Here’s a video of the Identilock inaction. No, that’s not a typo. Notice how long it takes for the lock to drop off. Not to mention the low (teacup) grip on the GLOCK neededĀ to position the finger in exactly the right place. The President told the country last night that theĀ NRA and the firearms industry areĀ blocking the introduction of so-called “smart guns.” Truth be told,Ā New Jersey lawmakers (who created a bill that will ban the sale of “dumb guns” after “smart guns” go on sale) and the free market are the realĀ impediments. ‘Cause NJ is where gun rights go to die, and “smart guns” are a stupid idea. Your take?

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95 COMMENTS

  1. I never thought I’d say this, but thank you New Jersey law makers.

    I’d like to see someone conceal that thing inside the waistband and still keep their pants up. I assume the creators of that thing anticipate legal carrying of handguns will be illegal soon.

    • Why would you conceal carry this? Has everyone missed the fact that the president suggested this idea so that WHEN STORED IN A HOME! your child or say a thief can’t take your gun and use it. I would hope if you have a carry license you would also have the intelligence to keep your carry gun on you and not on a counter top for anyone to grab. Where the hell has every ones head gone honestly!

      • It might work to keep a little kid from firing the gun, but a thief will still steal your gun and cut this dumb thing off with a grinder in about ten seconds. As a child deterrent, a simple lock box would probably work a whole lot better, and would work for a much wider variety of handguns.

        • You can’t honestly think that getting a gun out of a lock box would be faster than this. As far as being able to have quick access to a gun without having to worry about someone, namely a child, accidentally firing it, this is a pretty good idea. It’s unique and I’d probably prefer it to a lock box on the nightstand.

        • This is great technology and something most gun owners should have. It replaces a lockbox as it is much more practical. It can leave your gun in a bedside table, in your glovebox, in your kitchen drawer, etc, That it drops off in a few seconds is awesome, as the user would have already dropped it off before aiming the gun.
          Any thinking adult should buy these.

      • I’m sure a parent that is too lazy, ignorant, or simply disinclined to use the free lock that comes with the gun would pay the large sum it takes to attach this anchor to their gun.

      • Biometric locks are a nice convenience but they are never to be relied upon for critical use, because that is when they will fail.

    • Yeah, I’m sure the gangbangers in NJ will be sure to keep their identilock on their “piece” at all times and maybe even find ways to bling it up.

    • Love the “Journalism” here:

      “maybe next year’s CES will see more smart gun technology thanks to the
      recent initiatives by President Obama”

      If it wasn’t for Lord Obama I do believe we all would be dead by now from guns that just keep going off.

  5. I like this idea better than making the technology integral with the handgun, but it would never work for carry. Might be useful for home or auto storage as a biometric trigger lock.

    As a guy that always has grease on his hands, do you suppose I could ask an attacker to wait while I cleaned my hands and then the little swipe screen so I could access my self defense system? LOL

    • I don’t think this would be useful for home storage except to keep the gun away from small children. It looks like it could be defeated with a dremel cutoff wheel in a few minutes or less.

  8. As someone who has used the “thumbprint” security feature on an IPhone, I don’t think I want something like that on my carry gun. It works most of the time, but just isn’t consistent enough, fast enough, or flexible enough.

    Also, the President and the media clearly know that New Jersey’s insane law is the real thing holding back smart gun technology.

  9. Why would I buy that when I can just buy a safe? Feel free to test your ideas out in the marketplace.

    • Perhaps as stupid as a biometric box for home storage, to keep the young-uns’ from getting at the gun.

      Not for me, but hey, let the free market decide if it’s useful.

      • Fair enough–but I don’t think anybody expects to carry a biometric box around with them. And if you don’t expect to carry this thing with you–then why not just get a biometric box? Then again, maybe someone can find a use for it…

  11. All of my guns are smart. The name of the technology used on my guns for firearm safety is called MY BRAIN. Developed over the past 400 million years, this amazing device is the most advanced tool on the planet.

    If “smart” devices work so well, and supposedly do not hamper the finctioning of a firearm, have the POTUS mandate its use for military and LE first….see how far that will get you.

  12. I would love to be in the lane next to that guy at the range.
    We’ll use a shot timer and see who puts rounds on target first.

  13. I wish there were more points of failure between me accessing my gun and actually defending myself. Oh look, here’s this thing.

  15. “Smart” guns are a great idea — for police and the Secret Service wh0remasters who guard King Hussein. Once they beta test the technology, I’m willing to make the switch.

  16. Hard to see how it works, but I wouldn’t hang anything off the trigger guard on a loaded gun. You might get a negligent discharge putting it on, or as it drops off. Looks like it has a tumbler lock back up which can be picked, and there’s probably some way to break the thing off, or someone would get shot trying to break it off. Not sure how this works on revolvers either. Not much better than a gun safe. I would rather put the entire gun in a gun safe nailed to the floor. Otherwise, someone can still steal the gun and work on the lock later.

  17. Considering all the bits and pieces to make that thing work, I find it cycles through recognition to unlock surprisingly fast.

    What the video didn’t show was how often the fingerprint scan fails?

