Well, the above left image might look like a smartphone, cellphone, or square iPhone to some folks, but it is a .380 pistol. A casual observer might not readily identify it as a gun, but when unfolded with the safety off on the right above it looks like one. Yes, we have the Taurus Curve, the North American Arms (NAA) mini revolvers and miniature pocket pistols, and other very small, derringer-like, and disguisable handguns. But they all closely resemble a gun in some way and are not really that unique and novelty guns. They are fine small and concealable guns and I have reviewed the Taurus Curve .380 and the NAA Black Widow .22 Magnum guns, for example, previously on this website. But what about this new .380 pistol that resembles a cellphone or a smartphone when it’s folded? I contacted the Chief Executive Officer-Inventor of this Ideal Conceal Company‘s new carry gun, asked him some questions, and got some answers and information I want to share with you.
The Minnesota-based company is called Ideal Conceal and its founder-inventor-Chief Executive Officer is Mr. Kirk Kjellberg. His company’s promotion states that:
“Off duty police officers, realtors, hospital employees and more have expressed a need for a discrete gun that can be carried even when wearing summer clothing like shorts and a t-shirt. The solution is a smart, safe alternative to the ordinary pistol and can be worn no matter how you dress. It’s light, tough and more comfortable than any other pistol on the market. The solution is Ideal Conceal’s ‘Cellphone Pistol.’ The hammer is hidden inside the pistol, making it impossible to misfire by snagging the hammer on clothes or other objects. The pistol has a built in handle lock for safety when you’re not carrying it.”
The company says that in April of last year, “it generated more than 1,000,000 Facebook visits, 500,000+ website views within 60 days, generated 15,000 emails in April alone, and began a grassroots pre-order campaign that resulted in 725 pre-sales and over 200 dealer signups.” So what about this new .380 derringer carry pistol? I want to share with you some things I learned.
Below in a simple chart are the basic specifications and features of the Ideal Conceal Cellphone Pistol that I discovered, with input from Mr. Kjellberg. Mr. Kjellberg explained the Two-Gear firing mechanism to me and sent me some videos. See below links. He said as the “trigger is pulled, the gears rotate one turn which leaves a flat spot to hit one firing pin while the other firing pin lands in a hole. The next trigger pull rotates the gears again reversing which pin is hit by the hammer.”
Ideal Conceal Company’s Cellphone Pistol Two-Gear Operation & Other Information videos:
Here is a nice video overview of the Ideal Conceal Cellphone pistol:
As with any new innovation and with concealed carry weapons in general, there will be and have been concerns expressed. One television analyst said that my biggest concern is “someone having this at home sitting on a coffee table.” He said a child could pick it up thinking it is a cellphone and then they would have a weapon in their hands. Another said this gun will only add to what law enforcement and TSA agents look for when checking people for weapons. A gun violence coalition spokesperson said the gun is not only dangerous, but it is irresponsible.
Well, one cannot help but recognize and explain that having a personal defense weapon carries a lot of responsibilities for folks. Of course, those with weapons must be properly trained, understand the applicable laws, rules, and responsibilities, and practice accepted handling and shooting techniques and procedures for guns. Without a doubt and without hesitation, all handgun safety rules must always be followed, including keeping all weapons and ammo locked up, properly stored, secure, and safe from inquisitive hands of young children and from unauthorized people of all ages. And the proper handling and using of guns and weapons must be emphasized. Weapons are but tools in the hands of individuals, who can and do respond differently with all types of tools, whether they are kitchen meat-carving knives, a baseball bat, or a pair of scissors.
Our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms for our personal protection must be understood, respected, and practiced in a safe manner for all weapons. What are your thoughts? Do you think this gun design and model is any more or less dangerous or responsible/irresponsible than any other weapon? What are your ideas about its pros and cons. Would you buy it?
Be Safe and “Carry” on friends!
Photos, Specs, Features, and Information Provided by Ideal Carry Company.
