There's been a bit of chatter lately about the new "smart guns", guns equipped with grips that feel your grip as to determine who is holding the gun. Only if the authorized user is holding the gun, is it supposed to be able to fire. I'd like to theorize a bit about the pitfalls of this ideology.
No, I'm not going to make the "lend it out", "change your grip" or "criminals would rip the safety out" arguments over again. I'd like to focus on the "information" aspect.
The following text is strictly speculation, based on no evidence whats however, I am merely fantasizing, bear with me or tune out.
From pictures, I venture to guess that these grips have pressure sensors in them at various places. The lock and key model applies to this perfectly. Just like a key needs to be of specific height at every pin, I guess that your grip would have to be of sufficient strength but not too strong at each sensor. Just like locks allow for small deviation in key tooth height, a gun locking system would have to allow for some slight deviation as well.
This deviation, let's call it "tolerance" will be a factor of great interest; too loose and the lock will open for every grip. Too tight and even an experienced shooter will not be able to operate his own firearm. Laws would have to be drafted to regulate this tolerance, if not, a gun grip producer could market grips with such tolerance that pretty anybody with the same grip technique and hand size could operate a locked firearm, even if it wasn't "registered" to him/her.
There's a bigger problem. This information would have to be stored in the locking device, and can therefor be tampered with. A chip burner would become a pretty wise investment for a black market gun dealer or straw purchaser. This is assuming that the information is stored on a chip. I suppose it could be a magnetic strip such as on the credit cards that get hijacked cloned and altered on a regular basis by fraudsters and identity thieves. Heck, it could be a flash memory chip for all I know, which would pose even less of a challenge.
This may sound like organized crime turf, but is it really? People who buy defensive guns want the most reliable ones. Your average gun owner just might decide to make his gun more reliable by loosening up the tolerances, defeating the purpose of making his gun childproof for one. Said gun would have a higher chance of unlocking for a criminal as well.
Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Russia recognizes rebels ... with poor trigger control.
So people are condemning Russia for recognising South Ossetia and Abkhazia as nations, broken away from Georgia. They declare two regions as nations, and the Russians are catching flak from everybody who disagreed with them on various other issues that have nothing to do with this, like from me:
What on earth are you thinking recognising this woman pictured with the worst trigger control in the history of photography as a resident of a sovereign state:
(picture from CNN, found here)
Honestly, I halfly expect that the safety on the other side of the reciever is one notch down.
If you're going to have your picture taken for the international press, and you're posing with a rifle that's got a magazine in there, keep your booger hook off the trigger!
On another note: I have no opinion on the local politics as I am not familliar with the region. The political content of this post is there for satire, I do not support either the independance of either state, or the preservation of the greater Georgian nation ... I don't care either way, ok?
What on earth are you thinking recognising this woman pictured with the worst trigger control in the history of photography as a resident of a sovereign state:
(picture from CNN, found here)
Honestly, I halfly expect that the safety on the other side of the reciever is one notch down.
If you're going to have your picture taken for the international press, and you're posing with a rifle that's got a magazine in there, keep your booger hook off the trigger!
On another note: I have no opinion on the local politics as I am not familliar with the region. The political content of this post is there for satire, I do not support either the independance of either state, or the preservation of the greater Georgian nation ... I don't care either way, ok?
Monday, February 4, 2008
Free gun locks in Omaha
In an effort to promote gun safety, Law enforcement officials are handing out free gun locks in Omaha.
"Free gun locks are available at police departments in Bellevue, Papillion and La Vista. They are also available at the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office, the Gretna City Hall, and the Sarpy/Cass County Department of Health and Wellness."
The article speaks of locks which obstruct the chamber, so none of those worthless trigger locks either. The locks in question are muck like padlocks with a long, flexible cable, allowing you to feed the cable through the mag well and out of the ejection port of a handgun, rifle or shotgun.
The locks actually obstruct the action of a firearm, and also allow the gun to be secured to a ring r other structural object.
If you're elegible to get one of these, by all means go and get one!
A quick reminder:
External trigger locks are worthless! They do not obstruct the action and thus often still allow the gun to be loaded and fired. They do not make it any harder for a criminal to steal the gun either.
For some quick advice on safe storage, please read my previous blog entry on the subject.
"Free gun locks are available at police departments in Bellevue, Papillion and La Vista. They are also available at the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office, the Gretna City Hall, and the Sarpy/Cass County Department of Health and Wellness."
