For Pistols (Semi-Automatic)

1. Open the Action: Pull back the slide and engage the slide lock to keep the chamber open.
2. Thread the Cable: Insert the end of the cable through the ejection port (where spent casings exit) and guide it down through the empty magazine well.
3. Secure the Lock: Gently release the slide forward so it rests against the cable. Attach the cable end to the padlock, insert the key, and turn it clockwise to lock. Tug lightly to ensure it’s secure.
4. Remove the Key: Take the key out and store it separately (see Storage Tips below).

New Jersey State Law requires that all firearms must be stored, unloaded, in a securely locked gun safe or locked container, and all ammunition must be stored separately from the firearm. Bill 2783

By using your LockItUp.Life cable lock correctly, you’re taking a vital step toward preventing accidents and ensuring firearm safety. For additional resources or questions, contact the LockItUp.Life Safety Program at info@LockItUp.life

Top 10 Tips on Handling Firearms Safely

A Checklist for Responsibility

Use this checklist to ensure you’re handling your firearm safely every time. Cross off each step as you make it part of your routine—your safety depends on it.

• 1. Treat Every Firearm as Loaded
  Always assume a firearm is ready to fire, even if you think it’s unloaded.
• 2. Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger
  Rest your finger outside the trigger guard until you’re ready to shoot.
• 3. Point in a Safe Direction
  Never aim at anything you don’t intend to shoot—keep the muzzle pointed away from people and objects.
• 4. Unload Before Handling
  Remove all ammunition and confirm the chamber and magazine are empty before cleaning, locking, or storing.
• 5. Know Your Target and Beyond
  Be aware of what’s in front of and behind your target to avoid unintended harm.
• 6. Store Securely When Not in Use
  Lock your firearm with your Gun LOCKE cable lock and store it out of reach of unauthorized individuals.
• 7. Use Proper Ammunition
  Only load ammunition that matches your firearm’s specifications—check the manual or barrel markings.
• 8. Wear Eye and Ear Protection
  Protect yourself with safety glasses and earplugs or muffs when firing at a range.
• 9. Avoid Drugs and Alcohol
  Never handle a firearm if you’ve consumed alcohol or impairing substances—stay sharp and focused.
• 10. Educate Yourself Regularly
  Take a safety course or review guidelines annually to keep your skills and knowledge current.

Top 10 Checklist for Storing Firearms Safely

Secure Your Firearm, Protect Your Peace of Mind

Proper storage is the cornerstone of firearm safety. Use this checklist to ensure your firearm is stored securely every time. Cross off each step as you implement it—consistency saves lives.

• 1. Unload Before Storing
  Always remove all ammunition from the firearm. For example, with a handgun, eject the magazine and clear the chamber before locking it up.
• 2. Use a Cable Lock
  Secure the firearm with a Gun LOCKE cable lock. Thread the cable through the barrel or action (e.g., through a revolver’s cylinder or a rifle’s ejection port) and lock it with the padlock to prevent use.
• 3. Store in a Safe
  Place your locked firearm in a safe. For instance, a tall floor safe can hold multiple rifles and handguns, keeping them upright and organized behind a combination or key lock.
• 4. Opt for a Smaller Desktop Safe
  For quick access with security, use a smaller desktop safe. Example: Store a single pistol with its cable lock inside a biometric desktop safe on your nightstand, ensuring it’s locked and out of reach.
• 5. Separate Ammunition
  Keep ammo in a different locked location. For example, store bullets in a separate drawer with a padlock or in a small ammo box inside a tall floor safe, away from the firearm compartment.
• 6. Hide the Key or Code
  Store your cable lock key or safe combination securely. Example: Keep the key in a locked jewelry box or memorize the code for a tall floor safe instead of writing it near the safe.
• 7. Anchor Large Safes
  Bolt tall floor safes to the ground or wall. For instance, secure a 5-foot gun safe to your closet floor with anchor bolts to prevent tipping or theft.
• 8. Limit Access
  Ensure only authorized users can reach the firearm. Example: A smaller desktop safe with a fingerprint scanner restricts access to you, while a cable-locked rifle in a tall safe keeps it from curious hands.
• 9. Check Locks Regularly
  Inspect your storage devices for wear. For example, test the cable lock’s padlock monthly for rust, or ensure the hinges on a tall floor safe aren’t loose—replace anything compromised.
• 10. Educate Your Household
  Teach family members about storage safety without revealing access details. For instance, explain that the handgun in the desktop safe or the rifles in the tall floor safe are off-limits, reinforcing a “locked is safe” mindset.

Top 10 Checklist for Parents: Talking to Curious Kids About Firearm Safety

A Message from LockItUp.Life to Keep Your Family Safe

Children are naturally curious, and firearms can seem exciting or mysterious to them—especially if they see them in movies, games, or around the home. Without proper guidance, that curiosity could lead them to touch or play with a gun they find, putting everyone at risk. Use this checklist to talk to your kids about firearm safety in a clear, age-appropriate way. Cross off each step as you complete it to ensure they understand and respect the rules.

1. Start Early and Keep It Simple
Begin the conversation as soon as they’re old enough to understand (e.g., age 3-5). Say, “Guns are not toys—they’re dangerous tools only adults can use.” Use examples like, “It’s like a hot stove—you don’t touch it because it can hurt you.”

2. Explain the Danger, Not the Fun
Focus on the serious consequences, not the excitement. Tell them, “A gun can hurt or kill someone by accident, even if you’re just pretending.” Avoid glorifying guns—keep the tone firm, like, “This isn’t a game; it’s real life.”

3. Teach the ‘Stop and Tell’ Rule
Instruct them: “If you see a gun anywhere—at home, a friend’s house, or outside—stop, don’t touch it, and tell an adult right away.” Practice it with them: “What do you do if you find a gun under a couch?” (Answer: “Stop, leave it, tell you.”)

4. Show Them It’s Locked
Let them see your firearm secured with a LockItUp.Life cable lock or in a safe. Say, “See how it’s locked? That’s because only grown-ups with the key can use it.” Example: Show the padlock on the cable and explain, “No one can shoot it like this.”

5. Bust the Myths
Address what they see in media. Say, “In video games or movies, guns look cool, but real guns don’t work that way—they don’t have ‘reset’ buttons.” Ask, “What happens in a game if you shoot?” then contrast it with, “In real life, that can’t be undone.”

6. Role-Play Scenarios
Practice what to do if they find a gun. Example: “Pretend you’re at a friend’s house and see a gun on a table—what do you do?” Guide them to say, “I don’t touch it, I leave, and I tell an adult.” Reward them for getting it right!

7. Set Clear Rules and Consequences
Establish a firm boundary: “You never touch a gun, even if you think it’s fake. If you break this rule, [e.g., you’ll lose screen time for a month].” Make it clear this is non-negotiable, like crossing the street without looking.

8. Encourage Questions
Invite them to ask you anything about guns. Say, “If you’re curious, talk to me—I’ll explain it safely.” Example: If they ask, “What does it do?” respond, “It’s a tool for adults, but it’s locked up so no one gets hurt.”

9. Reinforce Adult Responsibility
Emphasize that guns are for grown-ups only. Tell them, “Kids don’t handle guns—just like you don’t drive a car or use the oven alone.” Example: “My job is to keep it locked; your job is to stay safe and tell me if you see one.”

10. Check In Regularly
Revisit the talk as they grow (e.g., every 6 months or after a news event). Ask, “Do you remember what to do if you find a gun?” or “Has anyone ever shown you one?” Keep it casual but consistent, like a safety drill.