Chilling Review of the Palm Pistol

by
posted on April 15, 2011
sinews.jpg (17)

The number of states with laws that acknowledge an individual's right to self-defense by allowing concealed carry continues to increase. But, the average permittee is not disabled, despite the fact that people with disabilities possess an even greater need for such provisions.

Matt Carmel, inventor of an innovative handgun called the Palm Pistol, addressed that fact with his design. As comforting as this new development is, however, judging by a recent blog by John Snow on OutdoorLife.com, some people just don't understand.

I'm disappointed someone with such seniority in the firearm industry can't recognize the gun's merits. I doubt the 40,000 rape victims among our nation's disabled would agree with his observations.

Having been disabled since birth, I can tell you that people suffering with quadriplegia, for example, may not possess the strength to lift a firearm of average weight, or the motor skills required to grip a traditional handgun. Even a crisp, 4-pound trigger on a custom 1911 may well be impossible for them. While Snow's taste in handguns is excellent, if his SIG Sauer's trigger is anything like the 7-pound, 2-ounce deal on the one I evaluated for Shooting Illustrated, depending upon the degree of paralysis to the limbs, the trigger may be too heavy. Just because it worked for this quadriplegic, doesn't mean it will for others. While I may not need a Palm Pistol for self-defense, others aren't as fortunate.

Shame on Snow for indicting a specialty product with a limp-wristed attempt at coming to grips with the market for which is intended.

I realize the Palm Pistol isn't for everyone. Will the average non-disabled person see the benefit? Unfortunately—like Snow has shown—probably not until a disabled loved one or friend, or an elderly and widowed parent, saves their life with one. I can tell you this, though: With its exotic design, I could easily see it joining my firing Man from U.N.C.L.E. variant and my full-auto suppressed STEN fun gun in my safe.

Latest

Springfield Armory SA-35
Springfield Armory SA-35

First Look: New Colors Options For The Springfield Armory SA-35

Now available in Coyote Brown or Tactical Grey. 

First Look: XS Sights MOS Sight Bundles

Available for the RMR and Acro footprints.

FN Awarded Contract for M240 and M249 Machine Gun Barrels

Large amounts of rounds fired creates a need for new barrels.

Rifles: Pulling the Wool Over Our Eyes?

Time for moving on, and we’re not foolin’.

First Look: 22 ARC Options From Bear Creek Arsenal

New ways to extend the reach of your AR-15.

First Look: JK Armament 155 RPX Suppressor

Adaptable to a wide range of pistol and rifle calibers.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.