The article speaks of locks which obstruct the chamber, so none of those worthless trigger locks either. The locks in question are muck like padlocks with a long, flexible cable, allowing you to feed the cable through the mag well and out of the ejection port of a handgun, rifle or shotgun.
The locks actually obstruct the action of a firearm, and also allow the gun to be secured to a ring r other structural object.
If you're elegible to get one of these, by all means go and get one!
A quick reminder:
External trigger locks are worthless! They do not obstruct the action and thus often still allow the gun to be loaded and fired. They do not make it any harder for a criminal to steal the gun either.
For some quick advice on safe storage, please read my previous blog entry on the subject.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Another passive security measure defeated.
Impact glass, laminated glass that is, has been hailed as a great way of keeping house safe from hurricane damage as well as criminals. However now it would seem that criminals have found a way to defeat this passive security measure.
By beating a small hole through the glass pane, they insert a metal wire to open the window, according to Andy Scalese from ADT Security. He calls a homeowners reaction to get a defensive weapon extreme, and instead advices more of his companies passive security measures, such as alarms that go off when a window is being battered, motion sensors and outdoor lighting.
Personally, I'd rather that a burglar be repelled by a motion activated sprinkler system, kept out by a steel cored door, anchored firmly into a section of concrete wall, denied entry by shutter-covered polycarbonate windows and videotaped by a motion activated camera as he enters my property. But all of those measures are horribly expensive! At least compared to a home defence gun. Doesn't require a subscription to a security company, doesn' cease to function when there's a power failure and doesn't have to be pried loose (which should be hard if the security measure are decent) when you move.
You can carry a defensive firearm most everywhere you go, and although it's not a magical tailesman that will ward of people of bad intent, it'll surely beat being empty handed should the need for self defence ever arise.
By beating a small hole through the glass pane, they insert a metal wire to open the window, according to Andy Scalese from ADT Security. He calls a homeowners reaction to get a defensive weapon extreme, and instead advices more of his companies passive security measures, such as alarms that go off when a window is being battered, motion sensors and outdoor lighting.
Personally, I'd rather that a burglar be repelled by a motion activated sprinkler system, kept out by a steel cored door, anchored firmly into a section of concrete wall, denied entry by shutter-covered polycarbonate windows and videotaped by a motion activated camera as he enters my property. But all of those measures are horribly expensive! At least compared to a home defence gun. Doesn't require a subscription to a security company, doesn' cease to function when there's a power failure and doesn't have to be pried loose (which should be hard if the security measure are decent) when you move.
You can carry a defensive firearm most everywhere you go, and although it's not a magical tailesman that will ward of people of bad intent, it'll surely beat being empty handed should the need for self defence ever arise.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
10 year anniversary at PAX
PAX, a nonprofit organisation that promotes gun safety, will be celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.
While pax can still be stamped as a gun control group, they're either far more sensible -or subtle- than almost all other such groups. They recognise that gun violence is a big deal, and they focus on children in particular. An example of their moderation: they hold high the number of eight children deaths per day, and distinguish between true children and teenagers. As opposed to say, the Coalition to stop gun violence, whose figure of 17 includes adults over 19 and criminals killed by police officers.
For good measure, less than 500 children of 14 or under died from gunfire (accidental, homicide and suicide) in '99, and in the age group 0-19, there were only 214 positively accidental deaths (there were 80 deaths of unknown intent) Numbers can be found here, another site which advocates responsible gun related behavior when kids are present.
What does pax like to hammer on? Leaving loaded guns lying around where children can get to them is irresponsible! How could anybody not agree with that? I've written a lenghty piece on safe storage myself. They do go a little overboard on some things, such as demanding that guns are to be stored unloaded, and live rounds should be kept in a seperate location.
They also insist that criminals can be stopped by vigilant, law abiding people. By informing the proper authorities of suspicious behavior, school shootings and alike could be prevented. (speak up campaign) They also support verifying that your children aren't exposed to guns that are not under your control, when spending time with another family. (ask campaign)
What's so striking about their campaigning, is that they are not demonizing guns, or gun owners. They are demonizing irresponsible behavior, rightfully so in my opinion. Their is of course the aftertaste when you go looking for "ask if there's a dangerous dog in the house, corrosive chemicals or car keys lying around", and find those completely absent. I suppose one must focus his/her efforts I suppose. A pitty, seeing that firearms are nowhere near the top causes of children deaths. Scaleable forts and ladders, for example, pose a much larger threat than guns do.
This is a gun control organisation, but they for one are worth giving a fair hearing.
