Are You Going to Buy Biofire’s Smart Gun? — SHOT Show 2025

in Levi Sim, SHOT Show 2025

At SHOT Show 2025 Range Day, I was surprised to shoot the Biofire home-defense smart pistol. So-called smart pistols have been in development for a long time, but they were always adaptations of existing handguns with things attached.

This completely original 9mm pistol integrates cutting-edge biometric and facial recognition technology, designed to prevent unauthorized users from firing the weapon. Let’s dive into what sets this futuristic firearm apart.

Biofire pistol laying on a table facing to the left.
This pistol is the first smart gun to reach the market, and it’s original from the ground up.

High-Tech Security Features

The Biofire smart gun incorporates fingerprint and facial recognition sensors, ensuring that only authorized users can operate it. It has seven different sensors to know when you’ve got control of the gun.

The finger sensor near the trigger or the face sensor is required to activate the gun but once it is green the other sensors maintain awareness that you are in control. If you lose your grip it self-disables in less than 200 milliseconds and cannot be fired.

A view of the back of the gun with the slide open. The face sensor is visible at the top of the beavertail.
The larger sensor under the slide is for face recognition; one of the grip sensors is on the backstrap.

Setup is straightforward: using a USB connection, you link the gun to a digital module (included) to register your face and fingerprints. Multiple users can be added, making the system flexible for families or shared environments.

SEE ALSO: A Budget-Friendly Bolt Gun! — SHOT Show 2025

Once the gun is picked up, it senses movement and quickly scans for either a registered fingerprint or a face through its sensors. If it recognizes an authorized user, the system activates, and an indicator light turns from white to green to signal it’s ready to fire. The front sight is a green light that goes dark when it can’t be fired.

The pistol is laying on the table with its dock. The pistol is facing to the right.
This digital dock is used to set up fingerprint and facial recognition.

Design and Functionality

Despite its advanced technology, the Biofire smart gun retains familiar controls, including standard slide and magazine releases, and a limited short-action recoil system. It uses a steel 15-round magazine specifically designed by Mec-Gar for this firearm.

The grip sits at a comfortable 18°. The grip modules come in an array of colors with both left- and right-handed controls — no waiting for left-handed models.

The left side of the pistol grip and trigger guard showing the finger sensor.
The finger sensor under the trigger guard recognizes the user’s middle finger. Grips are available for both left- and right-hands.

The gun is striker-fired, but the trigger does not connect to the firing mechanism. It is fire-by-wire using a solid-state electronic fire control system.

Additionally, Biofire claims the gun is waterproof, and can function in temperatures from -40°C to plus 80°C (-40°F to 176°F). During testing, they fired more than one million rounds through the pistols. With a warranty covering 10,000 rounds, it’s clear durability was a key focus.

The gun is held in two hands but not in a shooting grip; the ready light shows it is not ready.
This white light on the face sensor turns green when the gun recognizes the user.

Performance Impressions

Shooting the Biofire smart gun was a unique experience. The gun felt larger and bulkier than a typical pistol, but its performance was smooth.

It’s got a similar weight to a 1911 with a flashlight. At 30 yards, it delivered consistent, soft-shooting accuracy. Although the trigger electronically controls the striker, it shoots like a regular striker-fired trigger.

The gun si being shot away from the camera. The ready light and the front sight are lit green.
The front sight is green when the user is recognized; otherwise, it’s dark.

The Biofire smart pistol is intended for home defense, so its size and bulk can be excused. It’s for leaving in the drawer by your bed or another convenient place.

Care should be taken with storing all firearms, and this one makes it even harder for an unintended user to shoot it. If close-quarters shooting becomes close-quarters fighting, at least you know your weapon can’t be used against you.

Battery and Docking Station

Its battery lasts a week under normal conditions, and it charges from the included digital display module. The module connects to the gun, but you still have to unlock its functions by allowing the gun to recognize you. The gun lacks any wifi or Bluetooth technology.

The magazine, empty, lying on the table.
The 15-round steel magazines are unique to this gun.

A Step Forward or a Slippery Slope?

Kai Koepfer, Biofire’s founder and CEO, began developing this gun when he was 16 years old. He says he was inspired by shootings near his home in Colorado. He secured venture capital in the tens of millions for this project. Now, these pistols are being made in Broomfield, CO.

The Biofire smart gun raises significant questions about technology and firearm use. For some, the added security features make it an attractive option, especially in households with children or shared living spaces.

