ASTM F2369-20

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it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
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Designation: F2369 − 19a F2369 − 20
Standard Safety Specification for
Non-Integral Firearm Locking Devices
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2369; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This specification is intended to establish means of determining whether firearm locking devices
applied to a firearm adequately serve the purpose of deterring the unauthorized use of firearms.
Subcommittee F15.53 on Non-Integral Firearm Locking Devices has been working to develop a
performance standard for these products. Our first meeting was held in April 2001, after the Consumer
Products Safety Commission and others requested that ASTM organize an effort to develop a standard
for gun locks. Representatives of manufacturers, purchasers, user groups, and others have voluntarily
contributed their time and energy toward a common goal.
The subcommittee defined the scope of their work to exclude lock boxes, and Subcommittee F15.55
has since been formed to work on a standard for those products. Subcommittee F15.53 decided to
target a single, minimum performance standard for all devices, as opposed to defining several “grades”
or performance levels. Finally, the subcommittee focused on test methods that were objective,
realistic, reliable, and repeatable.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers non-integral firearm locking devices used to deter unauthorized use of unloaded firearms. These
devices can be mechanical, electromechanical, or a combination thereof.
1.2 This specification contains functional, operational, and safety requirements for non-integral firearm locking devices.
1.3 The specification is intended to apply only to non-integral locks or locking mechanisms applied to, in, around, or about a
firearm, either external to the firearm or by some method of introduction to or within the firearm. The specification is not intended
to set evaluation standards by which safety levers, firing pin blocks, or other traditional discharge prevention mechanisms are
evaluated, notwithstanding the fact that these mechanisms may prevent inadvertent discharge. This specification is not applicable
to devices used for, or intended for, the prevention of theft or other intentional misuse of firearms.
NOTE 1—Tests described are laboratory type tests and although they may simulate some field conditions, they do not duplicate all field conditions.
NOTE 2—There is no apparent comparable ISO/IEC standard.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.53 on NonIntegral
Firearm Locking Devices.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2019Dec. 1, 2020. Published October 2019December 2020. Originally approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as
F2369 – 19.F2369 – 19a. DOI: 10.1520/F2369-19A.10.1520/F2369-20.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2369 − 20
1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portions of this specification. This standard does not
purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to
establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior
to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F883 Performance Specification for Padlocks
NOTE 3—A shock impact fixture and a cutting fixture are illustrated and detailed in Specification F883. Fixtures shall be constructed utilizing the same
designs as illustrated and detailed in Specification F883.
2.2 ASME Standards:
ASME B107.20M Pliers (Lineman’s, Iron Worker’s, Gas, Glass, Fence, and Battery)
ASME B107.25M Pliers—Performance Test Methods
NOTE 4—A cable cutting fixture shall be constructed that meets the requirements of ASME B107.20M. One example implementation of a fixture designed
to meet these requirements is detailed in Appendix X2.
2.3 ANSI Standards:
ANSI Z535.4 Product Safety Signs and Labels
ANSI Z535.6 Product Safety Information in Product Manuals, Instructions and Other Collateral Materials
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 action, n—combination of the receiver or frame and breech bolt together with the other parts of the mechanism by which
a firearm is loaded, fired, and unloaded.
3.1.2 barrel, n—firearm component through which a projectile travels. May be rifled or smooth bore.
3.1.3 cartridge, n—single round of ammunition consisting of the case, primer, and propellant with or without one or more
projectiles. It also applies to a shotshell.
3.1.4 case, n—main body of a single round of ammunition into which other components are inserted to form a cartridge.
3.1.4.1 Discussion—
It usually refers to centerfire and rimfire cartridges and serves as a gas seal during firing of the cartridge. It is usually made of brass,
steel, copper, aluminum, or plastic, and is also referred to as a shell case.
3.1.5 chamber, n—in a rifle, shotgun, or pistol, the rearmost part of the barrel that has been formed to accept a specific cartridge
or shotshell. In a revolver, the holes in the cylinder that have been formed to accept a cartridge.
3.1.6 code entry mechanism, n—in a combination locking device, it is a dial, wheel, or buttons which allow the user to input a
predetermined code to open the lock.
3.1.7 combination locking device, n—a firearm locking device designed to provide controlled opening of the firearm locking
device by entry of a combination known only by an authorized user(s).
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASME International Headquarters, Two Park Ave., New York, NY 10016-5990, http://
www.asme.org.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
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3.1.8 disabled, v—defeating the firearm locking device, thereby rendering the firearm capable of firing.
3.1.9 firearm, n—assembly of a barrel and action from which a projectile is propelled through a deflagration (burning) of
propellant.
3.1.10 firearm locking device, n—device that is non-integral to the firearm, that locks and that is intended to deter unauthorized
users from firing a firearm.