    And then, overall, I hope they do very well. And I’m not buying one at any cost, nor am I using it even if it is provided for free.

  18. I second the notion about the possibility for an ND. Essentially this is a glorified biometric gun safe. And it retails for $319. A gunbox biometric safe is $317. And an even faster Hornady RFID rapid safe is $200.

  19. The lady in the video dropped the lock and then chambered a round…

    Carrying with a smart lock and empty chamber: dumb and dumber.

    • Considering the possibility of this thing whanging off the trigger as it unlocks and falls away, I’d probably keep the gun unchambered, too.

  20. The reason I have a gun is that I realize that if it ever gets used in defense, I’ll already be under attack and won’t have time to be F^%^king around with idiotic gizmos. When you NEED a gun you need it right now, not in a second. Now!

    One of the most destructive ideas ever had is the notion that having more technology than a similar thing makes something smarter.

  22. When the LEOs accept a proven lock that works 101% of the time and are willing to stake their lives on it.
    I still wont use one. Not for over $300. Maybe 5 bux but when the lock is more then some guns Id never own.
    Hell no.

  25. They forgot a step, Sleep with steel toed boots, that locks gotta hurt when it lands on you’re bare foot.

  26. As someone who has used bio-metric PAC (Physical Access Control) systems and had to wipe off both my hands and the fingerprint reader before it would even register that someone was attempting to open the door. I’ll pass. it’s a novel idea but I don’t think I want my manual of arms to include a wet-wipe.

    Respectfully Submitted.

  28. Not for me.

    It looks like it has a key-lock backup so that’s good at least. If it worked faster and cost 25-50 dollars someone could find it useful in some application I imagine.

    -D

  29. This isn’t designed for a carry gun. It is really for keeping the kiddies from accessing it. A gunvault is cheaper. I can get one for a $100.

  30. Perhaps Obama can kill two birds with one stone and have the firearms industry design guns with picatinny-mounted cameras and wifi, that run an instant background check on whoever you are aiming at – no pass, its guns free. Should work just as well as this, especially with all the new agents and funding the ATF is getting.

    /sarc

  31. A fingerprint trigger lock. Seems like a fine idea to me. Personally I like mechanical locks, both as a safe or trigger lock, but this is pretty small and portable (good for the car or road trip). So, if you’re okay with an electronic fingerprint lock, great.
    This has absolutely nothing to do with smart guns – no one would carry a gun this way, but you might use it to secure a firearm in the end table if you have children or something.

    • My thoughts exactly. It’s small enough to fit in a glove box, and I don’t like the idea of storing a gun in my car since kids usually have access to it. You could unlock it when you get in the car and keep it handy while driving, then lock it up again when you park.

  34. Bad guy is just going to club you over the head while waiting the 3 seconds it appears that thing takes to recognize you biometrics.

    GG: Oh, pardon me, sir. Can you please wait a moment whilst I engage my pistol lock?

    BG: Why of course, sir! I would never be so crass as to attack before you were prepared.

  35. Well since no one else has said it I will; This thing looks like the Dominator from Psycho-Pass…

  36. Simple. Roll this out for the Secret Service, armed guards for politicians, the elitist anti-gunners, military, and police first. After all, these are all the magically qualified people that are not seen as dangerous by the media. Us peons will just shoot ourselves if given the opportunity…

    See how that technology fairs for a year of real-world use, then we, the peons will weigh that data against the data we have on non-smart guns and decide the safety and functionality pros and cons.

    Short answer, it’s obvious any device powered by batteries is just a bad idea, plain and simple, I’m not trusting my life to a battery.

    • Not to mention this thing can probably be hacked or since it’s being developed for the govt, you can be sure there will be some device or loophole for the govt or police to be able to lock this thing at any time rendering your firearm useless.

      No thank you. It’s the opposite of freedom. It may as well look like a pair of handcuffs.

  37. Looks more like a minimalist, combination of an electronic gun safe, and a trigger guard encompassing trigger lock – which is far less a smart gun. It’s a meh item. It’s size makes it appealing for certain situations – stashing in a car, locker, briefcase, or something – but for the price, I can buy several small safes (that also have digital fingerprint recognition). They’ll need to cut the price WAY down to be competitive, and then sell and market it as a gun safe if they want to get any interest. That’s just my opinion though.

  38. A (really bad) solution looking for a problem (and BECOMING THE problem).

    It really does make you wonder if the designers of this abomination have ANY firearms experience.

  39. One thing that I think a lot of people are overlooking is that this isn’t a smart gun. This is a trigger lock. This is clearly not meant to be part of your carry piece but rather to be in place of a bedside safe. I think it’s actually a pretty interesting idea, but until they make the technology good enough so that they don’t need a mechanical locking mechanism as a backup I won’t bother considering it.

    • Personally, I prefer they keep the mechanical lock backup – should you forget to charge this, or it fails unexpectedly, you will still want access to your gun.

      Actually, given the proportions, I could see a clever gun holster manufacturer turning this idea into a “smart holster.” That actually would be pretty neat, and may actually see play with LEOs.

