Professional Documents
Culture Documents
What People Are Saying
www.palmpistol.com
An interesting invention ‐‐ a modern palm just for having something different that's
pistol. Invented by activist Matt Carmel. It close to but not considered an AOW.
can be fired by a person who lacks the
Looks like something aimed at women who
dexterity to work a slide, has nothing to
want to carry a gun but are either afraid of
snag on clothing, and is probably more
big guns or just can't because of
accurate in untrained hands than a
concealment issues.
traditional firearm. I'd see it not as
something a pistolero would carry, but as This might work for some people who are
something for a person who needs unable to handle a handgun otherwise.
protection but doesn't have the opportunity
This is neat. Likely very accurate, given the
to learn standard shooting skills. – David T.
hold‐method/firing mechanics, and
Hardy, Of Arms and the Law Blog
extremely small.
Cool new gun. I'll have more on this in the
Ugly, but I guess it can serve its purpose.
next few days. I spoke with the gun's
For the unskilled or disabled, it could be a
inventor, Matt Carmel. He had some
last resort.
interesting things to say about the Palm
Pistol and his quest to manufacture this I think it’s great for companies to work at
gun. He's a great guy with a truly interesting "new" products.
product, and I'll post some more details as I It's interesting that so many seem to be
get them. Meanwhile, check his site for a surprised at the lack of sights ‐ aren't "gut
sneak peek. It's like nothing you've seen
guns" (which this thing clearly is) pretty
before (except for maybe the old
much contact‐range weapons to begin
lemonsqueezers, but they didn't have with? I mean, what good are sights going to
optional rails!) – Edward Friedman, do, when you're holding the thing that way?
Associate Editor, Shooting Illustrated At that range, it'd be "point fist‐squeeze‐
Magazine.
BANG".
New kind of ccw/backup and I think I want
I have to admit, perhaps it’s the first BUG
one! that might be able to be stashed in bike
The recoil on something like that could be shorts and not draw (unwanted)
revolutionary. It would recoil straight attention....
through the palm of your hand, not above
Non‐Glock but still pretty cool in a pinch.
your hand. Can you say "low bore axis"?
Don't see this becoming highly successful,
I could use it as an impact device. What can
but I have to salute any attempt to put self
I say I just like new gadgets. defense into the hands of the aged and
I would also like it to have a strike bezel at handicapped. One bullet is infinitely better
the end of the barrel. I still think it's cool than none.
Page 1
The merits of the Palm Pistol criminals probably aren't going to recognize
notwithstanding, I have to say I'm appalled it as a gun, so it wouldn't have as much of a
at the judgments and classification of all deterrent effect. The laser would help make
elderly people as incompetent by some it a little more threatening.
posters. Just substitute the word "elderly"
The Palm Pistol has been making its way
for Gay, Black, Hispanic, etc, and see how it
around the gun blogs. My first thought was
reads.
that I can’t believe it’s not classified as an
Really, some of you folks should actually put AOW, but I guess it’s designed to be fired by
your brains in gear before typing. Perhaps a single hand, so it’s hard to argue it should
the government should register all be. My second thought was that I can’t
computer keyboards to limit this sort of believe there are still firearms innovations
hate‐speech. The essay itself is seriously coming out of New Jersey.
wanting for logic. Intended primarily to
Out of Maplewood no less. A sleepy little
allow arthritic old people to settle beefs?
suburb of Newark NJ, Google maps reveal
Gimme a break. I guess "arthritic old
this address to be in a residential
people" should just defend themselves with
neighborhood. I wonder when Bryan Miller
fists and feet. Or crash into a mugger with
will organize protests outside this person’s
their wheelchairs.
home.
With any luck, some of your judgmental
It is amazing how technology reinvents
posters will find yourself as infirm elderly
itself. From the old .32 Minneapolis
people someday. Maybe some mugger will
Protector Palm Pistol of 1892 to the new
beat the snot out of you and you'll wish for
9mm Palm Pistol. I guess there is nothing
a tool like the Palm Pistol. Elderly people
new, just improved repackaging. Still, neat
are often quite fragile. One punch from an
little gun.
adult male could maim or kill them. But
they should just be put away somewhere Kinda cool. It's a gun for non‐gun people. If
where they won't bother you. Right? it gets past the BATFE and into the hands of
the customers.
Some introspection is in order here. A fear
of weapons is a sign of a phobia. BTW ‐ Yesterday, I spoke with Matt Carmel,
when the majority of states began issuing inventor of the Palm Pistol. He is an NRA
concealed weapons permits, some certified firearms instructor in New Jersey,
hoplophobes cried that people would be and as most of his clients have little
shooting others over parking spaces and "to experience with firearms, he saw the need
settle beefs." It never happened. for a pistol that eliminated the most
So go lock yourselves in your rubber rooms, common problem they have shooting
and keep typing your judgmental tripe. This accurately: an inability to keep the muzzle
was my first visit to this website, and it will steady. Fear of recoil, noise and general
be my last. I'm more interested in logical apprehension with handling firearms cause
discourse, not hysterical hate‐speech – Ned, many beginners to shake, harming
poster to Gismodo.com. accuracy. The Palm Pistol, Carmel says,
virtually eliminates muzzle movement
I would recommend that they dispense with because it stays very steady when fired
the accessory rail and just build a laser thanks to the thumb‐activated trigger
inside the case of the base model. Red mechanism. He sees the pistol as a huge
lasers are cheap these days, it would be benefit for the elderly, disabled and those
hard to aim without one, and many with limited dexterity with their hands in
Page 2
addition to those who may be intimidated have a requirement for a small discrete
by more traditional‐looking firearms. backup weapon, not a primary weapon.
Comparing it to "standard" pistols is silly. It
He also told me about his difficulty dealing is like comparing a Derringer to a full sized
with BATFE regarding his invention's status. Glock. The Derringer is bad for a lot of
It certainly doesn't look like any gun situations, but it, just like the Palm Pistol,
invented in the last, oh, century, so there has a place for its "Special Application” –
was some worry that BATFE would classify it Trent Warncke, President, Inverse
as an "Any Other Weapon," and therefore Technologies, Inc.
require a Class III stamp for ownership.
