Ideal Conceal
The Ideal Conceal is a pocket pistol with a folding pistol grip. When folded and unable to fire, the pistol mimics the appearance of a smartphone. It is made by Ideal Conceal Inc., of Monticello, MN.[3] The Ideal Conceal drew attention and criticism because of concerns over the resemblance to a smart phone and possible legal and safety issues with law enforcement.[3][4][5]
| Ideal Conceal | |
|---|---|
| Type | Pocket pistol |
| Place of origin | Minnesota, United States |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Kirk Kjellberg |
| Manufacturer | Ideal Conceal, Inc. |
| Unit cost | $575 (July 2018) |
| Produced | 2018–present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 18.3 oz (520 g) unloaded |
| Length | 5.5 in (140 mm) |
| Barrel length | 3.5 in (89 mm) [1] |
| Width | .75 in (19 mm) |
| Height | 3 in (76 mm) folded 5.1875 in (131.76 mm) open |
| Cartridge | .380 ACP |
| Barrels | 2 |
| Action | Break Action |
| Feed system | Tip-up barrel |
| Sights | Fixed |
| References | [2] |
Description
The Ideal Conceal is a derringer-style handgun containing two .38 caliber barrels, chambered for .380 ACP cartridges. It is black, with a plastic exterior and metal core.[6] It is around the same size as a Samsung Galaxy S7 and has a handle that collapses to give it the appearance of a mobile phone when not in use.[6] When folded up, it locks and so cannot be fired. The pistol grip acts as a safety and is held in place with a detent. To ready the gun, the pistol grip must be manually swung open, at which point the firearm takes on the appearance of a conventional handgun, meeting the requirements of a pistol under the National Firearms Act.
Criticism
The National Rifle Association described it on their website, saying, "The Cellphone Pistol offers a great option for self-defense along with max concealment" and "The shape will not print as a pistol, yet can be drawn and fired quickly."[7] Gun control activist Jaclyn Corin criticized the gun, saying that it will cause the police to target more people.[7] There have also been concerns about children mistaking the Ideal Conceal for a real mobile phone.[6]
In 2016, Senator Chuck Schumer called the gun a "...disaster waiting to happen." and said that it could be potentially illegal in the United States under the current gun laws, and would talk to the Justice Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).[8] In 2017, the ATF classified the Ideal Conceal design as a pistol.[9]
References
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (May 22, 2017). "Classification of a folding pistol design" (PDF). Retrieved 2018-07-12.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
- "NOW SHIPPING: The Ideal Conceal Folding Cell Phone Pistol". personaldefenseworld.com. July 11, 2018. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
- Staff, RNN (May 1, 2018). "Gun that looks like a cellphone will be featured at NRA annual meeting". WWSB MySuncoast. Archived from the original on May 2, 2018. Retrieved 2018-05-05.
- Cydney Hargis & Timothy Johnson (May 4, 2018). "A gun that looks like a cellphone isn't the only tone deaf thing on display at the NRA annual meeting". Media Matters for America. Retrieved 2018-05-05.
- "NRA Annual Meetings: Featured Product Center & Demo Area". National Rifle Association. Retrieved 2018-05-05.
- Elizabeth Chuck (March 29, 2016). "Company Invents Gun That Folds Up to Look Like a Cellphone". NBC News. Retrieved 2018-05-05.
- Maria Perez (May 1, 2018). "Parkland Student Slams NRA for Promoting Gun That Looks Like Cell Phone on Website". Newsweek. Retrieved 2018-05-05.
- Associated Press (April 4, 2016). "Gun that looks like iPhone draws senator's ire". CBS News. Retrieved 2018-05-05.
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (May 22, 2017). "Classification of a folding pistol design" (PDF). Retrieved 2018-07-12.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)