According to Joe Biden’s gun control plan, “we have the technology to allow only authorized users to fire a gun.” Sure we do, theoretically, but none of those firearms are currently being mass-manufactured. According to Biden, the reason why these guns aren’t being mass-produced is because “the NRA and gun manufacturers are bullying firearms dealers who try to sell these guns.” Biden’s plan is to “issue a call to action for gun manufacturers, dealers, and other public and private entities to take steps to accelerate our transition to smart guns”, with Biden’s goal being a 100% conversion of all firearms sales to smart gun sales.
Smart gun locks rely on basic electronics like RFID, fingerprint recognition, and magnetic locks. There are numerous ways to interfere with this technology. For example, $15 worth of magnets can be used to bypass some smart guns, while others can have their safety disengagement mechanisms blocked by bad guys and eventually, government agents, disarming the owner by rendering the gun useless.
Then there is also the cost. One of the most prominent smart guns is the Armatix iP1, clocked in with a price tag of $1,798 – $1,399 for the pistol and $399 for the required watch. The iP1 is over three times more expensive than the ubiquitous Glock 17 (starting at $499). If individuals were all compelled to switch to this technology, it would prevent working-class people from being able to buy a firearm.
FPC opposes mandatory technological requirements for firearms. Smart gun locking technology is easily defeated, can be weaponized against owners, and is priced so that working-class people cannot purchase one for self-defense.