This is great news. I think it's long overdue.
Carmel hired noted Second Amendment
Arming seniors is exactly what we want to
attorney Stephen Halbrook, and after
do.
months of wrangling, they obtained BATFE
certification that the Palm Pistol is, in fact, a I’m sure some people may find a need for
normal handgun not subject to the NFA. He an adaptive defensive weapon –
has a pdf of BATFE's letter to that end on USAtechguide.org
his website for those who may be nervous
It's really an ingenious design. I gotta give
about the gun's legality.
credit to Matt for being clever.
I will keep following the development of the I think it is interesting, in that it looks
Palm Pistol as Carmel takes it to the nothing like a firearm.
production phase, as it is at the very least
Nothing is useless....it wouldn't be my
an innovative gun design. I think it has its
choice....but it doesn’t look like a gun, so
applications, though it would not be my first
there may be an application....just
choice in a firefight. But then again, I have
saying....hell, it just may be better than a
reasonable dexterity in my hands and have
pointy stick.
no problem carrying full‐sized 1911s. I
would certainly consider a Palm Pistol as a I've always admired originality from those
backup gun simply because of its demanding to chart their own course in
concealibility and ease of use when grabbed spite of "conventional wisdom." While the
in an emergency – Edward Friedman, majority is picking things apart, trying not to
Associate Editor, Shooting Illustrated rock any boats, and throwing sand on the
Magazine. new, the innovators push forward despite
the catcalls – David Codrea, The War on
Looks like an interesting concept. Not as
Guns Blog
cool as the pen gun, but still cool.
I like the idea of the niche marketing to
Everyone can discuss its deficiencies but
people who need the most help defending
bottom line is more guns equals better.
themselves, especially if they cannot use a
Interesting gun but the media will have a normal pistol.
field day with this one!
How many AOWs can be carried discreetly
The more I think about the Palm Pistol the and operated with an individual sitting on
more it appears to be suited as a "Special oneself? I can certainly see jamming this
Application Weapon." It not intended to into the femoral, brachial, or popliteal
replace the Glock 17 or similar firearm that juncture, with a 115 or 124 grain +P HP, to
the average citizen is carrying for self get someone off me, allowing me to access
defense. The unique design is not only something more socially decisive.
useful for the disabled but regular folks who
Page 3
You should check out this new Palm Pistol. complicate matters even more. It would
Pretty cool. I know Matt Carmel. He was 6th seem that shooting pistols becomes harder
on line for the DC v Heller argument. Good too, as the makers of the Palm Pistol
guy and staunch Second Amendment believe that they have a niche to fill.
supporter.
Here we have some atypical fare for this
Neat! I gottagit me ona them. blog. Firing handguns can be difficult for
folks with arthritis, as the recoil puts a good
Halbrook is the attorney that worked on
deal of stress on the wrist and hand joints,
this project. If his name is attached, I
and squeezing the trigger can be
believe.
impossible. Constitution Arms of
One note ... if you do get stuck with an Maplewood, New Jersey has created the
AOW designation in the future, the pictured Palm Pistol, a double action 9mm
requirement for a L.E. signature can be single shot that supposedly is easier to
avoided on the BATF Form 4 by having an control than traditional pistols by people
LLC or a Revocable Trust buy the firearm, with bad hands. Perhaps, we'll see a new
with the buyer listed as the "Responsible Paralympic shooting sport spring out of this
Person.” ‐ MedGadget Internet Journal of Emerging
Medical Technologies
I mailed you a check this morning. Good
luck on the project. This pistol will also Sounds like this would be a great last ditch
make a great striking tool if needed, great effort. A really good final safety measure.
for pressure points, grappling, striking, and
Interesting little device is a pretty close
submission holds. I will be excited to see it
analog to an Isaac Asimov device from the
develop.
1950's. Fans should have no difficulty in
Enclosed you will find my check for $25 for recognizing the needle‐gun from Lucky Starr
my deposit on the Palm Pistol. Please keep and the Moons of Jupiter: –
me advised of your progress on getting the Technovelty.com Blog, The Predictions of
200 pre‐sales commitments because I will Science Fiction Writers Coming True in
pre‐order a second Palm Pistol if you don’t Today’s World
meet your goal by December 1st. If you get
I like this palm gun. I deal a lot with the
the gun completed, I would be interested in
elderly, and I can see some utility in their
adding this to my Personal Protection
ability to carry a single shot pistol to the
Program for Women and Seniors. Nice
door, when they answer it. Home invasion
talking to you. I think you have a great
at night places them at a disadvantage. By
design and target audience for the pistol –
requiring the BG to get near before firing,
W. Mike Griffin, Griffin Martial Training
should protect against shooting a good guy
I like to look at any and all interesting accidentally.
firearm designs. I could see it possibly for a
Here is a "gadget" gun I found. This could
person that could not otherwise grip a more
possibly become like the palm pistols of
conventional firearm.
years ago, and in the future may become a
You just have to love this guy. A true collector's item.
innovator! I hope he succeeds.
I really like the idea of a gun in your fist.
As people get older, it is often the case that Gives a whole new meaning to the term
their grip strength starts to diminish. On top "knockout".... I think it's awfully convenient.
of that there are all kinds of nasty
degenerative joint conditions that
Page 4
What will be the price for FFL dealers who created this system, and now we have
want to sell these? I am a FFL and these hijacked it to help people buy guns! Matt
potentially could be big sellers. has hoisted them on their own petard. This
is the kind of creative thinking our
I do quite a bit of civilian self defense
movement needs – Sebastian, Snowflakes
course beyond the basic NRA programs. I
in Hell Gun Blog.
would be excited to develop a realistic self
defense technique for this palm pistol of A while back I made a comment; I think
yours – Ed Lowrey, RattlesnakeRidge.org over at Say Uncle’s place, that I wouldn’t be
surprised if the Palm Pistol would be
Whether you agree with it or not, carrying a
reclassified as an AOW if the ATF took a
firearm is a constitutional right in the US
second look at it. Looks like I should keep
and many feel strongly about expressing
my mouth shut sometimes. Turns out not
that right. Palm Pistol is the design of
only has the creator got it solidly classified
certified NRA instructor Matthew Carmel.
as a pistol but Sebastian reports that he’s
With his design, pretty much anyone can
got the thing classified as a medical device
use a firearm. It doesn’t matter if you
now which might mean folks can get
fingers are to arthritic, if you are elderly, if
Medicare to help pay for one. Kudos to the
you are disabled, or if you just want an
creator for charting some new territory!
unusual firearm, the Palm Pistol will meet
the needs of many – Coated.com All kidding aside, it makes total sense.
