The LifeCard .22LR pistol took the internet by storm last week. It had everyone talking. The article we ran on GunsAmerica had at least 44,000 reads. That’s pretty impressive for a product that seemed to drop in outta the clear blue sky. Had you heard of Trailblazer Firearms? I know I hadn’t.
The reason why it piqued the interest of everyone is pretty obvious, at least to me. Though it is not a primary service pistol, it is a great little compact get-off-me gun. Sure, deployment in a pinch might be difficult and a capacity of one isn’t going to cut with the tactical crowd, but the LifeCard’s concealability and portability are second to none.
Think about it, this is a tool that can be carried by anyone, anywhere with maximum ease and comfort. That cannot be discounted. Carrying something is always better than carrying nothing. The dirty little secret in the gun community is that many people don’t carry all the time because carrying is uncomfortable or inconvenient. For many, the LifeCard solves this problem.
Specs:
- Caliber: .22LR
- Action: Single-Action, Single-Shot
- Length: 3.375 inches
- Height: 2.125 inches
- Width: 0.5 inches
- Weight: > 7 oz.
- Barrel: Steel, Tilt-Up
- Frame: Aluminum (includes folding handle)
- Features: Ambidextrous, built-in safety features, ammo storage in handle for 4 rounds
- MSRP: $399
LOL. I guess I’m sold on the concept at least. And really, that’s all it is until we can get one in for testing and put it through its paces. For now, it’s good to see that it does shoot (see the video above) and that it appears solidly constructed (see video below).
The only major downside, which everyone seemed to harp on, is the price: $400. Many pointed to the numerous pistol platforms you can buy on GunsAmerica with that kind of money. That’s a valid point, not to be dismissed if one is on a tight budget. But keep in mind that this is the first product from a new company that was seven years in the making. You’d be pushing to make some coin ASAP too if you spent almost a decade — think of all the time, money and resources that went into this — on a project.
To learn more about the LiveCard .22LR visit Trailblazer Firearms. They should be ready for purchase in the coming weeks.
It’s a royal gimmick with zero self-defense value, but no doubt there are suckers out there who will buy this toy just to show it off at their local range. I have a NAA .22 magnum hat’s half the size, packs three times the punch, is easier to use and holds five more rounds.
One shot 22cal most shooters will miss reload and miss agin .i will keep my colt det sp in 38 sp with six rounds and two speed loaders for a load out of 18 rounds .cute gun but dumb
You can’t just grab this thing & shoot. It has a distinct manual of arms that requires practice to gain familiarity. I would take a .25 or a .32 any day over this contraption. Chortle & snort derisively over the .25’s minimal stopping power all you want; just move on out to the 100 yard line and give me ONE SHOT with the .25 of your choice. Talk is inexpensive. As for the LifeCard, I believe it would be a marvelous conversation piece at a back yard Bar B Q, but that would be the end of it. I’d even be willing to part with a Century note for one . . . but my interest ends then & there.
Yep I watch “Forensic Files” when I need a video sleeping pill and I’m surprised how many .25’s are used quite effectively in homicides with only 1 or 2 shots–it doesn’t require emptying the magazine. Surprising since I don’t think .25’s have ever been a large share of the market. I guess maybe they were fairly popular before the ultra-compact polymer .380’s came out.
Not for me, but some sucker will buy it.
Hmm…interesting. A piece of what will (may?)become firearms history. Before that happens, usage will probably be similar to re-gifted fruitcake.
Another marketing solution looking for a problem. Other than its curiosity appeal, it has no practical value in the real world. Money would be better spent on a concealable handgun in a man-stopping caliber.
I haven’t actually seen one of these things and its hard to really get an idea of scale but it looks like the size of an NAA black widow or even their little .380 auto, and bigger than an High Standard double barreled pistol, not to mention that it takes so long the deploy!
I would like to see one beside these guns.
i own a NAA puck in 22WRM. I installed the large Black widow grip and have a leather pocket holster….. Great little gun, EDC, with my knife and my keys. The only excuse I’d have for being unarmed is if i were naked!
Pug, not puck
I like it – it will go good with my pen gun – see those pen guns are not produced anymore and sell for $800 or more – if this new gun flops in the long run they will be worth more – just saying.
So IF you can deploy and hit a bad guy with that thing — you’ve hit him with one 22lr round? There is almost no scenario where this would be at all useful. Maybe you need to assassinate the mayor of a prairie dog town at close range?
It is said that “necessity is the mother of invention”. Well, this gadget demonstrates that occasionally “DERP” is the idiot sperm donor.
Trying to think of a reason anyone would buy this $400 fishing sinker but I can’t . I’ll just say I thing ignorant fits it .
you should check the spelling of your words in the comments before submitting it especially when using the word ignorant in it.
Are you the spelling police?
I’ll stick with my North American Arms 22lr.
I do have the old model and only have four rounds at my disposal because I keep the hammer on an empty chamber.
The newer models provide a place between the cylinders that allow the hammer to stand allowing 5 usable rounds and keeping the gun safe to carry in your pocket.
All I need is one hand to use it and not have to assemble anything if needed in a hurry.
A 1 shot 22 cal will just piss of a really big built guy and give him enough time to really do harm to you if you shoot him and don’t have a follow up shot. I will stay with my model 66 S&W ,357
True, a .22 “will just piss off a big built guy”, or anyone for that matter. Just remember, it is not the caliber but the shot placement that really counts. A .22 will kill or disable just as fast as a 1911, in some places it may be impossible to concealed carry a big weapon and I would rather have a small .22 than nothing at all.
To you and me who are a bit more expert in shooting it sounds like , size is not much of an issue a head shot with a 22 will down a bear they can look up the world record grizzly bear. Others with less expertise, will not be able to stop any one no matter what they shoot. I have never felt undergun with a 22 yes I might prefer something different. But you get a bullet in a person it will soon stop the fight. With fear if nothing else
What a ridiculous assertion. Ever heard of drugs? You put a 22 round in a crack head and you think the fight is over? Facing down a threat with this in your hand is going to be only slightly easier than with your crank in your hand, even for an ‘expert’ like you.
This looks like a great carry pistol but the price???? $399 is simply too much.
i carry a Glock 30sf (45cal) every day/every where ! along with an American Arms 22mag Pug. This new little Live Card may be easier to carry and hide But I would lose 4 rounnds Just thinking–Just thinking…
I am a derringer collector so I will have to get one… 4 to 6 week wait if order direct. Ellett Brothers and Jerry’s Sport Center is their distributors. Direct to my FFL no tax and $10. transfer. My Bravermen .25 Stinger pen gun deploys faster.
Sorry, I’m going to pass on this. Walters P22.
IT COULD BE MADE HALF THAT SIZE ! 22 MAGNUM ! 32 ACP ! REG THE LOWER SO THE CAL COULD BE CHANGED ! DO AWAY WITH THE LOWER AND REPLACE THE TRIGGER WITH A PUSH BUTTON ! THREAD THE BARREL (INSIDE OR OUT ) ! TITANIUM ! MONEY CLIP ! SPIKE OR KNIFE MADE IN LOWER !
Lol. THen produce one Billybob. Bet you didnt buy a Doubletap Derringer when they were in production? It was in 9 and 45.. COMING out with a new innovative firearm is not cheap.
The LifeCard is this generations attainable unicorn. In the past it was: Ring, Palm, Pen, Umbrella, Cane and other odd guns. Desirable at the time and very pricey collectibles now. Price really is not to bad when you consider what some of the NAA 22s go for. I just hope the spare rounds pop out like candy from a PEZ dispenser and you can get it in RED. I’ll buy one.