3.1.11 key, n—an object intended by the manufacturer to be inserted into the keyway as a means to lock or unlock the firearm
locking device.
3.1.12 key locking device, n—a firearm locking device that requires a key or token to provide controlled opening of the firearm
locking device.
3.1.13 keyway, n—opening in a key locking device that is shaped to accept a key.
3.1.14 primer, n—cartridge ignition component consisting of brass or gilding metal cup, priming mixture, anvil, and foil disc,
which fires the cartridge when struck with sufficient force.
3.1.15 trigger guard, n—rigid loop that partially surrounds the trigger to reduce the possibility of accidental discharge.
4. Calibration and Standardization
4.1 General:
4.1.1 All tests shall be conducted within the following tolerances as applicable:
4.1.1.1 Force: 0.5 % of working range.
4.1.1.2 Height: 66 mm (0.24 in.).
4.1.1.3 Torque: 4.0 % of reading.
4.1.1.4 Weight: 610 g (0.02 lbm).
4.1.2 All tests shall be conducted at temperatures between 1616 °C and 27°C (6127 °C (61 °F to 81°F).81 °F).
4.1.3 Test methods shall be performed on each firearm locking device model submitted for testing pursuant to this standard in an
attempt to disable the device.
4.1.4 Open and close the firearm locking device fully 100 times prior to testing.
5. General Requirements
5.1 Removal of a firearm locking device shall be by key, combination, or other unique method, or a combination thereof, as
defined by the instructions accompanying the firearm locking device. In the case of biometric recognition features, these are
programmed into the locking device by the authorized user(s) prior to use in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
5.2 Each combination locking device shall open with only one of a minimum of 1000 actual combinations.
5.3 Key locking devices shall have a minimum of 130 unique key configurations and the operability of each firearm locking device
shall be limited to only one of these unique key configurations.
5.4 Firearm locking devices that function by insertion into the chamber or barrel of a firearm shall not be of such a color or design
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that they may be confused for a cartridge. The purpose is to prevent an observer from seeing a live cartridge or shell in the chamber
and thinking it is the firearm locking device.
5.5 When used in the manner designed and intended by the manufacturer, the firearm locking device shall be capable of repeated
use and shall pass the testing procedures described in this specification.
5.6 The firearm locking device, when installed in the manufacturer’s use position on a firearm, shall not be disabled through
disassembly of the firearm, and subsequent reassembly of that firearm.
5.7 Digital locking devices with biometric recognition lock features shall be received by the user in a condition such that locks
shall not open with the biometric entry method until the authorized user programs a unique biometric method into the firearm
locking device.
6. Performance Requirements
6.1 Picking Requirement for Firearm Locking Devices with a Keyway:
6.1.1 The firearm locking device shall be subjected to the picking test as described in 7.1.
6.1.2 If the lock is disabled during the test picking, repeat 7.1 on three additional samples. Failure occurs if any one of the three
additional samples is disabled.
6.1.3 This test does not apply if the device does not have a keyway.
6.2 Manipulation Requirement for Combination Locking Devices:
6.2.1 The firearms locking device shall be subjected to the manipulation test as described in 7.2.
6.2.2 This test does not apply if the firearm locking device is not a combination locking device.
6.2.3 Failure occurs if the firearm locking device is disabled without the proper combination being entered during the test
procedure.
6.3 Shock Requirement:
6.3.1 The firearms locking device shall be subjected to the shock test as described in 7.3.
6.3.2 Failure occurs if the firearm locking device is disabled.
6.4 Tensile Requirement:
6.4.1 The firearms locking device shall be subjected to the tensile test as described in 7.4.
6.4.2 Failure occurs if the firearm locking device is disabled.
6.5 Cutting Requirement for Shackles:
6.5.1 The firearms locking device shall be subjected to the cutting test as described in 7.5.
6.5.2 Failure occurs if the firearm locking device is disabled or shackle is cut, or both.
6.5.3 This test does not apply if the device does not have a shackle.
6.6 Requirement for Cables:
6.6.1 Cutting Requirement:
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6.6.1.1 The firearms locking device shall be subjected to the cutting test as described in 7.6.
6.6.1.2 Failure occurs if the firearm locking device is disabled or cable is cut, or both.
6.6.1.3 This test does not apply if the device does not have a cable.
6.6.2 Impact Requirement:
6.6.2.1 The firearms locking device shall be subjected to the impact test as described in 7.7.
6.6.2.2 Failure occurs if the firearm locking device is disabled.
6.6.2.3 This test does not apply if the device does not have a cable.
6.7 Trigger Impact Requirement:
6.7.1 The firearms locking device shall be subjected to the impact test as described in 7.8.
6.7.2 Failure occurs if the trigger lock is disabled, or if the halves of the trigger lock separate from the surface of the handgun
trigger guard fixture by 5 mm (0.2 in.) or more.