Someone with arthritis or otherwise limited
Looks like a mission specific pistol to me.
use of their fingers could indeed benefit
I'm sure there are plenty of old folks who
from this innovation. That’s no joke.
could protect themselves from a BG with
this little thing. Would I carry one? No. All I can say is … HOLY COW! The right, and
Would I buy one for my 87 year old the practicality, of self‐defense is going
Grandpa to pack? Yes. Most gear has a main‐stream!!
mission. This pistol makes sense to me.
Good for Matt. Now the question is since
I saw that awhile back. I posted it to a it’s been declared a medical device ‐ do you
forum for disabled folks where I help out. have to fill out a form 4473 and pass a
Some people there who miss getting out on background check to get it?
the range would love a chance to get hold
I admit it … I didn’t make any public
of one of these. Also, when equipped with
comments about this pistol, but I’m
the optional laser, it would give them a
shocked that the FDA classified it as a
viable CCW firearm.
medical device. I would have bet against
This would be a great back up gun. that in a heartbeat. Happy to be wrong.
Looks neat for folks with arthritis, or with Damn!! As a physician, I’m looking forward
limited use of their hands. to prescribing these.
I just got word from Matt Carmel, inventor If Medicare is paying for people's guns, I
of the Palm Pistol, “ … that the FDA has want a reimbursement check for my
listed this as a Class I Medical Device …” He smokes and booze. We can get the ATF
seems pretty confident that he’ll be able to trifecta.
get Medicare to reimburse patients for the
I think my daughter (who has birth defects)
Palm Pistol. Go Matt! I love troublemakers,
could handle this with her good hand. I also
especially ones that create headaches for
know a guy who has MS and has passed his
federal bureaucrats. The progressives
CPL Classes but has trouble hanging on to
Page 5
larger framed weapons that may be able to call it the Palm Pistol. The best part? The
benefit from this pistol. device has been classified as a medical
device by the FDA because it is specifically
A while back, the Palm Pistol was making
designed for users who are too frail to use a
waves across the blogosphere, with lots of
traditional firearm. This thing actually
skepticism that it would be accepted by
makes me feel not so bad about paying for
BATFE or consumers. Around that time, I
others' health care costs, as hopefully
spoke with inventor Matt Carmel, a
people will be able to get this covered since
passionate 2nd Amendment activist, about
it's a "medical device," and I would bet that
his nifty little creation. He mentioned that
most insurance policies have nothing in
he hoped to get FDA approval as a medical
their contracts that mention devices like
device because of the gun’s utility for the
this on the list of things that aren't covered.
elderly and disabled. Now, I thought this
It's a far cry from the days when the states
was a good idea conceptually, but given the
used to buy military‐grade weaponry for
government’s pace of operation and the
their militias, but I actually wouldn't mind
sheer novelty of the product, I gave him
paying Medicare taxes if I knew that they
about as much chance of success in that
were being used by some elderly people to
endeavor as I would me quarterbacking the
exercise their second amendment rights.
Jets to a Super Bowl.
The NRA should set up an insurance fund to
provide coverage for anyone who requests
Matt is a determined man, however, and
one of these, but cannot afford one – Code
today he got word from the FDA that the
Monkey Ramblings Blog
Palm Pistol is officially a Class I Medical
Device. The next step is to obtain the I always thought the old style palm pistols
proper approval for physicians to be able to were a great idea, I am very excited about
prescribe the Palm Pistol to patients (who trying yours.
could then receive reimbursement through
I actually own a 1894 Chicago Palm Pistol
Medicare). Congratulations to Matt for a
and would LOVE to purchase two of your
great idea and the guts to stick with it. I
Palm Pistols.
look forward to testing a Palm Pistol down
the road and seeing it prescribed alongside I look forward to keeping in touch as to how
that little blue pill… – Edward Friedman, this project is proceeding; it sounds like a
Associate Editor, Shooting Illustrated novel idea – Phil Keller, Stillwater Firearms
Magazine. Association
I want to see liberals' heads explode when Please let me know if we can assist at all
they realize that Socialized medicine is and good luck on a great endeavor.
being used to buy people guns.
I sincerely hope all your work sees the light
I want one. I also want Obama to pay for it. of day. This is really needed.
I would think getting murdered interferes Hope you get this manufactured. A great
with one of life major activities, which is, to idea and great gun.
wit, living. This is also an ADA issue. Great
I have been teaching concealed carry in
work.
Ohio for four years and I have had people
Proving once again that the Capitalist spirit that cannot work a slide or even the
is indomitable, Constitution Arms has cylinder release latch – Roy E. Landstrom,
created a handgun specifically targeted FFL, Landstrom Gunsmithing
toward the elderly and the crippled. They
Page 6
I would suggest that you get this project I am a nurse, and I think it is a great idea to
under way and completed, with pistols on have a firearm like this that can be used by
the market, before the Obama gang makes disabled persons. I don't have any disability
it impossible. Right now, I think we have a myself. I want one because I think it is cool!
several month grace period, as the new Also, I think it might be an easy weapon for
administration has plenty of more pressing my wife to learn to shoot since she is afraid
issues, such as our entire system going of guns.
bankrupt. If that does happen, you will be
LOOKS GREAT!
selling many more of the Palm Pistols than
you could ever imagine. I have been disabled for the last 14 years
with a form of arthritis. I don't know how
Just thought I'd let you know I caught Adam
long I can continue to use a regular gun.
