The Palm Pistol is a firearm specially designed to be easy to use for the elderly or people with limited hand mobility. It fits in the palm and can be used with either hand. The muzzle fits between the first two fingers, and the trigger is pressed with the thumb rather than the index finger, which gives greater firing stability and reduces muzzle drift.The Palm Pistol: Main Site
On December 8, 2008, the FDA revoked the Palm Pistol inventor's registry of the weapon as a "medical device." The inventor, Matthew M. Carmel, is seeking appeal to the FDA's decision.Associated Press: FDA nixes proposed 'prescription pistol' (December 8, 2008)
Previous Palm Pistols
Otherwise known as a turret revolver, firearms designed to be concealed in the palm were first patented in 1882 by Jaques E. Turbiaux in Paris. Original models held seven or ten rounds. The Palm Pistol from Constitution Arms is a single-shot weapon.
In 1883, the Minneapolis Firearms Company produced a palm pistol called the Protector under license from Turbiaux. The protector fired seven rounds.Genitron.com: Turbiaux Palm-Squeezer Pistol
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
FDA revoked the device's registry as a medical device
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Inventor Matthew M. Carmel is seeking appeal
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Medicare, the proposed insurer of the device, does not have a category for weaponsAssociated Press: FDA nixes proposed 'prescription pistol' (December 8, 2008)
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Manufacturer
Constitution Arms
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Price
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Designer
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Fact:
Classified as a standard pistol by the ATF
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Contact safeties avoid accidental firing
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Easy to conceal
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Thumb fire reduces muzzle drift
