Politics of “smart” guns aside, it is fascinating to see the technological developments that are being proposed or currently in production. From precision “guided” firearms (Tracking Point) to new GPS location-aware and cloud connected firearms, the (long-term) future of firearms likely includes electronics in some form. Firearms are one of the few products that are yet to be significantly enhanced by on-board electronics due to their small size and recoil.

Mossberg’s iGun, an RFID style grip safety system. An interesting idea, but you would have to wear two rings for it to work in both hands.

Tested.com has a slide-show on firearms with smart technologies added, including the iGun concept being developed by Mossberg. Notably, Tested.com does not focus just on safety development, using “smart” to refer to any electronic addition to firearms. Hit the link to be taken to Tested.com

A GPS enabled, electronically fired idea. Electronic firing has been shown to work in the MetalStorm products but would require a battery.

I, for one, have a long way to go to trust electronics around or part of a firing mechanism, but am encouraged by the many ideas be thrown out there. I am sure that something will stick.