By Police1 Staff
BALDWIN CITY, Kansas — Free State Firearms, LLC has announced that six separate law enforcement organizations have completed beta product testing on its 9mm 1911 Sentry user authentication firearm (UAF).
These organizations evaluated the Sentry for certain service duties, including prisoner transfer/transport, field investigation work and off-duty/home security applications.
“The technology being developed by Free State Firearms could have a profound effect on public safety in a multitude of environments,” said Sheriff Nathan Johnson of Real County, Texas, one of the six jurisdictions to test the product. “With the rise of crime and the increasing necessity for citizens to have ready access to firearms, user authentication firearms (UAFs) are a paradigm shift to the status quo and provide the best of both worlds when it comes to deployable but safe firearm access.”
Free State Firearms, LLC worked with the National Gun Safety Consortium (NGSC) to launch and facilitate the beta testing program with member jurisdictions. One of the consortium’s main objectives is to promote emerging technologies that work to secure firearms.
“As a member of the National Gun Safety Consortium Board, we are pleased to collaborate with Free State Firearms, LLC in assessing the latest developments in user authentication firearm technology,” said Police Chief Frank Kaminski (ret.) of Park Ridge, Illinois. “Since its inception, the NGSC has been committed to working with innovators who are harnessing cutting-edge technologies for firearms and quick-access locking systems to reduce accidental shootings, suicides and thefts. This product marks a significant stride in enhancing firearm safety.”
Using the 1911 firearm, the Sentry integrates Free State Firearms, LLC’s patent-pending RFID Certifire Technology. This system utilizes an encoded ring to authenticate the user and instantaneously activate the firearm. The Sentry fires only when an authorized user is gripping the firearm.
Free State Firearms, LLC intends to incorporate the agencies’ findings to further enhance the Sentry firearm as it is brought to production and expects to begin deliveries of the Sentry in the first quarter of 2024.
Visit Free State Firearms at SHOT Show 2024 in Booth 14053.