GUN LOCK

Abstract

A low visibility gun lock to prevent the unauthorized use of a firearm which includes a lock case shaped to be received in a cartridge chamber of the firearm and a rod assembly having both a central rod configured to interengage with the lock case and a muzzle sleeve attached to the central rod in an rotational engagement such that the muzzle sleeve rotates relative to the central rod. The low visibility gun lock further including a key form within the muzzle sleeve which is fixed relative to the central rod which allows a key configured to pass through the muzzle sleeve to engage and rotate the key form without rotating the muzzle sleeve.

Description

The invention of this application relates to gun locks and, more particularly, to a gun lock that is easy to use and is virtually invisible to allow display of the firearm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Firearm locks are known in the industry and have been used for many years for any one of a number of reasons. These reasons include lock designs that merely prevent the unwanted use of a firearm by others (such as by kids) to those which are configured to prevent the theft or any other use besides that of the owner. These gun locks include trigger locks which are a combination tumbler or key locking arrangement that encloses the trigger assembly of a firearm which prevents the unwanted use of the weapon. When the owner wishes to use the weapon, the gun owner unlocks the trigger lock which then allows free access to the trigger assembly. However, while the trigger lock prevents full use of the firearm, the trigger lock is limited to the trigger assembly wherein the unwanted user could actuate the hammer and discharge the weapon. Further, the trigger lock assembly is designed to and does produce a visual detractor wherein the observer would quickly notice the trigger lock assembly, the trigger being locked. While this is advantageous for those who only wish to lock their firearm, this arrangement is not well suited for those who wish to display their firearms. Thus, the trigger lock is an effective locking system for use with a wide range of weapons, but it can be less effective for those who wish to store a loaded firearm and it is a visual detraction for those who wish to display their firearms.

Similar to the trigger lock, there are cable lock systems which are designed to enter into the receiver of a firearm and prevent the bolt action or slide action of the weapon to actuate. As with the trigger lock, the cable locks are an effective locking mechanism to prevent the unwanted use of a firearm; however, they are also not well suited for those who want to display their firearms.

As a result, while the prior art includes a wide range of gun locking systems, they fail to provide a gun lock that can be used to safely prevent the unauthorized use of a firearm while allowing the physical display of the firearm. In addition, some firearm locks require modifications to the firearm which is not desirable to the gun owners and/or gun manufacturers and which can be problematic. In this respect, modification to the gun mechanism can interfere with the reliability of the gun. As can be appreciated, anything which interferes with the reliability of a firearm is not well received and can be dangerous.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention of this application relates to gun locks and more particularly to a visually pleasing gun lock which does not require modification to the firearm and which effectively prevents unauthorized use of the firearm.

More particularly, the gun lock according to the present invention includes a dummy cartridge configured to be positioned within the chamber of the weapon and a lock rod assembly configured to interengage with the dummy round to prevent the removal of the dummy round by an unauthorized user.

According to one aspect of the invention of this application, the locking rod includes a two piece design having a central rod and a muzzle sleeve joined to the central rod which is allowed to rotate relative to the central rod.

According to another aspect, the muzzle sleeve includes a muzzle cap which can engage the muzzle of the firearm when in the locked condition. The muzzle sleeve further includes an internal passage allowing access to a key lock joined to the central rod; the muzzle cap can be a low profile cap and can be configured to be visually pleasing.

According to another aspect of the invention of this application, provided is a low visibility gun lock to prevent the unauthorized use of an associated firearm, the lock including a lock case shaped to be received in the cartridge chamber of the firearm and extending in a longitudinal direction from a breech end to a bore end. The lock case having a locking abutment and a case locking portion facing the bore end when the locking abutment limiting longitudinal movement of the case.

The lock further including a central rod extending in said longitudinal direction along a rod axis between a cartridge rod end and a bore rod end where the rod is smaller than the bore and the cartridge rod end has a rod locking portion configured to selectively interengage the rod with said case locking portion to selectively lock the gun lock.

The gun lock further including a muzzle sleeve having an internal portion smaller than the bore allowing the internal portion to enter the bore, a muzzle passage and a muzzle cap wherein the muzzle cap is larger than the associate bore such that the muzzle cap limits longitudinal movement of the muzzle sleeve in the longitudinal direction toward the chamber. The muzzle sleeve being joined to the central rod such that the muzzle sleeve is rotatable relative to the central rod.

According to even a further aspect of the invention of this application, provided is a low visibility gun lock kit to prevent the unauthorized use of for at least one firearm having at least one lock case and at least one lock rod assembly, the at least one lock case being shaped to seat in the cartridge chamber of the firearm and having a locking abutment to limit axial movement of the lock case toward the muzzle of the firearm. The at least one case further including a case locking portion facing the lock rod assembly. The at least one lock rod assembly including a central rod and a muzzle sleeve wherein the muzzle sleeve is joined to said muzzle rod to allow relative rotation therebetween. The muzzle sleeve having an internal portion smaller than the bore and the central rod being smaller than the bore wherein the central rod and the inner portion can enter the bore through the muzzle and engage the at least one lock case. The muzzle sleeve further including a muzzle cap joined to the inner portion which is larger than the bore such that the muzzle cap limits longitudinal movement of the rod assembly toward the chamber of the firearm. The muzzle sleeve further including a muzzle passage allowing access to a key form that is joined to the central rod. The at least one rod assembly further including a rod locking portion configured to selectively interengage the case locking portion when the key form is rotated. The rotation of the key form actuates the gun lock between the locked and unlocked conditions.