However, critics may view the technology as a potential gateway to government overreach or hacking concerns.

The price for the pistol and dock is $1,500 and it is shipping now.

Close up showing the takedown pin on the right side of the gun.
Disassembly is similar to AR-15s, using take-down pins.

Final Thoughts

Biofire has undeniably created a conversation starter with their smart gun. It’s an ambitious blend of safety and technology, offering a glimpse at what the future of firearms could look like.

Is this the perfect solution for firearm safety, or does it come with too many risks? Share your thoughts, and let us know if you think the Biofire smart gun is a step in the right direction—or a step too far.

For more coverage on Biofire and other innovations from SHOT Show 2025, stay tuned!

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About the author: Levi Sim Levi is an avid hunter, and an increasingly avid shooter. He strives to make delicious and simple recipes from the game he kills. He makes a living as a professional photographer and writer. Check out his work and he’d love to connect on Instagram: @outdoorslevi

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  • Eric February 1, 2025, 10:15 pm

    I’ve been waiting for a gun like this for years, so I made my deposit to get on the waiting list for this particular gun several months ago. Mine, configured without up-charges for colored bits or a custom serial number, is supposed to ship to my FFL some time in 2025. My first striker politer pistol, I’ll practice with it, configure it to work for friends so they can see whether it suits them, and will try to field all the objections from passing folks at the gun range. Like almost all the respondents above, I suppose they’ll declare their dying-breath trust for variably-reliable mechanical guns because… well because their grandfathers felt that way.

    • Levi Sim February 8, 2025, 1:40 pm

      I’d love to hear about your experience with it.

  • charles January 27, 2025, 1:38 pm

    NEVER

  • Steven Christensen January 27, 2025, 10:32 am

    NO! NO!! NO!!!
    Going to fail in so many ways.
    Who’s the librard that designed this?!?!
    NO.

  • George W. January 24, 2025, 12:28 am

    This is undoubtedly a slippery slope. I only have one thing to say. Once the automobile’s Airbag was invented the government made it law that ever car must have one.

  • S. Robinson January 23, 2025, 1:26 pm

    There is no way I could be convinced to trust my life to such a contrivance. With seven sensors plus the likelihood of a dead battery the laws of probability and statistics compute 40,320 different ways this thing could fail to function when sorely needed. And that significant number doesn’t even include the simple possibility of an electronic component failure or cracked solder connection which are very real occurrences in the real world of electronic devices in general.
    It’s a no brainer… this thing is a terrible idea. Better for you to spend your money on a hammer.

  • Brian January 22, 2025, 11:56 pm

    It looks like an overly complex piece of crap. Did Walmart design it for the Hart tools’ line? On the plus side, when it inevitably doesn’t work in a fight, it’s still big/bulky and could serve as a halfway decent brick for bludgeoning.

  • Shane January 22, 2025, 4:58 pm

    Might be a good option for prison guards/jailors who only have access to pepper spray. Maybe not as well. Get control of the guard, you now have control of the gun. I don’t think many police officers would trust the technology during split second decisions, however, it might come in handy so their own weapon couldn’t be used against them. The kid’s heart is in the right place, but in most people’s minds: If they need a gun at a specific moment, the fewer barriers to utilize said gun, the better. If you had to defend yourself with a switchblade, how much gobbly gook do you want in the way of deploying it? For now, I believe it comes down to sensible firearm storage and a bit of training, both physically and mentally.

  • Blue Dog (he/him) January 22, 2025, 3:51 pm

    I am always hopeful with these smart guns. Maybe we are getting to a point where these firearms are ready for prime time? How easy is it to switch between left and right hand? Does it come in .45?

  • Tommy Barrios January 22, 2025, 11:35 am

    HELL TO THE F-ING NO!
    This is going to be just another asinine anachronism in the firearms industry that will become a collectors item but never ever a useful weapon in any scenario!
    The best way to keep firearms out of the hands of unauthorized users, is to keep them out of the hands of unauthorized users. PERIOD!!

  • Wesley January 22, 2025, 10:33 am

    Never would I buy one. Anything “smart” can be hacked or have Trojan Horse programs installed. What if the government wants to shut off all firearms? Remember the Hezbollah pagers?
    I don’t trust ANY appliance with a logic board installed, let alone my firearms.