      • I’d much rather the technology be good enough that the mechanical backup is not necessary. If they have it, fine as long as 1) it isn’t needed because the technology is really good, 2) isn’t easily pickable (like most of these mechanical backups are), and 3) isn’t easily broken (like with a crowbar or sledgehammer). Ultimately, fingerprint scanners aren’t reliable enough to risk my life with them.

  44. I dont get it. Why is Obama blaming others for the commercial failure of smart guns? Isn’t the government a consumer too? If Obama wants smart guns to be a commercial success, all he needs to do is EO it for mandatory use by all secret service, fbi, police, etc.

  46. Way to go Identilock. Expect to receive a big fat grant from DOJ. Wonder if it’s led by Solyndra execs. Excellent timing.

  47. The only people who want this crap have no intention of owning one. What are the driving market factors behind this kind of technology when the only people who can use it don’t want it? If states like New Germany want to make this stuff mandatory then non gun owners should be mandated to own one as well. If I have to buy one then we all have to.

  48. This product appears to be just fine as a biometric nightstand pistol box alternative. In fact, it would probably be faster than a pistol lock box too. I still don’t want one, but I could see a market for it.

  49. No thanks. I am not buying this piece of trash. What happens if my hands are bloody, or sweaty? Finger print readers hate both. Blood and sweat are two things almost certain to occur in an active shooting situation.

  52. I sure hope those things are sturdy, because I’m positive any news stories we see in the future about these being used will be in the context of the user pistol-whipping their assailant in desperation when the damn thing wouldn’t come off. Useless. And, surely, hilariously expensive.

  54. Every single electronic gadget ia have from TV remotes to car remotes, cordless mouse and Every other one has failed me at one time or another for one reason or another. My car remote stopped working for two days then began working again for no reason I could determine.
    There is no way that I will EVER trust my life or families safety to any of these gadgets or smart gun technologies and if the government is stupid enough to mandate such crap, don’t count on too many people complying with the orders.

  57. The gun community isn’t interested in solving America’s gun violence problem, so it says “NO” to everything. NO to mandatory pre-purchase background checks and waiting periods; NO to mandatory training for safety, competence, and responsibility; NO to mandatory secure storage; and NO to every idea, product, action, regulation, and civil or personal restraint that puts any limits on doing anything it wants to do with guns anytime, anywhere, and for any reason or purpose. The gun community refutes the bedrock tenets of civilized behavior and responsibilities, yet enjoys the vast benefits of living in a civilized society that recognizes the prerequisites of restraint and compromise. The Second Amendment says regulation is not confiscation: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

    • “Regulated” means maintained in the Second Amendment: as in supplied and trained to be an effective force. It does not mean the restrictions of regulations.

  58. if my life mattered on it wouldnt want to rely on some battery power thing that prevents my gun from firing after laying unused in a lock box first unlock the lock box then have to unlock the gun hopefully the battery is still charged

  59. As soon as the government can enforce that criminals use these, I have no interest in being forced to purchase an Obamagun or Obamagun lock.

  60. so (1) – this is a good thing because all the criminals will purchase one to place on their firearm.
    (2) serious collectors have to purchase how many? (3)- what about lefties…the extra time needed to reverse grip will help in their safety how?

  61. Actually, this guy makes a good point…it’s “air gapped” That’s a tech way of saying that the device has no internet connectivity. So no one can override it and lock you away from your gun, or unlock it-a huge concern I have with actual “smart guns”. Every one I’ve seen has some kind of networking. If it has a network connection, you can bet it has a way it can be turned off. This, can’t.

    I’m not a fan of fingerprint biometrics, mostly because of the time it takes for the system to read and unlock, and because of the possibility of it not reading properly. I do like the ability of multiple users being able to unlock it without a physical key, and my having the ability to lock out users if I become concerned about one. Anyone whose raised a teenager knows this is a possible concern.

    I can see it as a useful device only if you have your house properly secured so it’s unlikely that an intruder can get in without your being awake and prepared long before they’re on you-a strong deadbolt, loud dog, alarm system, like that. Even then, I still have a .45 carbine chambered, safety on, behind the bed. Once my grandson starts to move around, I’m going to have to secure it, and unlock it at night. At that point, I may put the carbine up and just put my carry gun on the night stand, but that leaves my wife without one if I’m not there, so this could actually be an option for her side. Again, it would ONLY work if it was highly unlikely that someone could be on them without warning.

    Also, rather than spend three hundred bucks for the fingerprint version, Amazon has one for twenty bucks that covers the whole weapon. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UA1REA?refRID=CBSKWB9GNGXHRG91X57W&ref_=pd_ybh_a_47

  63. Smart guns are not a stupid idea and dismissing them as such wrecks the credibility of anyone who claims to advocate responsible gun ownership. The technology may not be ready for market and it may not be for everyone, but “stupid” it is not. I conceal carry and don’t see a practical application of this technology yet for that purpose, but for home defense all this company needs to do is change the ergonomics of the scanner and cut the response time in half for me to be on board with this lock for a home defense weapon even before they reduce the bulky design.

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