Security experts say the cell phone guns, as well as other "improvised explosive devices," can be detected by screening equipment now in use at airports internationally. Though they have been the subject of security alerts in the U.S. as recently as December 2003, none have yet been sighted in North America.

Do "cell phone guns" represent an alarming turn in concealed weaponry technology? Probably not, as a customs spokesman maintained "there's no indication that these are being mass-produced," and a spokesman for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms noted: Though the novelty of cell-phone guns is interesting, ATF spokesman John D'Angelo says the idea of concealing firearms in common devices is not new. "Disguised weapons have been around forever. We've seen guns in the form of canes, pens, beepers. As technology progresses and becomes more prevalent, disguised weapons will change to mirror that."

Why has the wallet holster been discontinued?

The wallet, in and of itself, is a benign piece of folded leather. The minirevolver is a time-tested, high-quality small firearm but, when you join one with the other, watch out! you've just created what ATF defines as 'any other weapon', a rather nefarious classification which includes pen guns, cane guns and other disguised weaponry. While legal to own, AOWs require registration and payment of special taxes similar to those for fully-automatic weapons. Possession of an AOW without meeting these requirements subjects the holder to a felony charge (which further exposes us to the liability of a lawsuit).

Gun Owners of California understands that SB 357 is truly motivated by a subversive desire to see all guns removed from the citizens of California. What other reason could there be when the stated goals cannot be matched up to conclusive studies and actual realities prove the goals unrealistic. It has been long known, for it is not hidden, that gun control proponents seek any, every and all avenues of stifling legitimate firearm ownership in this state.