  • JD January 22, 2025, 10:30 am

    I would have the fear that it would not work when I most needed it to. or a government agency run by opposing view politicians would have a way to de-activate your personally owned firearms. Could this happen? Firearms are only for when the shtf. The way the country is going the political party in power is using government agencies to attack their political opposition. I see this from both parties. The People should have the final say about what rules/actions are honest and fair. A disarmed People do not have that ability. Politicians take the oath of office and then promptly forget about it.

  • Colin January 22, 2025, 8:13 am

    Not a chance. Scrap it!

  • Mike in a Truck January 22, 2025, 7:52 am

    I’m not against this technology…on the surface. I bet Chucky Schumer is creaming his jeans at the possibilities this can offer. Oh..you bet it’s going to be hooked to the internet at some point because that’s the unholy grail of gun control. With Muskrat and his buddies creating an all seeing A.I. FOR THE GOVERNMENT how long will it be before all new firearms will be required to have this capability.? I just know that it will be a federal offense to remove it. The icing on the cake? It’s the first thing the BATF will deactivate for any reason or none at all. Repeat after me: “I TRUST MY GOVERNMENT. MY GOVERNMENT LOVES ME. I TRUST MY GOVERNMENT.”….

  • Rick January 22, 2025, 7:45 am

    No, thank you.

    My iPhone and iPad don’t always unlock on the first try and it’s not an emergency.

    Do we even need to look at ways that it can be disabled externally?

  • M.A. Martinez January 22, 2025, 6:57 am

    Regarding gun control and heavy-handed restrictions, I’ve often said that it is IMPOSSIBLE to put that genie (gun technology) back into the bottle. People have guns; they’re readily accessible; that’s NOT going to change without a total reboot of the modern world, which, frankly, couldn’t survive that. Biotech for firearms is an attempt to shackle the genie, in lieu of banishing him back to his bottle. Under limited circumstances, I can see the appeal, value, and use of this application of biotech. A security company may supply its guards with biotech weapons. Colleges, banks, state and federal buildings… I can see where this is an ideal way of monitoring how and when the weapon is discharged. An additional camera lens can easily be added to obtain the shooter’s POV, which is very useful in deconstructing and evaluating a shooting incident. So for some situations, that’s good. For the average citizen, it’s not so great, at least not yet. When something goes BUMP in the night, it’s scary. Hands shake; faces pale; sweaty palms are common… that might not be the best time for sensitive biotech sensors to determine if I really have the authorization to utilize my weapon! (I think an old-fashioned revolver is best for these situations, but that’s just me.) Ultimately, we must acknowledge that a new technology has emerged — and it’s not going to disappear. I don’t think there’s any reason to fear its implications UNLESS our government demands that ALL firearms, going forward, must utilize biotech technology. That would be unacceptable, because sooner or later someone will come up with a way of jamming the electronics (like we can do now with cell phones) in order to make the pistol and/or rifle nothing more than a brick in the hand. (Manageable, but far from ideal.)

  • LibsWorshipSatan January 22, 2025, 4:01 am

    Nope. The more “techy” a device is, the more prone to Murphy’s Law it will be. Especially if it’s a potentially life-saving device like a defense gun.

  • paul I'll call you what I want/1st Amendment January 22, 2025, 3:27 am

    has always been my dream to own a gun that the gov can shut off at anytime without my permission……

  • Old Fur Trapper January 21, 2025, 9:52 pm

    I vote NO on this one! Electronics, no matter how rugged and reliable they are claimed to be, DO FAIL! And invariably it will be when they’re needed most. And unlike standard firearms that owners can take apart and repair themselves, this firearm can’t be salvaged by the owner if any of the sophisticated technology breaks. At $1500 a pop, you wind up with an expensive paper weight! And all electronics are subject to failure when exposed to an EMP! I will not bet my life on this firearm, no matter how reliable they claim it is. And another drawback is the market! There are states like NJ that have mandated that when firearms like this are available commercially, it is the only type that can be sold in that state and all others are banned. NOT EVERYONE has the income to just shell out $1500 plus more to buy this firearm when they need one! This stands as a windfall for the company that sells to a mandated restricted customer base! I wouldn’t take this firearm if you gave it to me!

  • Jay Smith January 21, 2025, 9:39 pm

    You title asks, I respond > Not no , but HELL no…

  • Mehul Kamdar January 21, 2025, 6:57 pm

    This is a joke. Anyone who has a cellphone knows how often facial recognition, fingerprint recognition etc requires several attempts at signing in. If you need to use this gun in an emergency and it does not work, you will be dead. And you would have paid three times what a Glock or alternative sells for for what is an expensive paperweight.

