Biofire plans to market a new kind of firearm in the United States that only functions when held by authorized users. A television report suggests the product will be sold as a “smart” gun with biometric access controls.
After years of attempts by various manufacturers to deliver a dependable biometric handgun, the Colorado startup Biofire says it will ship the first batch of 9mm pistols equipped with fingerprint and facial recognition tech by the month’s end. Initial units are slated for delivery to the company’s investors.
The listed price is $1,499. The device is described as serving a clear purpose: enabling quick, effective defense of a home against intruders while preventing access by others, especially children.
Supporters of stronger gun safety measures have long argued that biometric technology could play a pivotal role in reducing gun violence.
Kai Klopfer, the founder and chief executive, stated that the invention has undergone reliable, extensive testing. This is not a conventional firearm with a simple sensor upgrade; when an authorized user pulls the trigger, an electronic signal is generated to initiate firing, rather than relying solely on a mechanical trigger. Biofire presents the product as the first weapon of its kind to operate on this principle.
The gun is described as capable of allowing up to five approved individuals to fire immediately after grasping the weapon, with the trigger automatically deactivated once the weapon leaves their grip. It is noted that biometric systems may not recognize authorized users if their faces or hands are fully concealed.
Earlier reports indicated that Biofire had begun accepting orders for a smart gun version that relies on biometric authentication.