The Push-Button Palm Pistol for Senior Citizens
Sandra Winn — December 5, 2008 — Business
References: palmpistol & foxnews
The Palm Pistol by Constitution Arms may look like a type of asthma inhaler, but don't let that fool you: It is an ATF (The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) classified pistol specifically designed to make shooting easy for the elderly and physically disabled.
The Palm Pistol allows for a 9mm bullet to be stored in its chamber. And instead of pulling a trigger with the index finger to release a bullet, the Palm Pistol’s trigger is activated by pressing the thumb button on top.
This feature will supposedly make it easier for those who have had amputations, arthritis or other physical limitations to aim and fire. In fact, the FDA has already classified it as a Class 1 Medical Device, which means it may be available through insurance and Medicaid programs.
The Palm Pistol website has an extended PDF write-up, and I find the following statement a bit troubling: "Use of the thumb may reduce the likelihood of an accidental discharge due to startling and body alarm reaction (BAR) induced during a high stress encounter with an armed opponent."
"May reduce?" So in other words, they don’t know.
There are a few other issues that I find problematic about the Palm Pistol too. It looks like an asthma inhaler. Aren’t there enough accidental deaths amongst children at the hands of guns that look like guns? It is designed for easy shooting, which means a child could easily fire it off. Not to mention the elderly who are in the beginning stages of Alzheimer's and may forget what the heck the Palm Pistol is and does.
I realize that many people feel empowered when they carry around guns and I don’t have a problem with one’s right to bear arms. However, the Palm Pistol seems like a useless product that will do nothing more than provide a false sense of security to some of the most precious people in society--and squeeze even more money out of their already empty pockets.
The Palm Pistol allows for a 9mm bullet to be stored in its chamber. And instead of pulling a trigger with the index finger to release a bullet, the Palm Pistol’s trigger is activated by pressing the thumb button on top.
This feature will supposedly make it easier for those who have had amputations, arthritis or other physical limitations to aim and fire. In fact, the FDA has already classified it as a Class 1 Medical Device, which means it may be available through insurance and Medicaid programs.
The Palm Pistol website has an extended PDF write-up, and I find the following statement a bit troubling: "Use of the thumb may reduce the likelihood of an accidental discharge due to startling and body alarm reaction (BAR) induced during a high stress encounter with an armed opponent."
"May reduce?" So in other words, they don’t know.
There are a few other issues that I find problematic about the Palm Pistol too. It looks like an asthma inhaler. Aren’t there enough accidental deaths amongst children at the hands of guns that look like guns? It is designed for easy shooting, which means a child could easily fire it off. Not to mention the elderly who are in the beginning stages of Alzheimer's and may forget what the heck the Palm Pistol is and does.
I realize that many people feel empowered when they carry around guns and I don’t have a problem with one’s right to bear arms. However, the Palm Pistol seems like a useless product that will do nothing more than provide a false sense of security to some of the most precious people in society--and squeeze even more money out of their already empty pockets.
Trend Themes
1. Elderly-friendly Firearms - The market opportunity lies in developing firearms that are specifically designed for the comfort and ease of use for the elderly and physically disabled.
2. Medical-grade Firearms - Opportunity exists in the development of firearms that are classified and approved by the FDA as Class 1 Medical Devices.
3. Non-lethal Self-defense Products - Focus on developing non-lethal self-defense products can address safety concerns regarding the accidental use of firearms.
Industry Implications
1. Firearms Industry - The firearms industry has the opportunity to expand into a new demographic, catering towards elderly and physically disabled customers.
2. Medical Device Industry - Medical device manufacturers have the opportunity to invest in the development of firearms that are classified and approved by the FDA as Class 1 Medical Devices.
3. Self-defense Industry - Self-defense product manufacturers have the opportunity to focus on developing non-lethal options that address safety concerns regarding the accidental use of firearms.
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