MAPLEWOOD, NJ – Start-up manufacturer Constitution Arms is preparing to build the Palm Pistol, an unusually shaped handgun for the elderly and disabled.
The Palm Pistol is a single-shot DAO defensive firearm chambered in 9mm that may be fired using either hand without regard to orientation of the stock.
The company says it’s suited for home defense, concealed carry or as a backup gun.
Matthew Carmel, president, said, “It is also ideal for seniors, disabled or others who may have limited strength or manual dexterity. Using the thumb instead of the index finger for firing, it significantly reduces muzzle drift, one of the principal causes of inaccurate targeting. Point and shoot couldn’t be easier.”
The single-shot 9mm handgun doesn’t look like any other gun you know. It resembles a bean-bag held in the palm, and the barrel points out between the user’s middle and ring fingers. The shooter presses a button at the top of the beanbag with the thumb.
Constitution Arms says the Palm Pistols has been certified by the FDA as a “Class I Medical Device.” That means doctors could prescribe the handgun to qualified patients, who would then have some or all of the cost reimbursed by Medicare or private insurance.
The gun will cost about $300. Deposits are $25, though Constitution Arms doesn’t specify a delivery date.
“The ATF has classified the design as a standard ‘pistol’ and is thus not subject to NFA regulations,” Carmel said. “This will permit the gun to be sold like any other traditional handgun without the additional tax and registration requirements of designs that otherwise would have been classified as AOW [Any Other Weapon].”
The Palm Pistol lacks iron sights and has a slim profile to allow concealment without printing. There are no external moving parts, which permit it to be fired from within a pocket or other clothing without the possibility of jamming on fabric. The design also includes a loaded chamber indicator, a 3-digit combination lock which secures the trigger, a Picatinny rail for attaching accessories such as a strike bezel, light or the LaserLyte Subcompact V2 laser sight, may also be incorporated as optional features.
Carmel said, “The design is suited for home use, concealed carry enthusiasts, collectors and as a backup gun. The Food and Drug Administration has completed its ‘Device/Not a Device’ determination and ruled the pistol will be listed as a Class I Medical Device. An effort is underway to obtain Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Durable Medical Equipment coding for the Palm Pistol.
“If we are successful in obtaining DME coding, it is possible the medically prescribed purchase of the Palm Pistol will be reimbursable by Medicare or private health insurance companies for qualified insured [persons].” Carmel said, “Sales will be direct to consumers by Constitution Arms through the company’s website, various online auction websites, and other avenues. An attempt will be made to produce the product entirely with US-made components.”
For further Information, www.PalmPistol.com.
