The Fox TAC-1 carbine was sold in the 1970s, and had a three-wheel combination lock design to prevent
The sales brochure marketed the device with the words: “Accidental and unauthorized firing is prevented by a patented and built-in combination lock safety (which can easily be set by owner to any of 1000 possible combinations)”
Back in 1971, Mr. Gerard Jerry Fox patented (US #3735519) a special purpose gun that immediately distinguished itself from the pack of carbines by incorporating a couple of head turning features. Marketed to the law enforcement, security, and corrections community, Fox’s semi-auto carbine was unlike any either before or since.
To keep the community safe in case the gun was captured, lost, or stolen, it had a combination lock that blocked the sear from firing. Yes, that’s right, a three-wheeled combination lock that could be set from 000 (factory default) to 999, like on a bicycle security chain. Additionally, a battery cell could be fit in the buttstock that powered a cattle-prod type riot control baton capable of delivering an electric shock.
The buttstock can easily be removed, by the push of a button.
Gerard J. Fox’s drawings.
The brochure can be downloaded and viewed here (pdf).
The Fox Carbine has a homepage, check it out here: The Fox Carbine.