These and other objects, aspects, features, developments and advantages of the invention of this application will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the detailed description of embodiments set forth below taken together with the drawings which will be described in the next section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a gun lock kit according to certain aspects of the invention of this application;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a revolver style firearm and a gun lock according to certain aspects of the invention partially sectioned and partially exploded;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective of the muzzle of the firearm shown in FIG. 2 without a gun lock according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective of the muzzle of the firearm shown in FIG. 2 with a gun lock according to certain aspects of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the barrel, cylinder and gun lock assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the gun lock shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along lines 7-7 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8A is a key form that is rectangular;

FIG. 8B is a key form that is triangular;

FIG. 8C is a key form that is crescent shaped;

FIG. 8D is a key form that is randomly shaped;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of an automatic style firearm and a gun lock according to other aspects of the invention partially sectioned and partially exploded;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view of the barrel, chamber and gun lock assembly shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the gun lock shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of a rifle style firearm and a gun lock according to yet other aspects of the invention partially sectioned and partially exploded;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional view of the barrel, chamber and gun lock assembly shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the rifle shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of a shotgun and a gun lock according to yet further aspects of the invention partially sectioned and partially exploded;

FIG. 16 is an enlarges sectional view of the barrel, chamber and gun lock assembly shown in FIG. 15; and,

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the shotgun shown in FIG. 15.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, FIGS. 2-8D show a firearm 10 which is a revolver style handgun or firearm. Firearm 10 includes a barrel 12 having a barrel length 14, a bore 15 and a bore diameter 16. Revolver 10 further includes a cylinder 20 having multiple chambers 22. Each chamber has a chamber diameter 24 and a chamber length 26. As can be appreciated, chamber diameter 24 can be the same or similar to barrel diameter 16 and chamber length can be dependent on the cartridge fired in the firearm. Firearm 10 further includes a trigger 28 which actuates cylinder 20 and a sear 30 to fire a round from the handgun. Firearm 10 further includes a trigger guard 32 and a hand grip 34. Hand gun 10 can also include a pair of sights 36A and 36B.

Gun lock 50 includes a dummy cartridge or lock case 52 which, in this embodiment, is configured for a revolver. In this respect, lock case 52 includes a body portion 56 and a rim portion 58 which allow lock case 52 to seat within chamber 22. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the lock case does not need to include rim 58 for all styles of firearms. Rim 58, in this embodiment, forms a locking abutment 60 which will also be discussed in greater detail below. In that abutment 60 is larger than body 56, lock case 52 can seat within chamber 22 and its movement is restricted toward muzzle 18. Lock case 52 can further include an external groove 64 for an o-ring 66 which can be configured to provide a resistance fit between lock case 52 and chamber 20. As will be discussed in greater detail below, this can be utilized to help prevent unwanted rotation of the lock case relative to the chamber during the locking and the unlocking of gun lock 50.

Lock case 52 further includes a locking portion 70 which can be an internal thread arrangement or other arrangement to secure two components to one another which will be discussed in greater detail below. Lock case 52 can also include an internal conical section 74 to assist in the locking of the gun lock during operation which also will be discussed in greater detail below. This locking engagement can further be facilitated by use of longitudinal notches 76. These longitudinal notches form opposing flaps 78.

Gun lock 50 further includes a central rod 80 extending from a cartridge end 82 to a bore end 84. While not required, central rod 80 can be a cylindrical rod having a rod diameter 86. Rod diameter 86 can be less than bore diameter 16 to allow central rod to be positioned within the bores, however, rod 86 does not need to be cylindrical. Cartridge end 82 includes rod lock section 90 that can be an external thread configured to threadingly engage with locking portion 70 of lock case 52. Cartridge end 82 further includes external conical section 92 which is shaped to engage internal conical section 74 of lock case 52. As will be discussed in greater detail below, as locking portion 90 is threaded into locking portion 70, conical section 92 engages internal conical section 74 thereby seating the rod securely within lock case 52. Further, tightening of the locking portions will then cause conical section 92 to force flaps 78 outwardly thereby increasing the resistance fit between the lock case and the chamber thereby further preventing the unwanted rotation of the lock case within the chamber during lock and/or unlock of gun lock 50. As can be appreciated, as the threaded engagement tightens, it increases the tendency of unwanted rotation of case 52 wherein the conical configuration helps to reduce this tendency especially when used in combination with o-ring arrangement 66.

Bore end 84 can include a key bar opening 100 shaped to lockingly receive a key bar 102 which will be discussed in greater detail below. As with all components in the invention of this application, central rod 80 can be made from a wide range of materials which are known in the art. Further, the central rod and other components can include surface coatings to prevent the unwanted scratching of the bore, chamber and/or muzzle of the firearm or other components of the firearm.

Gun lock 50 further includes a muzzle sleeve 110 having an internal portion 112 and a muzzle sleeve cap 114. Internal portion 112 has a cross-sectional configuration that is smaller than bore 15 to allow the internal portion of the muzzle sleeve to enter into the bore through muzzle 18. In one embodiment, internal portion 112 has a diameter 116 which is smaller than bore diameter 16 of firearm 10. As with central rod 80 and body in lock case 52, muzzle sleeve 110 does not need to be cylindrical in configuration to function as is described in the invention of this application while it is preferred. Muzzle sleeve 110 further includes a key bar passage 120 and a muzzle passage 122 wherein passage 122 has a larger diameter than key bar passage 120 thereby allowing key bar 102 to partially pass therethrough. In this respect, key bar 102 includes a shaft portion 130 and a head portion 132 wherein shaft portion 130 is smaller than key bar passage 120 while head portion 132 is larger than key bar passage 120 thereby allowing only shaft portion to exit key bar passage 120 and interengage key bar opening 100. Muzzle sleeve 110 can further include a washer 136 that can be positioned between head portion 132 and muzzle sleeve 110 to allow freer rotation of key bar 102 relative to muzzle sleeve 110. Shaft portion 130 is shaped to be lockingly interengaged with keybar opening 110 which can be achieved in any way known in the art. This includes, but is not limited to, press fitting, braising, adhering, and the use of a side pin 140. Further, key bar shaft 130 and key bar opening 100 could have other cross-sectional configurations to help facilitate the locking engagement between these two components. Accordingly, key bar 102 locks muzzle sleeve 110 relative to central rod 80, but allows muzzle sleeve 110 to rotate relative to central rod 80. As can be appreciated, the rotation of central rod 80 performs the locking and unlocking action of the gun lock. Accordingly, rotation of the central rod needs to be prevented when unauthorized. Further, muzzle sleeve 110 is the only external component of the gun lock wherein the unauthorized user may attempt to rotate cap 114 to disable the gun lock. However, rotation of cap 114 and/or muzzle sleeve 110 will have no effect on the locking or unlocking of the gun lock in that it is not locked rotationally with the central rod.

Key bar 102 further includes a key form 150 on head portion 132. Key form 150 is shaped to engage a mating key form 152 of key 154. More particularly, key 154 has a key head or knob 156 that can have a gripping surface 158 to allow the gun owner to easily rotate the key. Key 154 further includes a shaft 160 having a cross sectional area which allows shaft 160 to enter into muzzle passage 122 thereby allowing key form 152 to selectively interengage with key form 150 such that key 154 can rotate key bar 102 without rotating muzzle sleeve 110. In that key bar 102 is fixed relative to central rod 80, the rotation of key bar 102 effectively rotates central rod 80 thereby actuating the locking portion between the central rod and the lock case. This rotation can be used to install and remove the gun lock from the hand gun.

