Testing the Reliability of Firearm Safety Technologies

The National Institute of Justice has issued the Gun Safety Technology Challenge, which will test the reliability of firearms that use advanced safety technologies. These 'smart gun' technologies exclusively permit an authorized user to operate the firearm, reducing the chances of accidental or purposeful unauthorized use. However, there are concerns about the potential impact of these safety technologies on the reliability of firearms. This Challenge aims to improve understanding of reliability by testing and evaluating firearms using gun safety technology in comparison to traditional firearms. A Challenge competition poses a problem or question to the public and requests a practical solution; rewards are offered for solutions that meet the criteria. Responses to this Challenge are due Jan. 5, 2016. To learn more, go to http://www.nij.gov/funding/pages/fy16-gun-safety-challenge.aspx.