Ideal Conceal

The Ideal Conceal was a pocket pistol with a folding pistol grip. When folded and unable to fire, the pistol mimics the appearance of a smartphone. It was 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] Due primarily to supply chain strains and component issues, the company ceased production and shut down in 2022.[6]

Ideal Conceal
Ideal Conceal, Inc. Monticello, MN – IC380 CAL. 380 ACP (open configuration)
TypePocket pistol
Place of originUnited States
Production history
DesignerKirk Kjellberg
ManufacturerIdeal Conceal, Inc.
Produced2018–2022
Specifications
Mass18.3 oz (520 g) unloaded
Length5.5 in (140 mm)
Barrel length3.5 in (89 mm)[1]
Width.75 in (19 mm)
Height3 in (76 mm) folded
5.1875 in (131.76 mm) open
Cartridge.380 ACP or 9mm Luger
Barrels2
ActionBreak Action
Feed systemTip-up barrel
SightsFixed
References[2]

Description

The Ideal Conceal pistol consisted of a derringer-style handgun containing two barrels, chambered for either .380 ACP or 9mm.[7] The primary color option available was black, with a plastic exterior and metal core.[8] Ideal Conceal pistols were around the same size as a Samsung Galaxy S7 and had a handle that collapsed to give it the appearance of a mobile phone when not in use.[8] When folded, it locked so that it could not be fired. The pistol grip itself acted as a safety and was 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.

Reception

The National Rifle Association of America 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."[9] Gun control activist Jaclyn Corin criticized the gun, saying that it will cause the police to target more people.[9] There have also been concerns about children mistaking the Ideal Conceal for a real mobile phone.[8]

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).[10] In 2017, the ATF classified the Ideal Conceal design as a regular pistol.[1]

  • IC380 Handgun/Pistol (open configuration)
    IC380 Handgun/Pistol (open configuration)
  • IC380 Handgun/Pistol (closed configuration)
    IC380 Handgun/Pistol (closed configuration)


References
  1. "Classification of a folding pistol design" (PDF). Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Retrieved 2018-07-12.
  2. "NOW SHIPPING: The Ideal Conceal Folding Cell Phone Pistol". personaldefenseworld.com. July 11, 2018. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. "NRA Annual Meetings: Featured Product Center & Demo Area". National Rifle Association of America. Retrieved 2018-05-05.
  6. Chris Eger (June 15, 2022). "'Cellphone Gun' Maker Ideal Conceal Shuts Down". guns.com. Retrieved 2022-07-30.
  7. Reeves, James. "The Cell Phone Gun from Ideal Conceal: Now in 9mm". www.thefirearmblog.com. TFB. Archived from the original on 2021-07-06. Retrieved 6 February 2023.
  8. Elizabeth Chuck (March 29, 2016). "Company Invents Gun That Folds Up to Look Like a Cellphone". NBC News. Archived from the original on 2016-03-29. Retrieved 2018-05-05.
  9. Maria Perez (May 1, 2018). "Parkland Student Slams NRA for Promoting Gun That Looks Like Cell Phone on Website". Newsweek. Archived from the original on 2018-05-02. Retrieved 2018-05-05.
  10. "Gun that looks like iPhone draws senator's ire". CBS News. Associated Press. April 4, 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-04-05. Retrieved 2018-05-05.
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