Further, by spacing the lock form 150 from cap 114, it is much more difficult for an unauthorized user to engage the locked form with any type of tool let alone the type of tool that will produce rotation of key bar 102. It has been found that a muzzle passage 22 having a diameter of less than about 0.25 to 0.10 inches effectively prevents most tools from being inserted within the muzzle passage; however this application is not to be limited to this dimension. Further, the tools which will fit through this muzzle passage do not have the head configuration capable of engaging key form 150 to rotate key bar 102. In the assembled form, central rod 80 which is joined to muzzle sleeve 110 by way of key bar 102, or any other joining technique, forms a rod assembly 170. As is discussed above, these joined components are joined in a rotative configuration wherein central rod 80 and muzzle sleeve 110 can rotate relative to one another. This assembly configuration and this rotational aspect can be assisted by a washer 172. As with other washers of this application, washer 172 can also have other uses such as use as an alignment collar wherein washer 172 is configured to be more closely matching the bore diameter of the particular firearm which the rod assembly is to be used or to provide a raised, non-scratching surface, if washer 172 is made from a non-scratching material. As will be discussed in greater detail below, rod assembly can be configured for a specific barrel length or can be adjustable to allow either fine tuning adjustments in order to handle manufacturing tolerances or the to allow the lock to be utilized on more than one firearm.

With special reference to FIGS. 7, 8A-8D, key form 150 can be a wide range of key forms including those known in the art and those disclosed herein. FIGS. 8A-8D show examples, but by no way are the examples all inclusive.

As is shown best in FIG. 5, when gun lock 50 is in the locked condition (as shown), it is impossible to fire the firearm. In this respect, the dummy cartridge or lock case is secured within chamber 22 and is prevented from being removed without key 154. Further, in that the locking arrangement of gun lock 50 is purely internal, the ability to tamper with the lock is reduced and any external evidence of a gun lock is drastically reduced. As can be appreciated, muzzle sleeve cap 114 can be coated with any coating known in the art including those coatings which match the coating of the firearm and coatings which alert others of the locked condition of the firearm. In this respect, if the gun owner desires to display his locked firearm, muzzle cap 114 can be produced in a similar finish as the firearm wherein its low profile configuration is not noticeable. Further, the muzzle cap can be produced in a black finish which can give the impression of merely being the shadow produced by the bore of a firearm. Conversely, the muzzle cap could be produced in bright colors, such as orange or red, to alert the unauthorized individual that the gun is locked. In order to minimize any visual distraction produced by the gun lock, muzzle cap 114 can have a low profile height 160 which is less than 0.50″. In yet other embodiments, this low profile height can be reduced to less than 0.25″.

As discussed above, while the drawings of this application illustrate a particular form for several components of the gun lock of this application, this application is not to be limited to that form. In this respect, while the components of this application are shown to be essentially cylindrical in configuration, the components are not to be limited to their cylindrical form. As can be appreciated, producing cylindrical components can be easier than other cross-sectional configurations and these follow the general configuration of the gun bore and chamber, other configurations and use of other manufacturing techniques can generate cross-sectional configurations having a different configuration. The only essential aspect to the part configuration is that they fit within the bore and/or the chamber of the particular firearm to be locked. Similarly, muzzle cap 114 also does not need to be cylindrical in configuration. A wide range of muzzle cap configurations are contemplated and can be utilized in connection with the invention of this application. Similarly, the materials utilized for the components of this application can be unlimited and can include future materials which have physical characteristics that lend themselves to the lock of this application. As can be appreciated, a locking device must include at least some components that are made by durable material such as metal components. However, plastics are being used more and more in the lock industry wherein any material known in the lock art could be used for the invention of this application including future materials that become known. In addition, in order to prevent the unwanted scratching of the firearm, the components of this application can be coated with materials designed to reduce the likelihood of scratching which include polymeric coatings. Further, these coatings could also be used to help supplement the resistance fit that is desired for certain components of this application. As will be discussed in greater detail below relating to other embodiments of the invention of this application, these coatings can be selective in nature wherein a coating collar or separately positioned collar can be used in connection with the invention of this application to space the metal components from the barrel and the chamber or to provide alignment which, again, will be discussed in greater detail below.

Another aspect of the invention of this application is the fact that the invention of this application lends itself to use in a kit format so that a single purchase produce can be used with a wide range of firearms. This wide range can include multiple calibers of a similar style of firearm, multiple barrel lengths and/or multiple styles of firearm. More particularly, and with reference to FIG. 1, shown is a kit 200 including the components to be used with at least three different firearms. More particularly, kit 200 can include the component parts to allow the gun lock of this application to be used with multiple firearms. As is shown, kit 200 includes a single lock case or dummy round 52 packaged with three different lengths of rod assembly 170, namely, rod assemblies 170A, 170B and 170C. While these three rod assemblies are shown to have different lengths only, they could have other different physical characteristics including, but not limited to, different diameters, different muzzle sleeve caps, different material finishes and/or different key forms. In addition, while not shown in this particular embodiment, kit 200 could also include different styles of dummy rounds and/or different sizes of dummy rounds.

With reference to FIG. 2 for an example only, barrel 15 has a length 14 and a diameter 16. Similarly, chamber 22 has a length 26 and a diameter 24 wherein the combination of the barrel length 14 and chamber length 26 determines an overall bore length 180. In order to produce a tight fit between the gun lock and the firearm, which is not required, the assembled or locked condition of gun lock 50 can have an overall length that is generally equivalent to bore length 180 of firearm 10. As can be appreciated, different firearms can have different bore lengths 180 even though they are the same caliber and the same style of weapon. As a result, kit 200 can allow a single locking system to be utilized for these different bore lengths.

