MAPLEWOOD, N.J., Oct. 16 (UPI) -- A New Jersey firm said its Palm Pistol -- a gun "specifically designed for women, seniors and [the] disabled" -- will be available in December.

The T-handled screw driver-inspired Palm Pistol .38 SPL defensive gun, created by Constitution Arms of Maplewood, N.J., is scheduled for release in December of this year after 9 years of development, the company said.


The company said the single-shot weapon was specially designed to be used by "women, seniors and [the] disabled" -- particularly those affected by arthritis -- and is triggered by a button pressed by the thumb instead of an index finger trigger.

"It is an adaptive aid intended for seniors, disabled or others with grip limitations due to hand strength, manual dexterity or phalangeal amputions. The zero bore axis eliminates muzzle rise during firing and directs recoil forces directly into the palm. It can be fired using the thumb or combinations of other fingers," the company said.

The planned device made headlines in 2008 when it was temporarily classified as a "medical device" eligible for Medicare coverage by the FDA. The designation was later rescinded by the agency.

The company said the initial 500 Palm Pistols will be priced at $1,350 each.