MISSOULA (LEE)--Fast to admit that Montanans are a gun-loving bunch, Gov. Brian Schweitzer is an even quicker draw when promoting gun safety.

On Friday, Schweitzer took aim at firearm owners, announcing a statewide gun-safety initiative and championing proper handling and storage of firearms.

Schweitzer is working in conjunction with local law enforcement communities and the National Shooting Sports Foundation to support a national initiative called Project ChildSafe.

"Protecting our children is a family value," Schweitzer said. "In Montana, having guns is a family value, too. I think we can do both." Funded through grants from the U.S. Department of Justice, Project ChildSafe is conducting a series of community safety events across Montana.

Free gunlocks and firearm safety kits will be distributed at various locations through Friday.

Project ChildSafe has distributed more than 30 million free gunlocks across the country.

Gathering in the rotunda of the Missoula County Courthouse, Schweitzer met with Assistant U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme, Project ChildSafe spokesman Matt Masterson and Missoula Police Lt. Mark Muir.

At one point, Muir drew his pistol and demonstrated how the gunlock should work.

Similar to a bicycle lock, the wire cord passes through the unloaded gun's chamber, preventing someone from loading the gun without a key.

There's even a protective rubber coating on the wire so guns won't be scratched.

"If you own a firearm, it is your responsibility to make sure it can't be used by anyone else," Masterson said.

Alme called the initiative a positive step toward thwarting felons and drug users who illegally use and possess guns.

In 2004, the Americans for Gun Safety Foundation reported that federal prosecutors in Montana file too few cases targeting people who buy and sell firearms illegally. This leaves a large "enforcement gap" that makes it too easy for criminals to arm themselves, the report stated.

Since then, Alme said, more than 100 people have been prosecuted for illegally using firearms.

"If there are felons, they will be prosecuted," Alme said. "They will be prosecuted and they will be sent to prison." Project ChildSafe has distributed free firearm safety kits in all 50 states.

For more information on Project ChildSafe, visit the Web site at www.projectchildsafe.org.

Reach reporter Tristan Scott at 523-5264 or e-mail tscott@missoulian.com.