The current pace of technological change is staggering. It’s nearly impossible to stay on top of the rapid innovation taking place in computers, cars, and entertainment. Firearms are no different.
In 2014, the Department of Justice requested $2 million to increase “gun safety technology”, which provides a “challenge to the private sector to develop innovative and cost-effective gun safety technology”. Prepare to see an increase in products with features that claim to increase safety.
Here are a few firearm tech advances that are currently under development.
Personalized Smart Guns will recognize the person pulling the trigger.
This new wave of firearm technology will incorporate fingerprint recognition, magnets, and biometric sensors to identify the person holding the handgun.
Technologies involving magnetized rings worn by the gun’s owner to unlock function of the firearm are also under development.
A trend toward location-enabled firearms, or “locationized firearms”, could be in the near future as well. The technology that allows all of the great features in our smart phones could soon disable and track firearms in certain geographic locations.
Giving law enforcement the ability to disarm the gun in the event of theft has its benefits, but many gun owners are expressing concern over this possibility.
This technology does exist, but many gun owners are resistant to the idea. Look for tech companies to find new ways to market these to consumers.
What are some of the potential issues with this future technology?
It goes without saying that these technologies will be neatly packaged and sold with a strong safety message. “Smart” guns could curb children’s access to firearms, which would cut down on accidents. It could also deter firearm theft to a certain extent.
There are still some serious safety concerns to consider. Fingerprint recognition, location tracking, and any other battery powered device runs the risk of either malfunctioning or failing in a time of serious crisis.
The government’s ability to track, or criminals’ ability to hack, these firearm technologies is a related issue that causes many gun owners to worry about these new trends.
Can smart gun technology really have an effect on gun violence?
The Violence Policy Center reported that, “homicides occur most frequently between people who know one another—often spouses, intimate acquaintances, or other family members—typically as the result of an argument.” This supports the popular argument that personalized guns would do little to actually stop their criminal use.
While new firearm technology is always exciting, and increasing safety is always an excellent goal, there are currently plenty of safety strategies we can use right now.
Gun owners that undergo safety training and skill improvement courses know more about proper firearm care and accurate shooting. Using an appropriate holster and proper clothing dramatically cuts down on theft and accidental discharges.
Taking the time to talk with family and children about how to treat firearms respectfully has the potential to save not only their lives, but the lives of anyone else they are with when they encounter a gun.
Having a positive frame of mind and a solid grasp on current laws and regulations helps to ensure that concealed carry will continue to be a safe and responsible practice far into the future.
