{"id":715,"date":"2023-06-01T16:44:08","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T16:44:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/2023\/06\/01\/is-biofires-new-smart-gun-a-game-changer\/"},"modified":"2023-06-01T16:44:11","modified_gmt":"2023-06-01T16:44:11","slug":"is-biofires-new-smart-gun-a-game-changer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/2023\/06\/01\/is-biofires-new-smart-gun-a-game-changer\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Biofire&#8217;s New Smart Gun A Game-Changer?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<p class=\"yoast-reading-time__wrapper\"><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-icon=\"clock\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" style=\"display:inline-block;vertical-align:-0.1em\" role=\"img\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__spacer\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:1em\"\/><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__descriptive-text\">Estimated reading time:  <\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__reading-time\">6<\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__time-unit\"> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" type=\"image\/webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm-1024x649.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm-400x254.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm-150x95.jpg.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm-768x487.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm.jpg.webp 1200w\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"649\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm-1024x649.jpg\" alt=\"Biofire's new smart gun.\" class=\"wp-image-180291\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm-1024x649.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm-400x254.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm-150x95.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm-768x487.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-eio=\"l\"\/><\/noscript><\/source><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(<em>Photo: Biofire<\/em>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The recent unveiling of the <a href=\"https:\/\/smartgun.com\/\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"is-biofires-new-smart-gun-with-fingerprint-and-facial-recognition-a-game-changer\" title=\"Is Biofire's New Smart Gun with Fingerprint and Facial Recognition A Game-Changer?\">Biofire Smart Gun,<\/a> a 9mm handgun with biometric security systems that allow only authorized users to fire it, has spurred a whirlwind of discussion about gun safety, self-defense, and gun control.<\/p>\n<p>While Biofire\u2019s noble intention to prevent misuse of firearms and reduce preventable firearm deaths, particularly among children, should be acknowledged, a critical evaluation of the smart gun concept is also warranted. <\/p>\n<p>In a 2018 article entitled, \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/when-it-comes-to-guns-smart-is-stupid\/\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"is-biofires-new-smart-gun-with-fingerprint-and-facial-recognition-a-game-changer\" title=\"Is Biofire's New Smart Gun with Fingerprint and Facial Recognition A Game-Changer?\">When it Comes to Guns, Smart is Stupid<\/a>,\u201d GunsAmerica\u2019s managing editor True Pearce did precisely that. He laid out all the reasons why opting for a smart gun may be less than ideal.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-smart-guns-are-stupid\">Why Smart Guns Are Stupid<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Limited Effect on Self-Harm and Accidents:<\/strong> Smart guns won\u2019t prevent an authorized user from accidental discharges, misuse, or self-harm. Therefore, the assumption that smart guns can significantly reduce suicides or self-inflicted accidents is flawed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Theft is Still Possible:<\/strong> Despite advanced biometric technology, theft and unauthorized use are still possible. Modern vehicles, despite their sophisticated locks and anti-theft technology, are regularly stolen.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hacking Vulnerability:<\/strong> Technologies like RFID, wireless, magnetic, or biometrics, which are used in smart guns, are all susceptible to hacking. This can potentially allow unauthorized users to access the firearm.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reliability in Self-Defense Situations:<\/strong> In imminent threat situations, the need for the smart gun to recognize an authorized user before it can be fired introduces a potentially life-threatening delay.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Electronics Fail:<\/strong> The truth about all electronics, including those in smart guns, is that they will eventually fail due to various factors such as moisture, temperature, dust, etc.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Potential for Complete Ban on Non-Smart Firearms:<\/strong> For smart guns to be universally adopted, all non-smart firearms would likely need to be banned. This is a controversial and problematic implication that goes against the principles of the Second Amendment.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Misplaced Focus on Technology over Training:<\/strong> Relying on technology as a solution distracts from the importance of education, training, and responsible gun ownership in ensuring gun safety.  The solution to gun safety lies more in the hands of the people than in the circuitry of a \u201csmart\u201d gun.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Those are all pretty compelling reasons to be skeptical of smart guns.  And they\u2019re hard to argue with.  <\/p>\n<p>But with that said, the free market is the free market and if there is an organic demand for smart guns, the Biofire 9mm may turn some heads. <\/p>\n<p>In fact, it apparently has the endorsement of Youtuber Ian McCollum, the host of \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ForgottenWeapons\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"is-biofires-new-smart-gun-with-fingerprint-and-facial-recognition-a-game-changer\" title=\"Is Biofire's New Smart Gun with Fingerprint and Facial Recognition A Game-Changer?