Military

Single-shot, thumb-operated Palm Pistol set for 2011 release

Single-shot, thumb-operated Palm Pistol set for 2011 release
The Single Shot Palm Pistol is fired by use of the thumb rather than the index finger via a "push" of between 9-10 pounds
The Single Shot Palm Pistol is fired by use of the thumb rather than the index finger via a "push" of between 9-10 pounds
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The Single Shot Palm Pistol is fired by use of the thumb rather than the index finger via a "push" of between 9-10 pounds
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The Single Shot Palm Pistol is fired by use of the thumb rather than the index finger via a "push" of between 9-10 pounds
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The use of firearms for self-defense is a divisive issue, with weapons, especially concealable ones, being easily misappropriated for wrong-doing. While we're reluctant to suggest adding more guns to the equation, the newly developed single-shot Palm Pistol does have some worthwhile qualities as a defensive weapon for non-aggressors.

In an adrenalin-charged self-defense scenario, a person untrained in the use of a firearm may be prone to a fatal error. They may fail to properly draw, ready and aim their weapon, or may simply miss. Due for release this year, the Palm Pistol is designed to give non-aggressors a better chance of surviving a violent attack.

As its name would suggest, the pistol sits snugly in the palm of the user's hand. It is intended for home defense, concealed carry or as a backup weapon and is fired by use of the thumb rather than the index finger via a "push" of between 9-10 pounds. The light pressure required to fire the weapon reduces "muzzle drift", or the unintentional moving of the muzzle away from the intended line of fire. This makes the Palm Pistol suitable for seniors or others who may have limited manual strength of dexterity. With dual independently operable grip safeties, chances of accidental discharge are negligible and its ergonomic design is suited for both left and right handed users. The pistol features a loaded chamber indicator and cocked striker indicator to ensure the user is aware of whether the weapon is ready for use.

Minus the optional picatinny rail, which is suited for the LaserLyte subcompact V2 laser site, extra round carrier or other accessories, the .38 special caliber weapon is extremely light with an unloaded weight of only 13.4 ounces.

The Palm Pistol can be used with the Tri-Plex™ .38 special cartridge, which features three stacked conical projectiles which separate and tumble upon firing. This greatly increases the chances that an aggressor will be prevented from inflicting harm on their victim (and lets face it, with only one shot available, one would certainly hope so).

The Palm Pistol® prototype has been subjected to extensive endurance testing with production expected to begin in late 2011.

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41 comments
41 comments
Gavrilo Bozovic
Oh come ON!
\"the Palm Pistol is designed to give non-aggressors a better chance of surviving a violent attack\"
Who do you think gets fooled by this? It is widely documented that, the more weapons in the equation, the more deaths at the end. If someone gets robbed and has no weapon, he may lose his/her purse, if the person has a gun, it ends more often than not with a dead person, and sometimes with two.
If we follow your logic, a society where every person would have an AK-47 would be perfectly safe. Guess what? it\'s not! And you should know better, as you (most probably) live in the US, where the benefits of having guns all over the place are most visible in the world.
Gary Sleith
Surely this must be a late April Fools joke. It has no advantage over a small pistol and I can see a lot of finger shot off incidents in its future
Todd Edelman
How is someone carrying a weapon for which they are untrained a good argument for this useless garbage? The article seems to be skeptical of this thing\'s one-shot capability so why repeat the rest of the press release verbatim? Good for senior citizens? Walk around town with this in your hand?

I am not saying that you should not tell us about these things (or all that fancy new military hardware) but I would hope that you take a clearly critical line or none at all
bobmeyerweb
OH, please!
First, a single shot weapon is an invitation to disaster. Your first (and only) shot better be to a kill zone, because if it\'s not the person you shot at will kill you for sure. As the article says, in a pressure situation users are likely to mis-aim, and if you do you\'re really going to wish you had more bullets. This gun *may* reduce muzzle drift caused by a trigger pull, but it\'s not going to eliminate nerves, shaky hands, or other reasons for poor aim.
Second, can you just imagine a Sr. Citizen managing to correctly release two safeties in a situation where he/she feels threatened? My mom-in-law struggles with her car keys when she\'s calm, much less a gun when she\'s threatened. If it\'s possible, they\'ll carry it around with the safeties unlocked. And if they carry it around unlocked, with only 9 lb trigger \"pull\", they\'ll be shooting themselves or random bystanders.
I\'m not opposed to people carrying weapons for self defense, when really necessary, but this is just a very bad idea.
Burnerjack
The ergonimics and accuracy of the modern pistol and revolver is well documented. A single shot weapon in a silly palm grip is nothing less than dangerous. If its designed for self defense, it\'s designer presumes sigle attacker scenario. Back to that dangerous thing. And, what if your shot misses? Hits the wrong target? No thinking lisenced gun owner would go near this silly thing. To draw one\'s weapon in a dire moment of self defense is always a life altering event. No need to make it more tragic than necessary.
M. Report
Everything old is new again, just not as good. :)
http://www.prices4antiques.com/firearms-edged-weapons/hand-guns/Hand-Gun-Pistol-Chicago-Firearms-Protector-Palm-Pistol-D9982144.htm
Dave B13
Palm pistol idea more than 100 years old, url is for a repeating one:
http://www.aaawt.com/html/firearms/f154.html
Proposed palm pistol may not be an allowed configuration for a weapon in the United States. Collectable antigues such as the one above can probably be sold / traded without any documentation requirement in the USA. Current production guns may have to look something like a gun to be sold / owned in the USA.
Tim Smalley
Looks quite a bit like the 1800\'s French \"Le Protector\" Palm Pistol, only it was a 7 shot weapon. Do a Google search on Antique Pistols Palm Pistol\" to see it.
Janet Bratter
Already posted by clicking \"reply\" but in case that didn\'t go through... Please consider that those of us looking to learn about the latest NRA approved handguns and the paid ads for radiation suits, future warrior outfits, and other death-dealing junk can read \"soldier of fortune\".
I read Gizmag for a POSITIVE vision of the future, not the same old cowboy killer apps. designed to make the paid killer types at Blackwater drool.
In the future please refrain.
Facebook User
clever idea, but I would rather just get a conceal/carry permit so if someone attacks I have more than one shot to defend...
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