While pax can still be stamped as a gun control group, they're either far more sensible -or subtle- than almost all other such groups. They recognise that gun violence is a big deal, and they focus on children in particular. An example of their moderation: they hold high the number of eight children deaths per day, and distinguish between true children and teenagers. As opposed to say, the Coalition to stop gun violence, whose figure of 17 includes adults over 19 and criminals killed by police officers.
For good measure, less than 500 children of 14 or under died from gunfire (accidental, homicide and suicide) in '99, and in the age group 0-19, there were only 214 positively accidental deaths (there were 80 deaths of unknown intent) Numbers can be found here, another site which advocates responsible gun related behavior when kids are present.
What does pax like to hammer on? Leaving loaded guns lying around where children can get to them is irresponsible! How could anybody not agree with that? I've written a lenghty piece on safe storage myself. They do go a little overboard on some things, such as demanding that guns are to be stored unloaded, and live rounds should be kept in a seperate location.
They also insist that criminals can be stopped by vigilant, law abiding people. By informing the proper authorities of suspicious behavior, school shootings and alike could be prevented. (speak up campaign) They also support verifying that your children aren't exposed to guns that are not under your control, when spending time with another family. (ask campaign)
What's so striking about their campaigning, is that they are not demonizing guns, or gun owners. They are demonizing irresponsible behavior, rightfully so in my opinion. Their is of course the aftertaste when you go looking for "ask if there's a dangerous dog in the house, corrosive chemicals or car keys lying around", and find those completely absent. I suppose one must focus his/her efforts I suppose. A pitty, seeing that firearms are nowhere near the top causes of children deaths. Scaleable forts and ladders, for example, pose a much larger threat than guns do.
This is a gun control organisation, but they for one are worth giving a fair hearing.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Minimal gun locker requirements.
Firearms should be stored in a safe and responsible fashion. Being small, lightweight and expensive, they are great pickings for criminals bent on quick cash. Guns of less monetary worth could be used for other crimes, or even turned on you should an intruder lay hands on them.
Another peril is a child coming across a firearm. I'm well aware that children can be taught to not touch guns, as I learned these lessons from both my birth father and my stepfather. Aged seven I knew not to touch my fathers target pistol, which he never needed lock up from me. In retrospect, he probably kept it unloaded at all times when not out at the range.
Still, no matter how well you have taught your children, they should never be allowed to handle firearms without your knowing, preferably under you supervision. If your child ever brings a friend over, there could be a child without even the basest firearm safety lessons learned under your roof.
You probably know that concealment doesn't equal cover, the same applies to your firearms. Just because they're not in plain sight, or even difficult to reach for younglings, doesn't mean he/she/they won't come across them. in the long run, your kids will be peeking at and into every closet and corner of your house. Guns shouldn't be in unlocked cupboards, or in a box on top of a tall closet, they should only be accessible to you.
Trigger locks are not a viable option. Guns equipped with these locks can still be stolen, and in some cases even be fired with the lock in place! A gun equipped with one of these is in no way to be considered safe. Safe gun locks are available though, they usually block the chamber, running from the breech through the barrel, out the muzzle. Other locks may pass through magwell and ejection port.
A decent safe or locker maybe cheaper than buying locks for your entire collection, and even guns equipped with state of the art locks can still be stolen and forcibly unlocked at another location.
In come locked doors. Ideally, you could have a true gunsafe, which is secure both from children, burglars, fire and even moisture thanks to a built-in desiccant compartment. Many safes are very heavy, making it impractical fro a burglar to run off with the entire thing.
Almost as good are sturdy closets, dressers, (foot)lockers or cupboards which can be properly locked.
Just the lock will probably deter most "in it for the quick pickings" burglars, but not one who has already established that you're not home, and whose curiosity has been spiked by a locked door. Criminals know that a locked door inside a house frequently stands between them and quick cash. chances are they'll pass on breaking it open if they're busy hauling out a TV, X-box and an assortment of jewelery, but if they can pick up the locked box and take it with them, they just might. Bolting the locker to a brick or concrete wall is an option.
If you'd still like to be able to move the locker around, you can bolt a ring into the wall and make a small cut into the back of the locker so you can attach it to the ring with a padlock on the INSIDE of your makeshift safe. You shouldn't be able to move the safe around if it's locked against the wall. Easier than a ring would be an L-shaped piece of metal, one end is bolted to the wall with a screw and washer, the other part which points away from the wall can slide through a small slit into the locker, where a padlock can be attached.