\">Forgotten Weapons.<\/a>\u201d  <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Biofire Smart Gun shoots like a gun\u2014there\u2019s no delay. If it weren\u2019t for the futuristic look, you wouldn\u2019t know that it isn\u2019t just a regular mechanical pistol,\u201d said<strong> McCollum<\/strong> in an April <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prnewswire.com\/news-releases\/biofire-announces-worlds-first-smart-gun-secured-by-fingerprint-and-facial-recognition-301796694.html\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"is-biofires-new-smart-gun-with-fingerprint-and-facial-recognition-a-game-changer\" title=\"Is Biofire's New Smart Gun with Fingerprint and Facial Recognition A Game-Changer?\">press release<\/a> from Biofire. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s very appealing to people interested in a home defense firearm, which is a significant market segment. I\u2019ve come away from the opportunity to fire the gun myself pretty excited and impressed by the system\u2014so far, Biofire has done it right,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-biofire-smart-gun-features-per-the-company\">Biofire Smart Gun Features (Per the Company)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" type=\"image\/webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm1-1024x644.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm1-400x252.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm1-150x94.jpg.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm1-768x483.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm1.jpg.webp 1200w\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"644\" alt=\"A woman holding a Biofire 9mm smart gun.\" class=\"wp-image-180292 lazyload\" data-eio=\"p\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm1-1024x644.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm1-1024x644.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm1-400x252.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm1-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm1-768x483.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm1.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"auto\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"644\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm1-1024x644.jpg\" alt=\"A woman holding a Biofire 9mm smart gun.\" class=\"wp-image-180292\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm1-1024x644.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm1-400x252.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm1-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm1-768x483.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Biofire_9mm1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-eio=\"l\"\/><\/noscript><\/source><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u201cUsers\u2019 biometric data never leaves the firearm, which has no onboard WiFi, Bluetooth, or GPS,\u201d says Biofire.  (<em>Photo: Biofire<\/em>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li>Biofire\u2019s\u00a0<strong>Guardian Biometric Engine<\/strong>\u00a0integrates state-of-the-art\u00a0<strong>capacitive fingerprint identification<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>3D infrared facial recognition\u00a0<\/strong>systems that independently verify a user\u2019s identity \u2013 whichever recognizes the user first, unlocks the firearm. It works in a wide variety of conditions, including if a user is wearing gloves or a face covering. Customizable LED indicators\u00a0show when the gun is armed.<\/li>\n<li>Users\u2019 biometric data never leaves the firearm, which has\u00a0<strong>no onboard WiFi, Bluetooth, or GPS.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>The firearm immediately locks when it leaves an authorized user\u2019s hand.<strong>\u00a0Integrated IR sensors in the grip<\/strong>\u00a0keep the firearm armed while an authorized user is holding the gun, removing a need to continuously authenticate their biometrics.<\/li>\n<li>Solid state, encrypted<strong>\u00a0electronic fire control technology\u00a0<\/strong>ensures it\u2019s impossible to modify the Biofire Smart Gun to circumvent its biometrics or to convert it into a conventional handgun. While it\u2019s a system commonly seen on modern fighter jets and missile systems, the Smart Gun is the first handgun in the world to operate with<strong>\u00a0\u201cfire-by-wire\u201d<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>A rechargeable, removable, high-endurance\u00a0<strong>lithium-ion battery<\/strong>\u00a0powers the firearm. The battery lasts for several months with average use and can fire continuously for several hours.<\/li>\n<li>A secure,\u00a0<strong>portable Smart Dock<\/strong>\u00a0provides an interface for the owner to add and remove trusted users via the high-resolution touch screen. The Biofire Smart Gun and Smart Dock together are a closed system that protects personal information with defense-grade data security.<\/li>\n<li>At time of launch, customers can\u00a0<strong>personalize their firearm<\/strong>, choosing from 64 unique combinations of polymer, trigger, and magazine release colors.<\/li>\n<li>Available in<strong>\u00a0right-handed and left-handed models<\/strong>, and with customizable grip-size options.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u201cBiofire\u2019s approach is totally novel: we\u2019ve applied high-precision engineering principles to make a meaningful impact on preventable firearm deaths among children. No one had tried that before. As a result, Biofire is now offering the most technologically advanced consumer firearm the industry\u2019s ever seen,\u201d said\u00a0Kai Kloepfer, CEO and Founder of Biofire.