In addition, while there are a significant number of different firearms in the weapons industry, there are a select few firearms that represent a significant percentage of the firearm sales in the United States and around the world. These include the well known model 1911A which is manufactured by several gun makers, but which are manufactured to very similar specifications. As a result, configuring a gun locking system to work with a select few weapons essentially provides a system that will work with a high percentage of the weapons sold and used in the weapons field. As a result, kit 200 can be configured to work with one or more of these high volume weapons such that a single kit could be purchased by a high percentage of the gun consumers. As can be appreciated, there are significant economic benefits in producing and stocking a high volume of a single kit arrangement than attempting to produce and store significantly lower volumes of many different component parts. By producing a kit that works with a high percentage of firearms, inventory costs are greatly reduced and the product is marketable to a higher number of consumers. Again, while kit 200 is shown to be utilized for only a revolver, this is an example only and the kit could include a dummy round or lock case that could also be used in other configurations of firearms or which includes one or more of any embodiments in this application and/or their equivalences. As can be appreciated, this kit arrangement can be sold by way of any packaging known in the packaging art including a hang card 202 having a hanger 204. In addition, kit 200 can include any one of a number of accessory components and/or replacement components such as one or more replacement o-rings 66.

With reference to FIGS. 9-11, shown is a semi-automatic pistol 220 which includes a barrel 222 having a bore 224 wherein bore 224 has a bore diameter 226 and a barrel length 228. Firearm 220 further includes a chamber 230 having a chamber length 232 and a chamber diameter 234. Further, firearm 220 has a bore length 236 which again is the overall length of barrel length 228 and chamber length 232. However, unlike the revolver shown in FIG. 2, firearm 220 has a chamber diameter 234 that is larger than bore diameter 226 wherein firearm 220 includes a ledge 240 separating chamber 230 from bore 224. As a result, the cartridge casing for the ammunition used in firearm 220 does not need a rim to seat the cartridge within the chamber. Conversely, the cartridge is seated within the chamber by way of ledge 240. These figures further show a gun lock 250 that includes a dummy round or lock case 252 which will be discussed in greater detail below. This dummy round could be used in connection with the components, such as the lock rod assembly shown in FIG. 6, wherein dummy round or lock case 252 could be used in replacement of lock case 52 shown in FIG. 6 to allow the rod assembly of the prior embodiments to be used on more than one style of firearm. As can be appreciated, lock case 252 could also be a part of kit 200 which was also discussed above.

Shown in greater detail in these figures, gun lock 250 utilizes lock case 252 in an alternative locking configuration which includes the general characteristics of gun lock 50 with some alternative features. These alternative features include greater adjustability and also an increased tamper prevention configuration which can reduce the ability to defeat the gun lock while providing all of the advantages of gun lock 50 described above.

More particularly, gun lock 250 includes lock case 252 having a locking portion 253. Gun lock 250 further includes a central rod 254 and a two piece muzzle sleeve 256 configured to improve the performance of the locking mechanism of this gun lock. In addition, gun lock 250 includes a key 260 having a key form 262 and a knob 264 as was discussed in greater detail above. Again, knob 264 can be any knob known in the industry which allows for the gripping and rotation of this device by human hands. Similarly, key form 262 can be any key form described in this application and equivalents thereof without detracting from the invention of this application, however, as will be discussed in greater detail below, key 260 can have a key shaft 266 having a diameter 268 that is a smaller diameter than other key shafts described above.

Gun lock 250 can further include an adjustment shaft 270 having a locking portion 273 and a shaft portion 274 with a separating collar 276. In this embodiment, shaft 274 is configured to be fixedly attached to central rod 254 by way of an opening 280. As with other embodiments of this application, this is a fixed or locked arrangement which can be achieved by any means known in the art including, but not limited to, press fitting, braising, adhesives and/or staking. Adjustment shaft 270, and other embodiments of this application, can further include a lock nut arrangement 282 which can be used to adjust the overall length of the gun lock 250. Further, this can be used to also change the locking stresses of the arrangement wherein the gun lock can be configured to tighten the jam nut arrangement into the lock case or dummy round to prevent the unauthorized removal of the gun lock as opposed to forcing the muzzle cap against the barrel of the weapon. As is better shown in FIG. 9, the muzzle cap is not forced against the muzzle of the weapon in this embodiment which will be discussed in greater detail below.

Central rod 254 further includes a second opening 286 which is opposite of opening 280 wherein opening 286 is configured to receive a shaft portion 290 of a key bar 292. In this respect, gun lock 250 includes two piece muzzle sleeve assembly 256 which includes an inner sleeve or portion 300 and an outer sleeve or portion 302 which are configured to be press fitted to one another in a fixed relationship upon the assembly of lock rod assembly 310 which will be discussed in greater detail below. In this respect, inner sleeve 300 includes a keybar passage 312 and a mating passage 314 which ends in an opening 316. Key bar passage 312 is sized to allow the free passage of shaft 290 of keybar 292 and mating passage 314 is configured to allow the free passage of keybar head 320 wherein keybar 292 is positioned within passage 314 such that it passes through passage 312 and is fixedly interengaged with opening 286 of central rod 254 again in any way known in the art and as has been discussed in other areas of this application. This fastening arrangement allows the relative rotation of central rod 254 and inner sleeve 300. This relative rotation can be facilitated by a washer 330 which can also be used as a guiding washer or collar and/or a non-scratch spacer to space any components from the bore of the firearm. A washer 301 can also be used to facilitate the rotation between inner sleeve 300 and key bar 292. Outer sleeve 302 includes a shaft 332 sized to be fixedly attached within mating passage 314 of inner sleeve 300. Again, this can be a press fitted arrangement or any other locking arrangement to prevent any relative movement between inner sleeve 300 and outer sleeve 302. By including this arrangement, outer sleeve 302 can include a muzzle passage 340 having an even smaller diameter in that this passage does not need to be configured to allow the passage of keybar head 320. In the assembled format, lock rod assembly 310 includes a keybar head 320 positioned between the inner and outer sleeves of the locking arrangement. By reducing the size of muzzle passage 340, the use of unauthorized tools to rotate keybar 292 is restricted even further.

As with other embodiments of this application, gun lock 250 can include a muzzle sleeve cap 342 which can be larger than bore 224 to prevent the muzzle cap from entering into the bore. Again, while muzzle cap 342 is shown to be disc shaped, this is not a requirement for the invention of this application. Outer sleeve 302 can further include an o-ring 344 to produce a resistance fit between the muzzle sleeve assembly and the bore of the firearm which can be positioned in a groove 346. As with other embodiments of this application, keybar 292 includes a key form 350 which is a mating key form of key form 262 of key 260. Again, these key forms can be any key forms described in this application and equivalents thereof.