Brodsky's column in the New York Post a
couple of weeks ago about your invention I am a retired police detective with an
and its sociological/political implications or interest in firearms use and application.
ramifications. Interesting. Anyway, I just
I'm 76 and this is great for my wife and I.
thought I'd say hi and let you know the
column wasn't unnoticed, at least by me. I am a disabled veteran with a concealed
I'm very impressed with your handgun license and would like to own a
resourcefulness. Hope it works out and Palm Pistol.
makes you a mint. Seems to me there
I am mailing you a check for $25.00, as a
might be a big market for it.
deposit in order to reserve a Palm Pistol and
I would love one of these for it's uniqueness receive a $25.00 discount on a pre‐
and collector value. production order. I suspect you will receive
a lot more than 200 orders. It would be
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing
neat to also design a Palm Pistol holster.
Spondylitis. While I currently have minimal
difficulty with firearms, that may change. I I am an NRA instructor and I got
am very pleased to see that I may not have information about your new gun from the
to give up my Second Amendment rights NRA‐ILA site. As I teach all ages, I think I
due to medical issues beyond my control. should have one to "show and tell"!!!
OUTSTANDING WORK! This is an excellent I believe there is a strong market for your
example of old‐fashioned American product.
ingenuity! Keep it up!
I am a disabled Vietnam Veteran and see
A device very well suited for us seniors over this as real protection.
65. Thank You.
I am a police officer and want you to know I
I am a 74 year old disabled woman, and I am in full support.
need one.
I have severe arthritis and have a successful
A very useful and beneficial device. internet business and have been looking for
a gun that I can use.
I'm paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair
and I think it would benefit me. As a firearms instructor and instructor for
concealed weapons permits, I find this an
If the quality of construction, fit and finish
interesting concept.
are of high level, I believe your pistol would
be a very fine personal protection piece. I kinda want one for the hell of it.
Look forward to hearing from you.
It’s a cool looking little thing.
Page 7
LOL! Awesome. I am an arthritic senior and looking forward
to receiving your product.
Thank you for the creative design and
ingenuity beyond “standard” firearm In the old days, they used to create
creations. weapons for people with arthritis by
removing trigger guards and a filing down
Send more pictures of your Palm Pistol and I
the trigger lever to produce a "hair trigger"
will write a report for our webpage. All
that could fire with very little pressure. This
Spanish gun owners will know about this
looks like a step up.
gun which I think is very interesting –
Ernesto Sanches, VP, Asociacion Nacional I like this idea, sign me up.
del Arma, Spain
My check will go out in the morning. I have
Initially unimpressed, but after checking out taught self defense tactics for many years to
the info on their site, it makes a whole lot law enforcement and civilians and find this
more sense… especially with the laser and new design extremely useful for the elderly
hollow point rounds (and some practice) and handicapped. I look forward to hearing
your grandma (or anybody else) could use it more about this firearm.
effectively in a bad situation vs. one
I have given my 86 year old mother‐in‐law a
attacker. Might be a decent “last chance”
short barreled .22LR revolver for her self‐
backup weapon for LE types too.
defense. She has severe arthritis, but if she
I can’t help but conjure up some weird really tries hard, she can pull the trigger.
scenarios involving this device. You know, This little gadget would be a godsend for
“Back off! Don’t make me draw my adapted her.
defensive weapon”, or in the words of Dirty
Giving the elderly and disabled a means of
Harry himself‐ “I know what you’re thinking.
self protection is a joke? I'll admit this is
“Did he fire one shot or none?” Well, to tell
outside of the box thinking, but there
you the truth, in all this excitement I kind of
definitely is a need for a device like this. The
lost track myself. But being as this is a Palm
elderly and disabled are prime targets for
Pistol, the most adaptive handgun in the
the predators living among us and they
world, you’ve got to ask yourself one
shouldn't be denied the means to protect
question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya,
themselves. Elderly and disabled people are
punk?”
still people and have the right to live as
The right of civilian ownership of firearms is close to a normal life as possible and that
a hotly contested one, so many will scoff at includes their personal safety.
the possibility of a weapon, which has the
I'd like to take the time to thank you and
potential to kill, used as a “medical device.”
tell you that I think your product will make
However, the question is not so easily
a perfect back up weapon especially for a
dismissed. If we are to assume the right of
person like myself who's had multiple
self‐defense as has been upheld by District
cervical spine surgeries as well as several
of Columbia v Heller, we must ensure that
low back surgeries. I now can no longer
there is no discrimination against those
carry all the weapons and equipment that I
with disabilities, no? It is an interesting
once carried before I had my accident and
predicament for progressives who support
surgeries.
gun control. The shooting sports have a
long history of accommodating individuals Keep me posted as I am very interested in
with disabilities. this unique product. I do want to make a
deposit on one. My principle business is LE
It looks like a great backup gun.
Page 8
Armory work and pistolsmithing. I am sure I am a nurse and think this Palm Pistol is a
you are aware of the firearm feeding frenzy fantastic idea. Disabled people have so
across the country and your palm pistol will many special gadgets and aids to help them
be sellout from day one! Great idea! with activities of daily living. Why not a self
defense weapon?
Thank you for your great invention.
Hopefully, my arthritis doesn't degenerate Thanks for the update on your absolutely
to where this is the only firearm that I can clever Palm Pistol! I look forward to the
operate. time when I will be able to buy a few.
This gun is great for the elderly. They need I am currently in law enforcement and am
something easy to aim at close range and considering this as a back‐up or off‐duty
easy to shoot with weak hands. I've seen weapon.
older guys at the range with modified
I was looking around on your site and I
1911’s with very light triggers. They still
could instantly see many practical
struggle though, because it's extremely
applications for it. Beyond the disabled
hard to load and rack the slide. I hope that
assistance which in itself is amazing, I can
this becomes a widespread solution to the
definitely see it as a critical backup weapon.
unarmed vulnerable elderly population.