Contact:
Ideal Conceal Company
1-888-409-4867
Monticello, MN 55362
* This personal opinion article is meant for general information & educational purposes only and the author strongly recommends that you seek counsel from an attorney for legal advice and your own personal certified weapons trainer for proper guidance about shooting & using YOUR firearms, self-defense and concealed carry. It should not be relied upon as accurate for all shooters & the author assumes no responsibility for anyone’s use of the information and shall not be liable for any improper or incorrect use of the information or any damages or injuries incurred whatsoever.
Just say NO.
I wonder if the ATF will classify this as AOW, or something else requiring a federal tax stamp?
Actually I bought a taurus curve and glued a fish eye lens on one side, a piece of LCD display, and carried it in a way that resembled a cell phone, and used it in my latest trip to mexico city, and no, nobody noticed, and I had the privilege of carrying and keeping myself safe in a country with ridiculously strict anti gun laws, but with an overwhelming gun related number of deaths (Chicago is nothing compared to mexico). So yes, if you are traveling to mexico, you might as well buy one of these.
Good idea! How did you get the LCD?
Scrapped it from an old phone, polished it so it looks legit, and place it with a velcro, once you put your finger on the trigger, the piece of LCD just moves aside and doesn´t get in the way.
Hey Ian. Thanks for sharing your creative idea! Concerned about placing/velcroing the fake LCD display over trigger. Even though it moves aside, could be problematic in some ways. Safety First Always! Later my friend.
You are right on spot about the LCD piece, but the again, it is in my opinion, a niche situation gun, which I put together for my long trip down to “sunny” and friendly mexico, and it was either that, or go around with nothing to defend myself should the need arise. Thanks for your comment.
Sure, I understand. We just got back last night from several Caribbean countries/places and I wanted my CCW so bad. Some places/boats had heavy metal detectors and I even saw a semi-pat down. Appreciate your idea and comments.
As with any TOOL, the responsibility for use lies with the user. Doesn’t matter if it’s a knife, crowbar, screwdriver or gun. I have been following the design of this pistol. I believe Kirk is trying to make it as safe and well designed as possible. Thinking of making a purchase as soon as they are available.
I love the idea. Especially for work places where weapons are either discouraged or prohibited. Really the only thing that scares me is that once this makes the rounds at the local FOP, the angst and fear level that will overwhelm the local police will be palatable. Now when someone decides to hold their actual cell phone in their hand as their raise their hands to police, they will get shot, and the “i feared for my life because it could have been a gun concealed as a cellphone” argument will actually carry some weight.
Well, actually there have been quite a few “suicide by police” cases when people point their cellphone like a gun at the officers, or retrieving from their back pockets really fast as if it were a gun, so there won´t be any noticeable change regarding this new design. Just as usual, tell the police officer you hace a CCW when he pulls you over, so there will be no misunderstandings.
bad idea
Bad idea? didn´t you take a course on proper handling of firearms? you are supposed to inform the police officer that you carry a gun if you are ever pulled over and the police officer requests your registration and ID. What state do you live in? maybe the law says something else different than Texas
In NY we don’t have to tell a cop we’re carrying unless asked. Our license is tied to our CCW, but if we’re a passenger in another vehicle we’re not required to say anything.
Same here, as a passenger there`s no need to tell the police officer.
Ya’ll would be stupid not to tell
I could see this in certain niche situations. But IMO it’s much too expensive for a derringer and .380 at that. Not that I would feel under gunned with a .380 , with the right ammo, but I strongly prefer to have more rounds .
Why would i wast a two shot mess like this when I can buy a Ruger 380 LCR that is six shots for less money and a proven design
moss: everyone recognizes a ruger OR a cell phone. the point is no one knows it aint a phone.
Anyone you would have to pull it one should not have time to recognize anything ,been legal carry for 39 yrs and you don’t advertise it
Love the look and the idea. I am a tad concerned about the moving handle. Put the handle in place, take off the safety… and hope all the moving parts in place and will shoot. (no I havent watched the vids yet)
No self respecting firearm owner that I know would carry this absurd joke. Untried and untested in the lab of reality. My LCP II .380 fits in any pocket and has six rounds. Why in hell should I pay the same money for two lousy shots? Now all cell phones will be suspect. Bah!
Lol, uhh no thanks! There are plenty of good handguns that can easily be concealed in summer clothing.
I think the beautyof this gun is that it doesn’t NEED to be concealed.