Gun lock 250, and other gun locks of this application, can also include other features that improve the performance of this locking system. These other features can include features which make the installation and/or the removal of the lock easier and quicker and which make the product perform better in general. As has been referenced already, these can include coatings to prevent unwanted scratching of the firearm. Other features include washer to also cerate resistance fits as are needed and to also help prevent scratching. Another feature is that the lock case can include features to help facilitate the installation and or removal of this component form the chamber. One such feature is that case 252 can include an ejector groove 360 which can be configured at least similar to the ejector groove of the cartridge that is use for firearm 220. By including ejector groove 360, lock case 252 can be easily removed by the gun's own ejector action. As a result, when lock 250 is in an unlocked condition, the lock case can be quickly ejected by pulling slide 362 rearwardly. Yet even further, this can also be used to chamber a live cartridge wherein the gun could be store with live cartridges in the magazine within the firearm and the lock in place. Then, when the lock is removed, the slide can be actuated to both eject the lock case and chamber a live round. Other feature, such as alignment features to install the gun lock, will be discussed in greater detail below.

With reference to FIGS. 12-14, shown is a firearm 400 which is a long gun. More particularly, firearm 400 is a bolt action rifle; however, this embodiment and/or the invention of this application is not to be limited to a specific style of firearm in that the gun lock of this application can be used with virtually every style of firearm wherein each embodiment of this application is to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting. In greater detail, firearm 400 includes a barrel 402 having a muzzle 404. Barrel 402 further includes a bore 405 having a bore diameter 406. Rifle 400 further includes a chamber 410 having a chamber diameter 412 which is not uniform across the entire chamber for this particular application. In addition, firearm 400 has a bolt action firing mechanism 416 and a trigger mechanism 418.

These figures show a gun lock 450 including lock case 452 having a locking portion 453. Again, locking portion is shown to be a threaded hole, but this is not required for any of the embodiments of this application, any locking arrangement could be used including, but not limited, locking grooves which required, for example, a quarter turn to lock and unlock the relative components, locking balls and detents and/or any other locking arrangement known in the locking arts. Gun lock 450 further includes a central rod 454 and a two piece muzzle sleeve 456 configured to improve the performance of the locking mechanism of this gun lock. In addition, gun lock 450 includes a key 460 having a key form 462 and a knob 464 as was discussed in greater detail above. Again, knob 464 can be any knob known in the industry which allows for the gripping and rotation and/or actuation of this device by human hands. Similarly, key form 462 can be any key form described in this application and equivalents thereof without detracting from the invention of this application, however, as will be discussed in greater detail below, key 460 can have a key shaft 466 having a diameter 468 that is a smaller diameter than other key shafts described in this application.

Gun lock 450 can further include an adjustment shaft 470 having a locking portion 472 and a shaft portion 474 with a separating collar 476. In this embodiment, shaft 474 is configured to be fixedly attached to central rod 454 by way of opening 480. As with other embodiments of this application, this is a fixed or locked arrangement which can be achieved by any means known in the art including, but not limited to, press fitting, braising, adhesives and/or staking. Adjustment shaft 470, and other embodiments of this application, can further include a lock nut arrangement 482 which can be used to adjust the overall length of the gun lock 450. Further, this can be used to also change the locking stresses of the arrangement wherein the gun lock can be configured to tighten the jam nut arrangement into the lock case or dummy round to prevent the unauthorized removal of the gun lock as opposed to forcing the muzzle cap against the barrel of the weapon. However, even with this configuration, it can be adjusted so that muzzle cap is forced against the muzzle of the weapon.

Central rod 454 further includes a second opening 486 which is opposite of opening 480 wherein opening 486 is configured to receive a shaft portion 490 of a key bar 492. In this respect, gun lock 450 includes two piece muzzle sleeve assembly 456 which includes an inner sleeve or portion 500 and an outer sleeve or portion 502 which are configured to be press fitted to one another in a fixed relationship upon the assembly of lock rod assembly 510 which also includes central rod 454 and which which will be discussed in greater detail below.

In this respect, inner sleeve 500 includes a keybar passage 512 and a mating passage 514 which ends in an opening 516. Key bar passage 512 is sized to allow the free passage of shaft 490 of keybar 492 and mating passage 514 is configured to allow the free passage of keybar head 520 wherein keybar 492 is positioned within passage 514 such that it passes through passage 512 and is fixedly interengaged with opening 486 of central rod 454 again in any way known in the art and as has been discussed in other areas of this application. This fastening arrangement allows the relative rotation of central rod 454 and inner sleeve 500. This relative rotation can be facilitated by a washer 530 which can also be used as a guiding washer or collar and/or a non-scratch spacer to space any components from the bore of the firearm which will be discussed below. A washer 501 can also be used to facilitate the rotation between inner sleeve 500 and key bar 492. Outer sleeve 502 includes a shaft 532 sized to be fixedly attached within mating passage 514 of inner sleeve 500. Again, this can be a press fitted arrangement or any other locking arrangement to prevent any relative movement between inner sleeve 500 and outer sleeve 502. By including this arrangement, outer sleeve 502 can include a muzzle passage 540 having an even smaller diameter in that this passage does not need to be configured to allow the passage of keybar head 520. In the assembled format, lock rod assembly 510, which includes shaft 470, rod 454 and sleeve 456, has a keybar head 520 that is positioned between the inner and outer sleeves of this locking arrangement and which is locked to the central rod. Again, by reducing the size of muzzle passage 540, the use of unauthorized tools to rotate keybar 492 is restricted even further.

As with other embodiments of this application, gun lock 450 can includes a muzzle sleeve cap 542 which is larger than bore 405 to prevent the muzzle cap from entering into the bore. Again, while muzzle cap 542 is shown to be disc shaped, this is not a requirement for the invention of this application. Outer sleeve 502 can further include an o-ring 544 to produce a resistance fit between the muzzle sleeve assembly and the bore of the firearm which can be positioned in a groove 546. As with other embodiments of this application, keybar 492 includes a key form 550 which is a mating key form of key form 462 of key 460. Again, these key forms can be any key forms described in this application and equivalents thereof.

As with other embodiments, lock case 452 can include an ejector groove 560 which can be configured at least similar to the ejector groove of the cartridge that is use for firearm 420. By including ejector groove 560, lock case 452 can easily be removed by the gun's own ejector action. As discussed above, when lock 450 is in an unlocked condition, the lock case can be quickly ejected by actuating the bolt of this bolt action gun and can be used to chamber a live cartridge simultaneously.