Thank God for men and women like you
Wouldn't you know it, just when it looks like
who create new and creative ways for all
we're on the verge of plunging right over
people to protect themselves if they wish to
the edge and into the dark abyss, along
do so. It is our right … period!
comes a knight in shining armor in the form
of one super courageous and incredibly Would love to see this in production for
innovative corporate hero to rescue our people who cannot defend themselves with
darling damsel of a nation in distress ‐‐ a standard handgun. WOULD MAKE ME
Praise the good Lord and God bless you, FEEL MORE SECURE ABOUT THE SAFETY OF
Constitution Arms!!! MY PARENTS!
Elderly does NOT mean senile! Looks like a great idea. Can’t wait to get a
couple. My wife and I both carry.
Yesterday my husband took me to a firing
range. His intention was to teach me how I just saw your ad, what a clever idea, can't
to use two guns. It was a disaster. I couldn't wait to add one to my collection of CCW
pull the trigger on the .22 and I barely could guns. Not too sure about the combination
shoot the .38. My hand is small and my lock but at least it can be left in the
fingers have arthritis. Aiming was the easy unlocked position. The rail and laser is also
part. When my son told me about your a very nice touch.
pistol I was so pleased.
I am already recommending the Palm Pistol
I am very interested in obtaining one of to some of my elderly self defense students.
your pistols. I used to be an avid shooter This is the easiest way for elderly and/or
but now am disabled. Hope you get this unit disabled persons to defend themselves that
produced. I have seen. I am looking forward to
receiving the one I have had reserved for at
Great idea, great timing, perfect anywhere
least a year. I believe this will help to save
self defense pistol for anybody. Folks need
innocent lives where a conventional pistol is
to remember it’s not how big the gun in the
either not convenient to carry or not easy
fight, it’s that you had one when needed!
to use due to disability. Thank you for
inventing the Palm Pistol. – Gary Widner,
Page 9
NRA Certified Training Counselor, Virginia .38spcl for practice and .357 for social
Firearms Instruction occasions.
Pretty innovative for a last‐ditch gun. Matt seems to be serious and on the right
track getting his product approved as a
I'd love to have one, or two. I don't want to
medical device. How long has the choir
scare the bad person. I don't want them to
been saying "it's just a tool, like any other"?
know that I have any kind of weapon. I want
Well, Matt took that thought and ran with it
them up close, so I can put one bullet in
‐ a device to prevent sudden‐death onset.
their eye, without aiming.
I want Matt to succeed so he can move
Wonderful concept, let’s get going, you
from a single‐shot to bringing back the
have a winner here.
multi‐round palm pistols of old, but in a
I noticed "1/2x28" on the schematic, decent caliber.
pointing to the muzzle. Does that mean
My hands are my disability. I do not have
you intend the barrel to be threaded? A
the strength to use a spray can or open a
single‐shot pistol with a silencer would be
door. Will I be able to use the Palm Pistol? I
exceptionally quiet. This is what has piqued
sure hope so.
my interest, as an enthusiast of unusual
pistol designs. This is a really interesting concept, and one
that is long overdue.
I hope this all works out, great idea!!!!!
I am an NRA Instructor and would really like
I really am excited about the new design
to promote this pistol to older students and
and will continue to be interested in your
professional students. Great idea, thanks!
updates.
This gun could be a godsend to those with
As a former state police officer and now a
arthritis or some other handicap.
retired senior, I am truly looking forward to
receiving my Palm Pistol. Thank you, God There are a lot of people that are not too
bless you and keep up the good work. comfortable with a pistol, but might need
to protect themselves. I am a NRA certified
Thanks Matt. I see a million of these in the
instructor in 6 disciplines, including
market. Well done!
handgun, rifle, shotgun, and home defense,
You're doing something really constructive! and I have been doing it for probably longer
I hope it comes to fruition, and makes you than you have been alive (I have very gray
enough money to be worth your while. hair). There are many women (and some
men) that are intimated by mechanical
I can’t wait until this becomes available. I’m
things. They are not going to master
almost at the point that carrying a fully
magazines, safeties, and pulling back the
loaded side arm is just too heavy for my low
slide. Sure, you can "get them through a
back/spine.
class", but a month later it is all gone. Six
I have JRA (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis) months later, they can't use the gun. Don't
and am sick to death of being scared and tell me that it isn't true, I see it all the time!
unable to defend myself. If I were in a state like Vermont or Arizona
that has unrestricted carry, and a nurse
Had a long conversation with Matt (the
came to me and told me that she was put
genius behind the design) and he says he is
on the night shift in an "Iffy" neighborhood,
looking at moving from 9mm to .357
and was afraid, but was also uncomfortable
Magnum so there is the availability of
with pistols... I would not hesitate to get her
Page 10
a palm gun... and tell her, when a BG competent with a small auto or revolver.
attacks you, push this into his solar plexus And to suggest a knife is also not relevant.
and SQUEEZE... he will drop like a sack of Knife fighting is an art far more difficult to
potatoes. Then call 911. No weeks of master than pistol fighting. There are
instruction, no lessons in knife fighting and people that need to defend themselves
she doesn't have to learn a device that she against an attacker, and cannot master the
is afraid of. Now, if you want to argue that usual handgun or knife. A woman might
this person shouldn't have a gun if they need a simple single shot gun to stop an
can't master the art of an auto pistol, it falls attacker or a rape... all she needs is to put
on deaf ears. Because she can't learn how her fist into his chest and squeeze. That
to operate a Keltec P3AT, or a Colts Officers, may be all that she is capable of... and it
does not mean she has no right to defend WILL save her virginity or her life. I would
herself. There IS a valid market for a palm rather my daughter or wife carry a squeeze
gun... it's just NOT with the amateur gun gun than a can of Mace. So judge this for
fighters. what it is intended for, not as a combat
pistol.
