal breaker, is the size of this lock. Because it is basically two locks in one, it is way thicker than the frame of the gun, even on some rifles, wider than the stock. This would be a problem if this is used for a nightstand gun, or in some pistol safes, and in my sheepskin and suede bag, it stretches the zipper when I close it.
To set the combination, or as they say, code, it comes with a tiny screwdriver that is used to push the reset lever inside the lock. Then just dial the code you need, of course, mine would again have to be 007, and let the screwdriver off the pressure and it is ready to go. The key side is solid and well-built. The body of the lock is metal and coated with a plastic dip to prevent damage.
This lock touches the trigger when in use, so of course, it cannot be used to secure a loaded gun. For reasons of safety, if the lock is maneuvered, the locking bar may touch the trigger and the gun may discharge, resulting in possible damage or even death, so don't freaking do it!
Get it from Amazon now: $18.99 & FREE Returns