In addition, gun lock 450 can include one or more alignment collars 570. As can be appreciated, especially with the larger caliber firearms and/or longer barrels, it can be more difficult to properly align locking portion 472 into case locking portion 453. As a result, collars 570 can be used to maintain the gun lock in a desired alignment within the bore to help the alignment between lock case 452 and adjustment shaft 470. Further, lock case 452 can include an alignment taper 572 which can be the abutment surface of the lock case or which can be merely an alignment devices or even use to distinguish one configuration of lock case to another when the gun owner owns several locks. Accordingly, the use of alignment collars and/or the alignment taper can help the end user actuate gun lock 450 to the lock condition.

Unlike the embodiments described above, gun lock 450 shows a lock case 452 that includes a barrel section 574 that extends into the barrel portion of firearm 400. While this is not necessary, it can be used to better seat the lock case within the firing chamber and/or bore.

With reference to FIGS. 15-17, shown is a firearm 600 which is a shotgun. Shotgun 600 includes a barrel 602 having a muzzle 604. Barrel 602 further includes a bore 605 having a bore diameter 606. Shotgun 600 further includes a chamber 610 having a chamber diameter 612 which again does not need to be uniform across the entire chamber length. In addition, firearm 600 has a rim seat 616 and a ledge 618.

These figures show a gun lock 650 which includes a lock case 652 having a locking portion 653. Lock case 652 further includes a locking rim or abutment 651 to seat lock case 652 in rim seat 616 which again can be used as an abutment to restrict movement of the gun lock and the lock case relative to this firearm. Gun lock 650 further includes a central rod assembly 654 and a two piece muzzle sleeve 656 configured to further improve the performance of the locking mechanism of this gun lock. In addition, gun lock 650 includes a key 660 having a key form 662 and a knob 664 as was discussed in greater detail above. Again, knob 464 can be any knob known in the industry which allows for the gripping and actuation of this device by human hands. Similarly, key form 662 can be any key form described in this application and equivalents thereof without detracting from the invention of this application, however, as will be discussed in greater detail below, key 660 can have a key shaft 666 having a diameter 668 that is a smaller diameter than other key shafts described in this application.

Gun lock 650 can further include an adjustment shaft 670 having a locking portion 672 and a shaft portion 674 with a separating collar 676 as were described above. Again, shaft portion 674 is configured to be fixedly attached to central rod 654 assembly by way of an opening 680 which will be discussed further below. As with other embodiments of this application, this is a fixed or locked arrangement can be achieved by any means known in the art including, but not limited to, press fitting, braising, adhesives and/or staking. Adjustment shaft 670, and other embodiments of this application, can further include a lock nut arrangement 682 which can be used to adjust the overall length of gun lock 650. Further, this can be used to also change the locking stresses of the arrangement wherein the gun lock can be configured to tighten the jam nut arrangement into the lock case or dummy round to prevent the unauthorized removal of the gun lock as opposed to forcing the muzzle cap against the barrel of the weapon. However, even with this configuration, it can be adjusted so that muzzle cap is forced against the barrel of the weapon.

However, as is shown in this embodiment, central rod 654 also can be adjustable, but otherwise functions similar to that of other embodiments except for its ability to adjust for different lengths of barrels in that this allows the lock of this application to be used in even a greater variety of firearms. In this respect, central rod assembly 654 can have one or more rod extensions 690 and/or 692 positionable on either end of a main rod 694. Rod extension 690 can include opening 680 shaped to lockingly receive shaft portion 674. Similar to the central rods above, rod extension 692 can include an opening 700 configured to receive a shaft portion 710 of a key bar 712 which will be discussed in greater detail below.

In addition, main rod 694 can further include opposite openings 720 and 722 shaped to adjustingly receive ends 726 and 728 of rod extensions 690 and 692, respectively. Ends 726 and 728 can include lock pin holes 730 and 732, respectively, that are configured to that are shaped to receive a locking pin 734. Pins 734 and pin holes 730 and 732 allow extensions 690 and 692 to be locked to rod 694 in one of a number of positions by way of a plurality of adjustment holes 736 and 738 in extensions 690 and 692, respectively, wherein the central rod assembly's length can be adjusted to a wide range of lengths. This adjustability can be permanent adjustment done during manufacturing or selective adjustment done by the end user of the lock without detracting from the invention of this application. In this respect, pins 734 could be roll pins which allow these pins to be remove when or as is desired or they could be pins that are press fitted into the rods to prevent removal. Further, while not shown, this invention is not to be limited to this one type of adjustment wherein any adjustment technique could be used to adjust the length of central rod assembly 654 include, but not limited to, threaded adjustments.

Gun lock 650 can also include a two piece muzzle sleeve assembly 656 which, as is discussed in greater detail above, includes an inner sleeve or portion 740 and an outer sleeve or portion 742 which can be be press fitted etc. to one another in a fixed relationship upon the assembly of lock a rod assembly 750 which again can include both the central rod assembly 654 and sleeve assembly 656. In this respect, inner sleeve 740 includes a keybar passage 752 and a mating passage 754 which ends in an opening 756. Key bar passage 752 is sized to allow the free passage of shaft 710 of keybar 712 and mating passage 754 is configured to allow the free passage of a keybar head 760 wherein keybar 712 is positioned within passage 754 such that it passes through passage 752 and is fixedly interengaged with opening 700 of central rod extension 692 again in any way known in the art. This fastening arrangement allows the relative rotation of central rod assembly 654 and sleeve 656. This relative rotation can be facilitated by a washer 770 which can also be used as a guiding washer or collar and/or a non-scratch spacer to space any components from the bore of the firearm which will be discussed below, but this is not required. A washer 772 can also be used to facilitate the rotation between sleeve 656 and key bar 712.

Outer sleeve 742 includes a shaft 780 sized to be fixedly attached within mating passage 754 of inner sleeve 740. Again, this can by any way known in the art to prevent any relative movement between inner sleeve 740 and outer sleeve 742. By including this arrangement, outer sleeve 742 can include a muzzle passage 782 having an even smaller diameter in that this passage does not need to be configured to allow the passage of keybar head 760. In the assembled format, lock rod assembly 750 includes a keybar head 760 positioned between the inner and outer sleeves of the locking arrangement. By reducing the size of muzzle passage 782, the use of unauthorized tools to rotate keybar 712 is restricted even further.