It looks like an incredible idea to fit a niche
market. I wish the best to you and your While this particular Palm Pistol is quite
design. modern looking, the basic idea of a
roundish one‐shot firearm that can fit in the
I don’t care who you are, THIS is very
palm of your hand is an old idea going back
cool!!!!
at least as far as the mid‐1800s. Still, the
GREAT idea for a handgun ... I will buy the new Palm Pistol appears interesting and to
.38 caliber because I am a collector. Looking be a major improvement over older, similar
forward to seeing new ideas from your weapons.
company.
I think it could work for pocket concealment
This is a great design, ergo‐metrically and or woman. It gives them a fighting chance.
conceptually. For a handicapped individual, The senior idea is a plus also. Doesn't
or a last ditch scenario like a cop needing a appear to be a lot of recoil and with all the
back up NOW, this is a great gun. You have s**t happening to seniors they can carry
one shot, but at the ranges this is going to one and feel a bit safer.
be deployed, that shot will be in the center
mass of the target. I also like that this has I think this could be a good carry weapon
the capability of being an impact tool, giving for pocket concealment or women with
you secondary strike capability in a fight. purses.
The problem with a lot of folks who see this Well for people like us I think it's a no go
is that it has just one shot, you can't whip in since we are able to train with our guns etc,
another magazine, and there are no kick ass but think about grandma or grandpa who
sights. When things go sideways, that one can barely stand straight let alone hold a
shot may well be the best shot you ever gun properly.
made if you’re the one walking away when
it’s all over! Serious concept here, and Check out Carmel’s .38 caliber Palm Pistol
about time we had something innovative on his website, www.constitutionarms.com.
beyond bigger mags and lasers. It reminds me of a more ergonomic version
of the Liberator single shot pistol made in
This should not be compared in the same WWII, or even more of the Green Avenger
league as a combat pistol... to do that is water guns of my youth. Carmel says it’s a
silly. Nor is it a "back up piece". There are weapon for the elderly and those who can’t
people that will never be comfortable or
Page 11
pull a normal trigger. I bet at the range of a attached. Well here you go. Bang. 3PG's.
few feet a .38 bullet works better than Palm Pistol Packin' Grannies.
hitting an intruder with your cane – Phil
I’ll chime in here ‐ it is not designed for guys
Bourjaly, Field & Stream
like us that have no problem with a full size
The Palm Pistol would be relatively weapon. This is designed entirely for the
devastating if it were fired right up against elderly and those with mobility issues. The
someone. The bullet, with added released trigger is the thumb button. Its designed as
gasses would likely kill the perp. It's an ideal a means to protect yourself say....like if you
one shot for people handicapped with were stuck in a wheelchair and
arthritis or something else that limits pulling maybe...almost paraplegic...but had some
capacity. mobility of your hand..finger...etc...and let’s
face it...if you are in a chair, there is a good
Cool idea!
damn possibility that the BG is gonna be
For the record I’ll admit that I never thought standing over you anyway, so aim is almost
the design would be approved by the ATF, non existent...more like a gut gun. If we are
not even after they initially approved it. about self defense, then dammit, we are
Obviously I was wrong and I’ll own up to it. about self defense, and should not pick and
This thing really looks like it’s going to hit chose, and alienate those that might want
the market sometime soon and that makes to carry, or have something even of this
me happy. type if they can’t carry anything else.
Matt Carmel emailed last night with some It is what it is. A weapon designed with folks
pics of the first functional prototype of the who would not physically be able to wield
Palm Pistol, which just arrived at they typical firearm. This item was first
Constitution Arms for testing. He’s going to mentioned in the same breath as having a
put 10,000 rounds through it and then drop physical disability section on CCF. I am all
test the single‐shot .38 Spl. This won’t be for anything that will allow someone who
like putting 10,000 rounds through an AR would otherwise be more susceptible to
(334 reloads) or a 1911 (1,429 reloads). No, attack than others to have an edge or a
Carmel will have to reload the Palm Pistol fighting chance. If it only being single shot is
10,000 times, so not only will the barrel, a problem, the user can readily carry more
frame and hinge be tested, so will Carmel’s than one... is not the fastest reload another
sanity. He told me he already put 300 gun?
rounds and three proof loads through the
I personally think that the concept is a good
gun last night without issue. Every step in
idea and would definitely consider it if I was
the Palm Pistol saga makes me more
not physically able to use a different
interested in the gun. Carmel says there will
weapon. Wouldn't mind owning one now.
be a host of options, including a Picatinny
rail, a crenellated strike bezel, color options It’s better than nothing for people with
and more. I can’t wait to see the final degenerative arthritis or missing
product! – Edward Friedman, Associate limbs/hands/fingers who are simply
Editor, Shooting Illustrated Magazine. incapable of using a conventional handgun.
And, more importantly, it is being marketed
It's a great idea for handicapped individuals
as such. If one reads the website and the
or elderly suffering from arthritis. My
specifications, it is clear that this gun was
keychain comment is a valid one. Mugger
designed from the outset for use by the
approaches someone and demands the
disabled. So in my mind, it is not a "toy" by
keys. Fake set of keys in purse with PP
any means. Its actually a pretty good idea,
Page 12
albiet one that applies to a pretty narrow the aging population, IMHO. One feature
segment of customers. Would I own one? not mentioned so far is compared to
No. Chop off half my hand or a bunch of my pepper spray or a cane this thing is going to
fingers though...and I might reconsider. make a lot of noise which would hopefully
attract additional assistance. As someone
Took half my ring finger off on my shooting
pointed out, as a contact weapon of last
hand (plastic surgeon put it back together,
resort for a disabled person, it will be a bad‐
did a good job I think). Anyway, could have
ass. The powder burns alone will give
been several fingers so something like that
someone pause.
would come in handy if I couldn't hold a
pistol without limp wristing it. Wouldn't It's unfortunate that this gun has only one
mind my mom who has arthritis carrying round capacity. However, this is a great
one since she can't carry anything at all. advancement in firearms for people who
Thankfully she doesn't drive so me or my have limited use of their hands. I'm sure
brothers are carrying when we take her out there are plenty of people who could use
and she has dogs at her house. Probably something like this. This is something that
better than pepper spray, if only slightly. should have been around years ago. I can
understand a negative initial reaction from
I would want more shots, but it wasn't
some people but this gun isn't for them!
