Constitution Arms
Constitution Arms manufactures the world's first production firearms specifically designed for the disabled—the Palm Pistol® and Palm Carbine™. Based in Indiana, the company solves a real problem: traditional pistols are impossible for people with hand amputations, arthritis, stroke, Parkinson's dis...
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Constitution Arms manufactures the world's first production firearms specifically designed for the disabled—the Palm Pistol® and Palm Carbine™. Based in Indiana, the company solves a real problem: traditional pistols are impossible for people with hand amputations, arthritis, stroke, Parkinson's disease, or any condition affecting grip strength and manual dexterity.
Students and shooters with limited hand strength struggle with standard firearms. Racking a slide requires significant grip, and traditional trigger pulls demand finger dexterity many disabled people don't have. Constitution Arms inventor Matthew Carmel (a certified NRA instructor) designed around this by using a simple insight: use your thumb instead of your index finger to fire.
The Palm Pistol is an ergonomically innovative single-shot semi-automatic chambered in .38 Special. Key features:
- •Thumb-operated firing mechanism (or combinations of other fingers)
- •Zero bore axis design eliminates muzzle rise and directs recoil straight into the palm
- •Multiple grip positions available for different hand configurations
- •Can be held and fired in either hand without regard to stock orientation
- •Spring-loaded trigger covers for safety
- •Loaded chamber indicator and cocked striker indicator for awareness
- •Dual independently operable grip safeties
- •Discreet concealment possible
- •Easy breech access and loading
- •Disengaged sear block and striker safety block
- •Hand guard and grip assist ramp included
ATF Classification: Standard "pistol" under the Gun Control Act—NOT classified as AOW (Any Other Weapon) under the National Firearms Act. Exempt from the Undetectable Firearms Act. Made in the USA.
Initial production run: 500 units. A .22LR version is currently under development. The Palm Pistol is designed specifically for the LaserLyte Center Mass Subcompact laser designator.
For competitive target shooting, small game hunting, and plinking, Constitution Arms offers the Palm Carbine—a 16-inch long arm version chambered in .38 Special. Same thumb-firing technology and adaptive grip positions as the pistol, but with rifle-length barrel for improved accuracy and range.
- •Initial production run: 100 units. A .22LR version is also in development.
Beyond self-defense, the Palm Pistol serves as an adaptive aid for neuromusculoskeletal rehabilitation. Physical therapists use it in what's called Hoplotherapy™—a specialized rehabilitative technique that helps patients with upper extremity disabilities recover strength, manual dexterity, and eye-hand coordination.
Conditions treated include: - Hand digit amputations - Stroke recovery - Parkinsonism - Arthritis - Birth deformities - Industrial accidents - Combat injuries
Safely chambering, controlling, and discharging a firearm requires simultaneous and sequential application of cognitive, pulmonary, neuromuscular, and balance tasks. The Palm Pistol enables patients who cannot use standard pistols to retrain neuromotor and sensorimotor pathways and return to recreational, occupational, or military shooting.
The psychological benefits are significant: recovering the ability to shoot restores confidence, self-esteem, and sense of empowerment—factors crucial to overall rehabilitation success.
Constitution Arms offers non-regulated accessories that can be ordered with firearms or separately:
| Accessory | Material | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Thread Protector | Electroless nickel stainless steel | Protects standard 5/8 x 24 threaded muzzle |
| Strike Bezel | Electroless nickel stainless steel | DNA collection tool for forensic identification |
| Barrel Extension | Electroless nickel stainless steel | Increases leverage when closing action; helps inexperienced shooters learn muzzle control |
| Picatinny Rail | Electroless nickel stainless steel | Mounts aftermarket laser designators and illuminators |
| KeyMod Picatinny Rail | Matte black anodized aluminum | Accepts Harris bipod on Palm Carbine forearm |
| Folding Stock | Matte black anodized aluminum | Collapses for easy transport by wheelchair users or in backpacks |
All transfers must be made through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL). Contact Constitution Arms for current pricing. Payment required before shipment to your designated FFL dealer.
- •Pricing note: Quoted prices do not include state sales/use tax (where applicable), insured FEDEX shipping, FFL transfer fees, or 3.65% credit card processing fee.
- •Availability: Not for sale in California, DC, Massachusetts, or Maryland.
"The design of the Palm Pistol appears to be functional, safe and effective. It gives those who would otherwise not have access to self-defense with a firearm the chance to even the odds. This unit looks like an outstanding option for extreme close quarters defense." — Kevin Michalowski, Editor, Gun Digest the Magazine
"An interesting invention — a modern palm pistol...It can be fired by a person who lacks the dexterity to work a slide, has nothing to snag on clothing, and is probably more accurate in untrained hands than a traditional firearm." — David T. Hardy, Of Arms and the Law Blog
"The design of certified NRA instructor Matthew Carmel...pretty much anyone can use a firearm. It doesn't matter if your fingers are arthritic, if you are elderly, if you are disabled, or if you just want an unusual firearm, the Palm Pistol will meet the needs of many." — Mike James, Coated.com