6.7.3 This test does not apply if the device does not lock the trigger or trigger guard.
6.8 Torque Requirement for Keyway:
6.8.1 The firearms locking device shall be subjected to the torque test as described in 7.9.
6.8.2 Failure occurs if the firearm locking device is disabled.
6.8.3 This test does not apply if the device does not have a keyway.
6.9 Sawing Requirement:
6.9.1 The firearms locking device shall be subjected to the sawing test as described in 7.10.
6.9.2 Failure occurs if the firearm locking device is disabled.
6.9.3 This test does not apply if the test cannot be performed on device.
NOTE 5—The sawing test is designed to determine the firearm locking device’s resistance to sawing of exposed components. Exposed components may
include, but are not limited to, cables, lock bodies, and hinges.
7. Testing Procedures
7.1 Picking Test:
7.1.1 Test Equipment:
7.1.1.1 A metallic paper clip made of 1.02 mm (0.040 in.) diameter wire.
7.1.1.2 A metallic paper clip with a 0.8 mm (0.03 in.) diameter wire.
7.1.1.3 A flat tipped screwdriver which has a shank that fits sufficiently within the depth of the keyway (minimum depth for testing
is 6.33 mm ( ⁄4 in.).
7.1.1.4 A stopwatch capable of measuring a 2-minute time period.
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7.1.2 Test Procedure:
7.1.2.1 Attempt to pick and open the firearm locking device with the use of the 1.02 mm (0.04 in.) diameter paper clip for a total
of 2 minutes. It is permissible to bend the wire of the paper clip into any shape needed. Time shall be counted only while the paper
clip is in contact with the firearm locking device.device and while the paper clip is being actively manipulated.
7.1.2.2 Attempt to pick and open the firearm locking device with the use of the 0.8 mm (0.03 in.) diameter paper clip for a total
of 2 minutes. It is permissible to bend the wire of the paper clip into any shape needed. Time shall be counted only while the paper
clip is in contact with the firearm locking device.device and while the paper clip is being actively manipulated.
7.1.2.3 Attempt to pick and open the firearm locking device with the use of the screwdriver that will fit in the keyway for a total
of 2 minutes. Time shall be counted only while the screwdriver is in contact with the firearm locking device.device and while the
screwdriver is being actively manipulated.
7.2 Combination Manipulation Test:
7.2.1 Test Equipment:
7.2.1.1 A stopwatch capable of measuring a 2-minute time period.
7.2.2 Test Procedure:
7.2.2.1 Manipulate the code entry mechanism by dialing the combination wheels or pushing the combination buttons or
manipulating the code entry mechanism by hand for a total of 2 minutes. Manipulation is limited to the code entry mechanism.
Time shall be counted only while hands are manipulating the code entry mechanism.
7.3 Shock Test:
7.3.1 Test Equipment:
7.3.1.1 Rigid support surface 19 mm ( ⁄4 in.) thick plywood over a rigid concrete floor.
7.3.1.2 A 50.8 mm (2 in.) diameter steel ball. 6 0.127 mm (2 in. 6 0.005 in.) diameter steel ball with a chrome finish weighing
at least 0.537 kg (1.18 lb). The steel ball may be dropped through a length of 76.2 mm (3 in.) diameter 63.5 mm (2.5 in. nominal)
pipe with an inner diameter measuring 62.1 mm 6 6.35 mm (2.44 in. 6 0.25 in.) of PVC or similar pipe rigid material to
assureensure that the steel ball strikes the sample accurately. Alternatively, the steel ball may be suspended by a cord and swung
as a pendulum, dropping through the same vertical distance necessary to cause it to strike the lock with the specified impact.
7.3.1.3 For locks with a keyway, a screwdriver with a flat tip which can enter into the opening of the keyway.
7.3.2 Test Procedure:
7.3.2.1 Place the firearm locking device on the rigid support surface. Orient the firearm locking device so that a flat blade
screwdriver can impinge upon and penetrate along the rotation axis into the keyway, or for a combination locking device, onto the
code entry mechanism.
7.3.2.2 Drop the steel ball over a vertical distance of 1.875 m (73.8 in.) achieving an impact of 9.76 J (7.2 ft-lb) on the surface
impacted. For locks with a keyway, the surface impacted is the screwdriver impinging upon the keyway. For combination locking
devices, the surface impacted is the code entry mechanism. Do not allow the ball to bounce after the initial strike.
7.3.2.3 Repeat on the same surface for a total of five impacts.
7.3.2.4 Reorient the firearm locking device so that an opposite side surface can be impacted. For locks with a keyway, remove
the flat tip screwdriver from the keyway and orient the lock so that a side opposite the keyway can be impacted. For combination
locking devices, orient the lock so that a side opposite the combination lock’s code entry mechanism can be impacted. Repeat the
impact on the reoriented side surface for a total of five impacts.
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