made for me. I have full use of my hands
Most of the members here wouldn't have a
and fingers. But for those who have lost
use for a palm pistol. But for people whose
digits or have heavy arthritis or nerve
hand dexterity is restricted to the point
damage or such, it would be better than
where buttoning their own shirt is a
going unarmed.
challenge this could make carrying a firearm
I think it’s far better than pepper spray. It’s possible again!! Thanks for the post, I'll be
totally inadequate against an assailant who looking forward to seeing how well this gun
has a gun of his own...but as a "contact functions and how it works for people who
weapon" for use by the disabled it would be can't, or have great difficulty, shooting
far better than a knife or spray or a stun traditional handguns.
gun. I’m trying to imagine the wound
My concern is the "novelty" of it, much like
channel you would get if you stuck the
when that other certain Ruger was released
barrel of that thing into someone’s gut and
a few years ago. This may turn into "the gun
blasted off a +P 158 gr solid wadcutter.
for those that don't like guns/want to carry
Nasty. Beats pepper spray all to hell.
a gun". Know what I mean? I guess I'm
Assuming he survived, a would‐be‐rapist
worried about uninformed and uneducated
would have one hell of a time trying to
bandwagon‐jumpers if this thing becomes a
maintain an erection if he was bleeding out
hit. Not that being armed is a bad thing in
from a wound like that. If your mindset is to
any case, but again, those who are
view this weapon as a "gun" in the
undergunned and don't realize or accept it.
traditional sense, it is a poor choice. If you
The foundation of the non‐service caliber
view it as a last‐ditch "contact weapon" to
argument seems to be "it's still better than
be used by a disabled person, it’s actually
the .45 at home in the safe..." Utilized for its
pretty bad‐ass.
intended demographic and purpose, I like it
I know nothing about the manufacturer and the more I think about it. Part of me thinks
the final product may be garbage, but the there is still a better solution out there than
idea of designing a "gun" from the ground this single‐shot wonder, but it's a step in
up specifically for the disabled is unique. As the right direction.
a business plan it is damn smart considering
Page 13
I have been following the Palm Pistol since I developments and innovation the concept
first read about it years ago. As a disabled is built on. Thanks for the update, I've
veteran, I can appreciate what it would do enjoyed watching the pistol move along,
for my personal protection needs and am the design of a new gun, with such thought
looking forward to it being completed and to detail shows the quality you're putting
marketed. into it.
For the record I’ll admit that I never thought Granny with a charm bracelet or necklace,
the design would be approved by the ATF, boogeyman with messy pants when
not even after they initially approved it. helpless target has big teeth and a nasty
Obviously I was wrong and I’ll own up to it. bite. Especially if the shot is from point
This thing really looks like it’s going to hit blank range and about 4 1/2" below his
the market sometime soon and that makes belly button. Possible with a 4'11" great
me happy. grandmother and a 5'10" mugger.
Sure laugh now, but for those of us older I'm guessing pocket carry? Can't see the
guys who have had major damage to their sense for a holster other than perhaps an
hands, this is a future solution. ankle rig for use as a backup to a backup.
Still a neat and contemporary take on a
Glad to hear all is going well. Thanks for
really old design. Too bad it's not a repeater
keeping us posted on the progress. I am
like the original.
looking forward to the day when you
announce the gun is ready for sales. I don't This is the Palm Pistol, from Constitution
know of any other gun manufacturer who Arms in New Jersey, an interesting take on a
included customers on the R&D process of a very concealable, last ditch weapon. It is a
new weapon. I appreciate your openness single shot, breech‐loading pistol. It is
and look forward to doing business with chambered in the popular and soft‐shooting
you. .38 Special cartridge which is widely
available and cheap. (well, used to be)
I found you through an article on the
Other than its extremely unconventional
Outdoors Unlimited webpage. Please note I
layout, the main design difference between
am planning a move to Arizona [from
the Palm Pistol and just about every other
California], hopefully in the near future.
gun is that you fire the weapon with your
This may make it easier for me to obtain
thumb rather than your index finger. The
your product when you commence
idea is that doing so will reduce muzzle
production. Thank you for developing a
drift, which is one of the main causes of
product with obvious concern for safety,
missed shots. Also the lack of a recoiling
strength and reliability.
slide and due to its extremely low bore axis,
I wish you well in your endeavors and hope most of the recoil will be directed straight
you garner a lot of interest from law back along the line of the firer's arm, which
enforcement for back‐up use, along with may make it easy and comfortable to shoot.
your stated ease of self protection for There was some notice of it in the
civilians of all ages. mainstream media (where I saw it) because
the inventor claimed that this weapon
Glad to hear that the Palm Pistol is coming
would be much more suitable for people
along so well, great design. You have done a
with physical disabilities and as such, should
lot of work to make the pistol a reality. I can
be paid for by disability and insurance.
only imagine all the work you've had to go
Needless to say, I don't think any
through. I like the change to .38 caliber, it’s
companies will be buying pistols for seniors
such improvements that show the
Page 14
and the disabled. The pistol will be I am a strong believer in your product and
marketed with an eye towards people with want to buy two when they become
dexterity limitations or other difficulties available, one for my wife and me.
that prevent them from operating a
I initially signed up when you first
traditional pistol effectively. Some of the
mentioned about this wonderful gun design
literature about the weapon also hints at its
a while back. I just want to make sure that
use as a backup gun and as a covert
my information is on file so that I am one of
weapon, but for now I have some doubts. If
the lucky 1,000 people to will able to obtain
it were me, I would add a little muzzle
one of these pistols! I really appreciate your
brake/flash hider to decrease the possibility
very detailed response to advise us, (your
of shooting my own fingers off, or even just
potential customer blast) the remaining
burning them on a hot barrel. I suppose it
hurdles and the test results of the gun. I
isn't really meant to be shot that much
along with some of my friends who are on
though.
