New State of the Art Weapons Technology for the US?
The Armatix iP1 pistol is the only technologically advanced weapon of its kind. In order for the weapon to fire, a five digit passcode will need to be entered into the iW1 RFID watch. The Armatix iP1 is a .22 LR calibre pistol that comes equipped with a 10 round magazine that has been tested and approved by Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). If the weapon is knocked out of the owners hand or more than 10 inches away from the watch at any time, it will deactivate.
Gun cabinets and safes are no longer required with Quicklock and Baselock technology. The Quicklock device is broken down into two components: a blocking device and digital key. The blocking device will go down the barrel and act as a key to lock the weapon from within. The digital key will require a passcode or fingerprint to release the blocking device from the weapon.The Baselock module is a separate device which allows you to lock the weapon in place and can be mounted. Like the Quicklock device, only a fingerprint or pin code will release the weapon.
The Armatix iW1 RFID wrist watch has extensive watch functions and is waterproof. It is required to operate the weapon. It has interchangeable straps with a power supply for 5,000 rounds or a minimum of one year standby depending on operation. It also has time controlled weapon deactivation capabilities.
The Target Response System (TRS) will cause the weapon to immediately deactivate if the pistol is aiming away from the target area. This system protects from misuse against people or objects around you. Their goal is to provide firearms that are safer and will reduce the amount of accidental deaths, suicides, and homicides.
However, There are some concerns that the technology isn’t reliable enough yet and could make matters worse. Lawrence Keane, senior vice president and general counsel of the National Shooting Sports Foundation says, “It can actually encourage people to leave loaded firearms accessible, relying upon technology which can fail at the most inopportune time”. The NRA also remains skeptical.
The pistol will cost about $1399. The watch will cost $399. It is already available in Europe and Asia. According to Belinda Padilla, the CEO of Armatix US, it will reach U.S stores by the end of the year. This weapon has already been approved for sale in California, which has some of the strictest gun laws. According to a New Jersey state law, adopted in 2002, within three years after the first one hits the shelves, this will be the only weapon that can be legally sold in the the state. Is this a plausible solution for gun control? Will you buy one?
Sources:
“www.armatix.us”– Armatix
“The Wall Street Journal”– Ashby Jones
“Smart guns can be the next step in gun control”– Logan Whiteside
