The number of states with laws that acknowledge an individual's right to self-defense by allowing concealed carry continues to increase. But, the average permittee is not disabled, despite the fact that people with disabilities possess an even greater need for such provisions.
Matt Carmel, inventor of an innovative handgun called the Palm Pistol, addressed that fact with his design. As comforting as this new development is, however, judging by a recent blog by John Snow on OutdoorLife.com, some people just don't understand.
I'm disappointed someone with such seniority in the firearm industry can't recognize the gun's merits. I doubt the 40,000 rape victims among our nation's disabled would agree with his observations.
Having been disabled since birth, I can tell you that people suffering with quadriplegia, for example, may not possess the strength to lift a firearm of average weight, or the motor skills required to grip a traditional handgun. Even a crisp, 4-pound trigger on a custom 1911 may well be impossible for them. While Snow's taste in handguns is excellent, if his SIG Sauer's trigger is anything like the 7-pound, 2-ounce deal on the one I evaluated for Shooting Illustrated, depending upon the degree of paralysis to the limbs, the trigger may be too heavy. Just because it worked for this quadriplegic, doesn't mean it will for others. While I may not need a Palm Pistol for self-defense, others aren't as fortunate.
Shame on Snow for indicting a specialty product with a limp-wristed attempt at coming to grips with the market for which is intended.
I realize the Palm Pistol isn't for everyone. Will the average non-disabled person see the benefit? Unfortunately—like Snow has shown—probably not until a disabled loved one or friend, or an elderly and widowed parent, saves their life with one. I can tell you this, though: With its exotic design, I could easily see it joining my firing Man from U.N.C.L.E. variant and my full-auto suppressed STEN fun gun in my safe.
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