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Biofire Smart Gun shoots like any high-quality firearm, but it also feels like you\u2019re holding the future in your hand. This is a new era in firearm safety driven by ambition and optimism, motivated by the idea that we can in fact help save people\u2019s lives,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<p>The Biofire Smart Gun retails for $1,499.  Pre-orders are available with a refundable $149 deposit.  Delivery is expected in April 2024. <\/p>\n<p>Kloepfer\u2019s ambitious vision for the Biofire Smart Gun displays a hopeful outlook on the future of firearm safety, yet it\u2019s not devoid of challenges, especially on the legislative front. <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-new-jersey-dilemma\">The New Jersey Dilemma <\/h2>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/New_Jersey_Childproof_Handgun_Law#:~:text=The%20New%20Jersey%20Childproof%20Handgun,is%20available%20for%20retail%20purposes.\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"is-biofires-new-smart-gun-with-fingerprint-and-facial-recognition-a-game-changer\" title=\"Is Biofire's New Smart Gun with Fingerprint and Facial Recognition A Game-Changer?\">New Jersey Childproof Handgun Law<\/a>, revised in 2019, mandates that all firearms dealers in the state must offer at least one model of smart gun as soon as a viable model hits the market. <\/p>\n<p>Despite the recent launch of Biofire\u2019s smart gun, the law has not been activated. This is due to Kloepfer, who has deliberately chosen not to submit the gun to New Jersey\u2019s Personalized Handgun Authorization Commission for review. <\/p>\n<p>This review would be necessary to trigger the law\u2019s requirements, forcing all gun stores in New Jersey to stock smart guns. Hence, currently, there is no obligation for gun stores in the state to offer smart guns for sale. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere is not a world where Biofire will be applying for inclusion,\u201d Kloepfer told<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetrace.org\/2023\/05\/new-jersey-childproof-smart-handgun-law\/\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"is-biofires-new-smart-gun-with-fingerprint-and-facial-recognition-a-game-changer\" title=\"Is Biofire's New Smart Gun with Fingerprint and Facial Recognition A Game-Changer?\"> <em>The Trace<\/em><\/a>, the Bloomberg-funded media outlet. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe do not support mandates of any kind. We\u2019re looking to build positive long-term relationships with gun stores and forcing these additional administrative burdens doesn\u2019t incentivize them to support our technology; it does the opposite,\u201d he continued. <\/p>\n<p>The anti-gun crowd would love nothing more than to weaponize smart gun development against traditional gun makers.  While Kloepfer has prudently decided not to play ball with anti-2A politicians in New Jersey, future smart gun developers may not be so principled. <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conclusion\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>As we draw to a close, it\u2019s clear that smart guns, like Biofire\u2019s, straddle a delicate line between intriguing potential and contentious debate.  Whether this technology receives widespread acceptance on its own merits remains to be seen. <\/p>\n<p>But what\u2019s ultimately concerning is the looming threat that politicians may advocate for the mandatory adoption of smart guns at the expense of traditional firearms.  This is a scenario that no 2A advocate would welcome, whether they\u2019re pro or anti-smart gun. <\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><em>*** <a class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"BuySellGA_Register\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/administration\/user\/Register.aspx\" title=\"Is Biofire's New Smart Gun with Fingerprint and Facial Recognition A Game-Changer?\" target=\"_blank\">Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica! All Local Sales are FREE!<\/a> ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"ga-listings-wrap\">\n<h2>Available on GunsAmerica Now<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- MC HIT  | http:\/\/10.0.0.186:8080\/?format=json&keyword=SIG&cid=&numberperpage=10&pagenum=1 -->\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" class=\"avatar avatar-96 photo avatar-default lazyload\" height=\"96\" width=\"96\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/GunsAmerica-96x96.png\" decoding=\"async\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"avatar avatar-96 photo avatar-default\" height=\"96\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/GunsAmerica-96x96.png\" width=\"96\" data-eio=\"l\"\/><\/noscript><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"author_description_intro\">About the author:<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"author_name\">S.H. Blannelberry<\/span> is the News Editor of GunsAmerica.\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Estimated reading time: 6 minutes (Photo: Biofire) The recent unveiling of the Biofire Smart Gun, a 9mm handgun with biometric security systems that allow only authorized users to fire it, has spurred a whirlwind of discussion about gun safety, self-defense, and gun control. While Biofire\u2019s noble intention to prevent misuse of firearms and reduce preventable [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":716,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-715","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-uncategorized"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/715","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=715"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/715\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":717,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/715\/revisions\/717"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/716"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=715"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=715"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=715"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}