your list are eagerly awaiting this new,
Strange looking and single shot but I guess highly compact design to help protect
it's reliable. ourselves with which have some health
issues that make it difficult to fire a normal
We talked about this pistol a few years ago
gun or shotgun, rifle, etc. Continue your
when it was still in the design stage. Nice to
great work! I am hoping that more
see that it has been finally made.
production models will soon to be available
Thanks for the update and your diligence to the public. My personal preference is
Matt! You must be excited; I certainly am that I would like to see the Palm Pistol with
and am looking forward to owning one of a .45ACP caliber set up if at all possible. I
your Palm Pistols. am not sure if that is feasible due to the
high kickback from the .45ACP ammo. But I
I can see this being an effective “last ditch”
guess it all depends on the load factor and
weapon. Dead nuts simple, shot placement
how many grains it will end up firing. Also
isn’t an issue because there’s a high
will JHP ammo work? I noticed that it
probability it’s going to be in contact with
looked like a "PowerBall" bullet or
the target, and .38 Spl is more than enough
something similar was portrayed in the ad
to stop someone.
showing the production model. Kudos to
I was reading one of my magazines the whomever thought of this fantastic design
other day and came across an ad for your for us who have issues with carpal tunnel or
new type of handgun. The reason I was arthritis, etc. Continue your greatness! May
interested in this type is because my God Bless your wonderful company with
mother has lost strength in her hands and many decades of service and business to
can’t handle the Colt Cobra I had for her the American people with the awesome
anymore. She’s eighty‐five, lives alone, and Palm Pistol!
is very independent. I think something like
I'm a NRA Instructor and at times we have
this might just be the ticket. Not that she’s
people that could possibly use something
mean, but she will light a fire under
like this.
somebody that needs it.
I am looking forward to owning one. I think
I think what you are doing is a brilliant idea.
it is a unique and innovative item.
I am going to buy one for my mother who is
60 years old and has fibromyalgia. I am a 100% Disabled Veteran and this
would perfect for my needs.
Page 15
I've been watching your pistol's Looking forward to owning this
development for some time now. I'm a revolutionary product and seeing you
disabled veteran that lost much of the use blessed financially.
of my right hand due to a shotgun injury,
I would have to say that the Palm Pistol is
and something like this would (I think) work
one of the most methodically
very well for me. I hold a Michigan
designed/built guns out there ‐ the 100
Concealed Carry License, but right now I'm
round proof test is impressive and the
either forced to try and use conventional
10,000 round endurance test is great.
pistols with my right hand or become left
Those are two selling points that many gun
handed. My left hand has carpal tunnel and
manufacturers can't claim
rheumatoid arthritis, so that makes things
difficult. I look forward to getting one of Thanks for your excellent work and ideas! I
your pistols, assuming I can afford it. I'm am excited and looking forward to
sure the development costs have to be purchasing your pistol.
staggering for you. Breaking new ground
I suffer from a paralyzed left arm. Like to
always is, I suppose. Thank you for making
shoot guns but it's hard to find a gun for
this.
complete safe handling. It's difficult to
I love it when you include QA data...I am a chamber that first round. This looks like a
QA Inspector...keep up the good work...you nice solution.
have my "stamp of acceptance"...
I've been on your email list for a long time.
Wow, Matt, awesome update! This really I'm disabled and have use of my left hand
helps me appreciate what you are doing, only. I would appreciate the opportunity to
and begin to understand what is involved. purchase this firearm for home protection.
You are doing great! Wow that is pretty bad ass. Too bad it’s
only a single shot but still ... neat.
I'm ok with the time it is taking. It sounds
to me like this is going to be an awesome Actually, I have to admire the pursuit of a
firearms piece and will be well worth the dream here, one that is not as goofy as it
wait! Thanks for your attention to precision has been made out in some gun blogs. Yet I
and durability. await the first ad in Guns & Ammo by a
gunsmith offering to smooth out that 9‐10
Thanks for the detailed update. I hope no
pound trigger button, down to 3.25 pounds
one is giving you a hard time about a
with a break like glass.
deadline. I would hope that most of us gun
folks would understand the obstacles I own a firearm training company that trains
you've encountered and wish you easy 1,000‐1,500 people a month in 5 states.
resolution of them. Keep plugging away. Many of our students have dexterity issues
You're a businessman that I'm proud of. I and would love to be included in the first
know I'm going to be getting a good 1000 production run. If we demonstrate
product. them in our courses they will reach about
10,000 people a year, and our students love
I have been diagnosed with a
this type of thing (no idea how many NAA
neuromuscular condition and your product
mini revolvers we've sold). Innovative idea
will allow me to maintain my constitutional
and I can't imagine the hoops you've had to
rights.
jump through. I'll send the check today.
Outstanding. Truly outstanding … Lord bless
your company.
Page 16
I would love to see Grandma fire it. I am a
grandpa, I’d give it a try.
Looks like a good product, assuming it's not
prone to jamming!
Most people wouldn't expect the old “Palm
Pistol.” A modern version of an old classic ‐
the single shot pistol has a few advantages
that are worth bringing it back. This version
is triggered using the thumb ‐ making it a
good self defense choice for senior citizens.
I hope I can order two or more, I think it's a
really neat idea.
I've been watching you and your company
develop this item for quite some time. I am
23 years old and my main interests lie in
firearms. I will be starting gunsmithing
school this coming semester and find your
Palm Pistol to be an outstanding example of
American ingenuity. If the price is within
my budget, I will be getting one of these.
Thanks Gizmag for posting this most
interesting Palm Pistol article. I was not
around 100 years ago to even know about
such an existing device and even so, I
haven't seen any of them produced for the
current market. Looks like it has two
additional safety buttons to arm it. As one
seeking personal protection while my wife
and I walk from parking lots through rough
neighborhoods just to get to city theaters, I
would rather clutch one of these instead of
just my car keys. I also appreciate this
weapon not looking like a standard gun that
would otherwise freak‐out many of these
pacifist anti‐gun commenter's that might
see it, if I should pull it out of my pocket
with my change at the snack bar. I am
looking forward to its availability.
Page 17