[Benning Boy]

First, I have no intention of ever initiating this project.

The concept is this; a problem solving thread that requires input from everyone here.

The smith guys, the legal guys, engineers, even the guys that like to pooh pooh ideas. You will be especially useful, as you will give us obstacles to overcome.

Again, this is pure fantasy, so take it in that vein.

The intent here is for everyone participating to learn something they didn't know before.

So I unveil.... The W.S.U.P.P.

The idea is this. FTF buys the necessary legal permits and facilities to manufacture The Women's Single Use Personal Protector.

It is a handgun, I'll say a revolver, that is pre loaded, cannot be reloaded, and is designed for women who have no firearms knowledge, but want better than pepper spray.

[Benning Boy]

So now the problems to overcome.

1) How to make it safe beyond normal accepted parameters.

2) How to make it easy to use for a timid woman with absolutely no firearms experience.

3) Given it's potential for criminal misuse, how do we regulate it a little tighter than the normal firearm?

4) Can it be manufactured in a way that it turns a profit?

5) Is this practical at all?

6) Calibers? Aiming system?

7) Can it be legally, economically done?

[BrassMonkey]

I have a hard time seeing the point of a single use firearm. In fact I think its a terrible idea due to the fact it would discourage training. I'm also sure this would fall under the catagory of "Saturday Night Special" in localities where such laws prohibiting "junk guns" exist.

Also what price point would you aim for? Would have to be sub $30 to have even a remote chance of market success.

[canebrake]

I've got some ideas as to form/function and materials.

I'm not doing a blueprint!

It's totally NOT gun-like, a subtle design providing open carry with no visual firearm flag.

No ammo, just a self contained, single use PD device.

[Benning Boy]

We would have to turn a profit.

I forget who makes it, but I saw a pepper spray device that had to be the most over engineered in the world. Equipped with a laser, you had to purchase cartridges for it. I believe it went for more than $100.

But good point on localities banning such a device. This is the point of the thread.

[BrassMonkey]

Originally Posted by Benning Boy

So now the problems to overcome.

1) How to make it safe beyond normal accepted parameters. Cheap and safe is hard to accomplis in a new design. Cheap materials such as zinc would have to be used so this rules out much bigger than .25acp as far as calibers go.
2) How to make it easy to use for a timid woman with absolutely no firearms experience. Small and compact. No flaming skull logos or names like "the widowmaker".
3) Given it's potential for criminal misuse, how do we regulate it a little tighter than the normal firearm? You can't. This would likely be the only market interested in such a product. Be prepared to put laws protecting gunmakers from criminal liability to the test.
4) Can it be manufactured in a way that it turns a profit? I don't see this being a big seller. R&D costs, machine tooling, ATF taxes. You would have to sell them cheap to sell them at all and you would have to sell millions to turn a profit.
5) Is this practical at all? Not in my opinion. A nice used S&W revolver can be had for around $200 at any pawn shop. Why go this route?6) Calibers? Aiming system? As I said above design would limit it to small calibers. Sights would have to be cheap. Front blade sight if anything.
7) Can it be legally, economically done?

In many juristictions it would not pass muster.

[BrassMonkey]

Originally Posted by canebrake

I've got some ideas as to form/function and materials.

I'm not doing a blueprint!

It's totally NOT gun-like, a subtle design providing open carry with no visual firearm flag.

No ammo, just a self contained, single use PD device.

That would likely result in the ATF calling it an AOW and subjecting it to NFA regulations.

[Benning Boy]

Originally Posted by canebrake

I've got some ideas as to form/function and materials.

I'm not doing a blueprint!

It's totally NOT gun-like, a subtle design providing open carry with no visual firearm flag.

No ammo, just a self contained, single use PD device.

Okay, now we're talking, but are we delving into NFA land?

Pen guns, flashlight guns, etcetera, would require our target consumer to do all the Class 3 stuff, and she'd be better off just getting the classes, the piece, and the permit.

Good point on the OC, my brother. See, I hadn't considered that, this is already a fruitful thread.

[dunerunner]

Geez, Benning...Other than a purse that fires used tampons....I don't think we're going to get a marketable single use revolver.

[Benning Boy]

Originally Posted by dunerunner

Geez, Benning...Other than a purse that fires used tampons....I don't think we're going to get a marketable single use revolver.

I'd cease an attack right there.

Since it's single use, how much could be plastic and still operate reliably?

What if it was, say, a 3 shot cylinder?