As with other embodiments of this application, gun lock 650 can include a muzzle sleeve cap 790 which can be larger than bore 606 to prevent the muzzle cap from entering into the bore. Again, while muzzle cap 790 is shown to be disc shaped, this is not a requirement for the invention of this application. Outer sleeve 742 can further include an o-ring 792 to produce a resistance fit between the muzzle sleeve assembly and the bore of the firearm which can be positioned in a groove 794. As with other embodiments of this application, keybar 712 includes a key form 800 which is a mating key form of key form 662 of key 660. Again, these key forms can be any key forms described in this application and equivalents thereof.

As with other embodiments, lock case 652 can include a case ridge 810 which can be configured to help seat the case within the chamber of the firearm wherein either rim 651 and/or ridge 810 can be used as an abutment to restrict movement of the case toward the muzzle. Further, lock case 652 can include an ejector feature, such as rim 651, to eject the case by way of the action of firearm 600. Again, by including an ejector feature, lock case 652 can easily be removed by the gun's own ejector action.

In addition, gun lock 650 can include one or more alignment collars 812. As can be appreciated, especially with the larger caliber firearms and/or longer barrels, it can be more difficult to properly align locking portion 672 into case locking portion 653. As a result, collars 812 can be used to maintain the gun lock in a desired alignment within the bore to help the alignment between lock case 652 and adjustment shaft 670.

While considerable emphasis has been placed on the preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated that other embodiments and/or equivalents thereof can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

Claims

1. A low visibility gun lock to prevent the unauthorized use of an associated firearm, the associated firearm including a barrel with a bore having a chamber end facing a cartridge chamber and the bore extending along a bore axis from the chamber end to a muzzle, the distance between the chamber end and the muzzle defining a barrel length along the bore axis, the bore further having a bore diameter coaxial with the bore axis, the cartridge chamber being coaxial with the bore axis and having a chamber length extending between a breech and the barrel, the cartridge chamber further including a chamber diameter coaxial with the bore axis, the barrel length and the chamber length together defining a bore length, said low visibility gun lock being selectively lockable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition and comprising:

a lock case shaped to be received in the cartridge chamber of the associated firearm and said case extending in a longitudinal direction from a breech end to a bore end, said lock case including a locking abutment and a case locking portion facing said bore end, said locking abutment limiting longitudinal movement of said case in said longitudinal direction toward the muzzle of the firearm;

a central rod extending in said longitudinal direction along a rod axis between a cartridge rod end and a bore rod end, said rod being smaller than the bore of the associated firearm such that said central rod is positionable within the associated bore, said cartridge rod end having a rod locking portion configured to selectively interengage said rod with said case locking portion to selectively lock said gun lock in said lock condition;

a muzzle sleeve having an internal portion smaller than the bore allowing said internal portion to enter the bore, said muzzle sleeve further including a muzzle passage and a muzzle cap wherein said muzzle cap is larger than the associate bore such that said muzzle cap limits longitudinal movement of said muzzle sleeve in said longitudinal direction toward the chamber of the firearm, said muzzle sleeve being joined to said central rod such that said muzzle sleeve is rotatable relative to said central rod; and,

a key configured to enter said muzzle passage and rotate said central rod relative to said muzzle sleeve, said rotation of said central rod actuating said gun lock between said locked and unlocked conditions, when in said locked condition said lock case being fixed relative to said rod and said sleeve longitudinally such that said locking abutment and said muzzle cap prevent the unauthorized removal of said gun lock, when in said unlocked condition, said central rod and said sleeve being movable relative to case to allow the removal of the gun lock.

2. The gun lock of claim 1, further including a key bar, said key bar being shaped to extend through said muzzle sleeve passage and interengage said muzzle sleeve to said central rod and allow said relative rotation of said sleeve, said key bar being fixed relative to said central rod and including a key form shaped to receive a mating key form in said key, said key form and mating key form allowing said key to rotate said key bar and said central rod relative to said lock case to lock and unlock said gun lock.

3. The gun lock of claim 2, wherein said key bar includes a head portion and said key form being a female key form in said head portion, said mating key form being a male key form on the end of said key.

4. The gun lock of claim 2, wherein said key form and said mating key form are polygonal in form.

5. The gun lock of claim 1, wherein said lock case further includes an internal conical section facing said central rod and said central rod includes a mating external conical section, said internal and external conical sections engaging each other in said locked condition.

6. The gun lock of claim 1, wherein said lock case further includes an external o-ring configured to engage the cartridge chamber and provide resistance fit between said lock case and the cartridge chamber.

7. The gun lock of claim 1, wherein said muzzle sleeve case further includes an external o-ring configured to engage the bore and provide resistance fit between said muzzle sleeve and the bore.

8. The gun lock of claim 1, wherein said central rod is a single cylindrical rod having a diameter less than the bore diameter.

9. The gun lock of claim 1, wherein said central rod includes multiple rod sections.

10. The gun lock of claim 1, wherein the cartridge chamber has a diameter greater than said bore and said locking abutment is near said bore end.

11. The gun lock of claim 10, wherein said locking abutment is said bore end of said lock case.

12. The gun lock of claim 1, wherein the lock case further includes an extraction groove.

13. The gun lock of claim 1, wherein said locking abutment is near said breech end of said lock case.

14. The gun lock of claim 13, wherein said locking abutment is a rim near at said breech end.

15. The gun lock of claim 1, wherein said lock case at least partially extends into said bore

16. The gun lock of claim 1, wherein said case locking portion and said rod locking portion are threaded portions facing one another.

17. The gun lock of claim 1, wherein said muzzle cap has a thickness in said longitudinal direction and said thickness is less than 0.50 inches.

18. The gun lock of claim 1, wherein said thickness is less than 0.25 inches.

19. The gun lock of claim 1, wherein said central rod and said muzzle sleeve have an overall length and include a length adjuster to change said overall length.

20. The gun lock of claim 19, wherein said length adjuster includes a threaded rod.

21. The gun lock of claim 1, further including at least one alignment collar on said central rod.

22. The gun lock of claim 1, further including a key bar having a shaft and a head, said shaft being locked to said central rod, said muzzle sleeve including an inner portion and an outer portion, said inner portion having first and second passages, said first passage being configured to allow said key bar shaft to pass freely through and said second passage being larger than said first passage and being configured to allow said key bar head to pass freely through, said key bar being positioned in said first and second passages such that said key bar shaft extends from said inner portion and said head is positioned in said second passage, said outer portion including said muzzle passage and said muzzle cap and being locked to said inner passage such that said head is trapped between said inner and outer portions.

