[fred cook]

If the gun is a semi-automatic, the easiest way to prevent a small child from accidentally firing the weapon is to have a loaded magazine but an empty chamber. Generally speaking, most children under the age of about 10 or 12 don't have the hand strength to work the slide. Or, one step further, put the magazine in your pocket. Best yet, teach the child to keep his/her hands off the weapon! My father tought me to shoot a rifle when I was about 5-6 years old. Before I was allowed to shoot, I had to recite all the firearm safety rules. Since then, I have managed to go over 60 years without shooting anyone!