The locker should not be easy to disassemble. A lock is no good if all you need to remove the front door is a screwdriver in order to pass it by. Other weak points are the hinges. They should be welded onto the inside of the locker. If they're on the outside, they could be smashed or cut, if they're screwed, the screw could be drilled.
The locks on the front too, should be protected by the metal plating. Padlocks Are the worst of all, they can be cute in a matter of seconds with a pair of bolt cutters, drilled with a portable drill, or circumvented by cutting the piece connecting it to the door.
A lock which protrudes outside of the box can have it's cover removed with minimal force, and might be prone to being turned with a pair of pliers.
A steel/aluminium dresser which has been welded together and bolted to a wall, has no external hinges and a lock which does not protrude from the door makes a great gunsafe, which keeps your guns safe from all but the most determined criminals, and keeps your children and their peers safe as well.
Another option is to convert a walk in closet to a walk in gunsafe by equipping it with a hard to break door, deadbolt and internal hinges. Essentially the same, only bigger.
Next up, home workshop passive Desiccant containers.
Thank you Zonk, for pointing out some typo's
Another peril is a child coming across a firearm. I'm well aware that children can be taught to not touch guns, as I learned these lessons from both my birth father and my stepfather. Aged seven I knew not to touch my fathers target pistol, which he never needed lock up from me. In retrospect, he probably kept it unloaded at all times when not out at the range.
Still, no matter how well you have taught your children, they should never be allowed to handle firearms without your knowing, preferably under you supervision. If your child ever brings a friend over, there could be a child without even the basest firearm safety lessons learned under your roof.
You probably know that concealment doesn't equal cover, the same applies to your firearms. Just because they're not in plain sight, or even difficult to reach for younglings, doesn't mean he/she/they won't come across them. in the long run, your kids will be peeking at and into every closet and corner of your house. Guns shouldn't be in unlocked cupboards, or in a box on top of a tall closet, they should only be accessible to you.
Trigger locks are not a viable option. Guns equipped with these locks can still be stolen, and in some cases even be fired with the lock in place! A gun equipped with one of these is in no way to be considered safe. Safe gun locks are available though, they usually block the chamber, running from the breech through the barrel, out the muzzle. Other locks may pass through magwell and ejection port.
A decent safe or locker maybe cheaper than buying locks for your entire collection, and even guns equipped with state of the art locks can still be stolen and forcibly unlocked at another location.
In come locked doors. Ideally, you could have a true gunsafe, which is secure both from children, burglars, fire and even moisture thanks to a built-in desiccant compartment. Many safes are very heavy, making it impractical fro a burglar to run off with the entire thing.
Almost as good are sturdy closets, dressers, (foot)lockers or cupboards which can be properly locked.
Just the lock will probably deter most "in it for the quick pickings" burglars, but not one who has already established that you're not home, and whose curiosity has been spiked by a locked door. Criminals know that a locked door inside a house frequently stands between them and quick cash. chances are they'll pass on breaking it open if they're busy hauling out a TV, X-box and an assortment of jewelery, but if they can pick up the locked box and take it with them, they just might. Bolting the locker to a brick or concrete wall is an option.
If you'd still like to be able to move the locker around, you can bolt a ring into the wall and make a small cut into the back of the locker so you can attach it to the ring with a padlock on the INSIDE of your makeshift safe. You shouldn't be able to move the safe around if it's locked against the wall. Easier than a ring would be an L-shaped piece of metal, one end is bolted to the wall with a screw and washer, the other part which points away from the wall can slide through a small slit into the locker, where a padlock can be attached.
The locker should not be easy to disassemble. A lock is no good if all you need to remove the front door is a screwdriver in order to pass it by. Other weak points are the hinges. They should be welded onto the inside of the locker. If they're on the outside, they could be smashed or cut, if they're screwed, the screw could be drilled.
The locks on the front too, should be protected by the metal plating. Padlocks Are the worst of all, they can be cute in a matter of seconds with a pair of bolt cutters, drilled with a portable drill, or circumvented by cutting the piece connecting it to the door.
A lock which protrudes outside of the box can have it's cover removed with minimal force, and might be prone to being turned with a pair of pliers.
A steel/aluminium dresser which has been welded together and bolted to a wall, has no external hinges and a lock which does not protrude from the door makes a great gunsafe, which keeps your guns safe from all but the most determined criminals, and keeps your children and their peers safe as well.
Another option is to convert a walk in closet to a walk in gunsafe by equipping it with a hard to break door, deadbolt and internal hinges. Essentially the same, only bigger.
Next up, home workshop passive Desiccant containers.
Thank you Zonk, for pointing out some typo's
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