23. The gun lock of claim 22, wherein said key bar includes a key form shaped to receive a mating key form in said key, said key form and mating key form allowing said key to rotate said key bar and said central rod relative to said lock case to lock and unlock said gun lock.

24. The gun lock of claim 1, wherein said lock case includes an ejector feature configured to allow an action of the associated firearm to eject said lock case when in said unlocked condition.

25. The gun lock of claim 24, wherein said ejector feature includes an ejector groove.

26. A low visibility gun lock to prevent the unauthorized use of an associated firearm, the associated firearm including a barrel with a bore having a chamber end facing a cartridge chamber and the bore extending along a bore axis from the chamber end to a muzzle, the distance between the chamber end and the muzzle defining a barrel length along the bore axis, the bore further having a bore diameter coaxial with the bore axis, the cartridge chamber being coaxial with the bore axis and having a chamber length extending between a breech and the barrel, the cartridge chamber further including a chamber diameter coaxial with the bore axis, the barrel length and the chamber length together defining a bore length, said low visibility gun lock being selectively lockable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition and comprising a lock case and a lock rod assembly, said lock case being shaped to seat in the cartridge chamber of the associated firearm and having a locking abutment to limit axial movement of the lock case toward the muzzle of the firearm, said case further including a case locking portion facing said lock rod assembly, said lock rod assembly including a central rod and a muzzle sleeve wherein said muzzle sleeve is joined to said muzzle rod to allow relative rotation therebetween, said muzzle sleeve having an internal portion smaller than the bore and said central rod being smaller than said bore wherein said central rod and said inner portion can enter the bore through said muzzle and engage said lock case, said muzzle sleeve further including a muzzle cap joined to said inner portion which is larger than the bore such that said muzzle cap limits longitudinal movement of said rod assembly toward the chamber of the firearm, said muzzle sleeve further including a muzzle passage allowing access to a key form that is joined to said central rod, said rod assembly further including a rod locking portion configured to selectively interengage said case locking portion when said key form is rotated, said rotation of said key form actuating said gun lock between said locked and unlocked conditions.

27. The gun lock of claim 26, wherein said key form is a female key form said gun lock further including a key having a mating key male key form to said female key form.

28. The gun lock of claim 26, wherein said central rod and said muzzle sleeve are joined by a key bar and said key bar extending through said muzzle sleeve passage and interengage with said central rod to allow said relative rotation of said sleeve, said key bar being fixed relative to said central rod and including said key form.

29. A low visibility gun lock kit to prevent the unauthorized use of for at least one associated firearm, the at least associated firearm including a barrel with a bore having a chamber end facing a cartridge chamber and the bore extending along a bore axis from the chamber end to a muzzle, the distance between the chamber end and the muzzle defining a barrel length along the bore axis, the bore further having a bore diameter coaxial with the bore axis, the cartridge chamber being coaxial with the bore axis and having a chamber length extending between a breech and the barrel, the cartridge chamber further including a chamber diameter coaxial with the bore axis, the barrel length and the chamber length together defining a bore length, said low visibility gun lock being selectively lockable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition and comprising at least one lock case and at least one lock rod assembly, said at least one lock case being shaped to seat in the cartridge chamber of the associated firearm and having a locking abutment to limit axial movement of the lock case toward the muzzle of the firearm, said at least one case further including a case locking portion facing said lock rod assembly, said at least one lock rod assembly including a central rod and a muzzle sleeve wherein said muzzle sleeve is joined to said muzzle rod to allow relative rotation therebetween, said muzzle sleeve having an internal portion smaller than the bore and said central rod being smaller than said bore wherein said central rod and said inner portion can enter the bore through said muzzle and engage said at least one lock case, said muzzle sleeve further including a muzzle cap joined to said inner portion which is larger than the bore such that said muzzle cap limits longitudinal movement of said rod assembly toward the chamber of the firearm, said muzzle sleeve further including a muzzle passage allowing access to a key form that is joined to said central rod, said at least one rod assembly further including a rod locking portion configured to selectively interengage said case locking portion when said key form is rotated, said rotation of said key form actuating said gun lock between said locked and unlocked conditions, said kit further including a key having a mating key form.

30. The gun lock kit of claim 29, wherein said at least one lock rod assembly has an internal length equal to the combined lengths of said central rod and said internal portion of said muzzle sleeve, said kit including at least a first and a second lock rod assembly, said first and second lock rod assemblies having different internal lengths.

31. The gun lock kit of claim 30, further including a third lock rod assembly having an internal length unequal to both said first and second lock rod assemblies.

32. The gun lock kit of claim 29, wherein said at least one lock case includes a first and a second lock case and said first and second lock cases are for different caliber firearms.

33. The gun lock kit of claim 29, wherein said at least one lock case includes a first and a second lock case wherein said first and second lock cases are for different styles of firearm.

34. The gun lock kit of claim 30, wherein said at least one lock case includes a first and a second lock case and said first and second lock cases are for at least one of a different style of firearm and a different caliber of firearm.

35. The gun lock kit of claim 34, further including a third lock rod assembly having an internal length unequal to both said first and second lock rod assemblies.

36. The gun lock kit of claim 29, wherein said at least one lock case includes an ejector feature configured to allow an action of the associated firearm to eject said lock case when in said unlocked condition.

37. A low visibility gun lock to prevent the unauthorized use of an associated firearm, the associated firearm including a barrel with a bore having a chamber end facing a cartridge chamber and the bore extending along a bore axis from the chamber end to a muzzle, the distance between the chamber end and the muzzle defining a barrel length along the bore axis, the bore further having a bore diameter coaxial with the bore axis, the cartridge chamber being coaxial with the bore axis and having a chamber length extending between a breech and the barrel, the cartridge chamber further including a chamber diameter coaxial with the bore axis, the barrel length and the chamber length together defining a bore length, said low visibility gun lock being selectively lockable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition and comprising a lock case shaped to be received in an associated cartridge chamber of an associated firearm and a rod assembly having both a central rod configured to selectively interengage with said lock case and a muzzle sleeve attached to said central rod in an rotational engagement manner such that said muzzle sleeve rotates relative to said central rod, said muzzle sleeve having a central passage with an opening opposite of said central rod, said gun lock further including a key form locked relative to said central rod and open to said central passage such that a key having a mating key form and configured to pass through said central passage can engage and rotate said key form without rotating said muzzle sleeve.