  • Munnster January 21, 2025, 6:25 pm

    Will not buy. I have enough devices spying on me!!!

  • Buckshott00 January 21, 2025, 5:50 pm

    Nope. Never. I’ll fabricate my own before I’m forced to purchase something like that.
    One more thing to go wrong, one more thing to be used against you.
    The tradeoff for firearms to make them more complex and less reliable has to be some kind of functionality. This is the opposite of that. It is purposely limiting functionality.
    I’m sure the inventor and his company have the best of intentions, but like all previous smartguns, they can keep it to themselves. Will not get my $$ not now, not ever.

  • TERRY January 21, 2025, 5:48 pm

    This pistol is overpriced by about $1500. I would never buy a “Smart” gun that had to be charged and had unreliable bio controls. Fingerprint and facial recognition are unreliable in different environments,

  • Charles A McDonnell January 21, 2025, 5:44 pm

    Yeah, they can eat a whole bag of you know whats with that.

  • Daddy January 21, 2025, 5:38 pm

    Not only no, but HELL NO!! way too many reasons to list here..

  • lewis January 21, 2025, 5:16 pm

    Did I read that correctly, the battery lasts a week?

  • JoshO January 21, 2025, 5:10 pm

    Sorry, thug, I can’t have a gunfight with you right now…battery’s dead.

  • Mario January 21, 2025, 5:07 pm

    $1500 puts this outside my budget. For all the bells and whistles, doesn’t prevent you from shooting the wrong person, the ultimate operator error. I’d like to see examples of this pistol handed over to gunsmiths with a prize of $5000 for the first to hack it. Remember the Armatix? Turns out it had all kinds of weak points in the software and a magnet could be used to override the locking mechanism.

  • LJ January 21, 2025, 4:37 pm

    Rule #1 – never let “unauthorized users” have access to your weapon.

  • Brotatochip January 21, 2025, 4:35 pm

    I assume this was developed for law enforcement. The military will laugh at this and any right minded civilian will stay as far away from this as possible.
    Most law enforcement officers or anyone in a tactical environment will be wearing eye protection and gloves. I just don’t see this working with either one.
    I live in a cold environment (Alaska), so I would have to choose between using a tool or getting frostbite.
    There is nothing wrong with a “normal” firearm. Leave it alone. We don’t have to digitize everything.

  • Big Al 45LC January 21, 2025, 4:26 pm

    The ‘risk’ is that of Federal standardization and requirements. I can clearly see it’s attraction for Jails and Prisons, and some Police work, however it’s actually easy and cheap to secure a gun in a home. The problem is lazy & Foolish gun owners, plain and simple.

  • Will January 21, 2025, 4:26 pm

    It looks like it’s right out of a scifi movie, which I’m sure is a selling point. But millions in venture capital and a $1,500 pricetag are going to spell a quick death. They could have gone with a single biometric or RFID and shaved at least $500 off the tag.

    I’ll stick to a $50 thumprint triggerguard for now… But release a Stallone version Lawgiver, & I’ll be fist in line… 😉

  • Altoids January 21, 2025, 4:13 pm

    Dead battery or a digital error at the wrong time…

  • Randy Hinton January 21, 2025, 4:02 pm

    No I would not buy one of these pistols or any other biometrics style firearm. To many veribals for failure when it counts the most.

  • James January 21, 2025, 3:52 pm

    Nope, 30 years in industrial controls taught me that the more sensors involved the more likely the failure

  • Mike McCandless January 21, 2025, 3:51 pm

    I firearm that relies on bio-metric data and a battery that needs to be charged. No thanks I’d rather rely on a flintlock.

    • Buckshott00 January 21, 2025, 5:52 pm

      Amen. Say it again brother.

  • ron January 21, 2025, 3:48 pm

    This gun is perfect for the Anti-gun movement.

  • John Edwards January 21, 2025, 3:43 pm

    I believe the government, as I know how they seem to operate, will look at this Biofire pistol as an oportunity to force and regulate gun manufactures into putting this technology into all civilian owned guns in the future..The writting is on the wall..It will be pushed as a way to “Protect The Children” as all of their restrictions usually are presented..

  • Lawrence Hurd January 21, 2025, 3:35 pm

    Not on your life would I buy one

  • Paul January 21, 2025, 3:32 pm

    Not only no, but—- –!

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