USA 1Shot – Dynamic Pistol Rest

USA 1Shot
USA 1Shot
Mike Searson
Mike Searson

USA -(Ammoland.com)- A new shooters’ aid has hit the market and it brings with it a little controversy from within the firearms community: the USA1Shot Dynamic Pistol Rest by Accurate Pistol Systems is a bold take on an old idea.

Essentially it is a pistol rest that is held in conjunction with the pistol to improve accuracy, stability and increase effective range.

The 1shot gets its name after numerous military operators and SWAT officers field tested the unit and received results so satisfactory that they claimed they could end a violent scenario with “one shot”.

This dynamic shooting rest requires no conversion to the pistol at all and needs no tools or fitting because it never actually attaches to the firearm.

USA 1Shot Selection
USA 1Shot Selection

How USA 1Shot Works

The initial offering of the 1Shot has a palm swell area that fits over the pistol’s grip on the left side and uses an AR15 buffer tube with an adjustable shoulder piece.

To use, the shooter inserts the grip of the handgun into the palm swell and holds the pistol and 1shot together while using the sights similar to firing a long gun. The two never physically attach and are held together via hand pressure.

Using iron sights or a mounted red dot scope, the shooter is now capable of pushing the accuracy limits of their handgun to 100 yards and beyond.

We have had opportunities to test fire the unit and our experience mirrors those that can be seen in the videos below. Accurate shots fired from a Glock 19 at 100 yards and beyond.

Isn’t that an SBR (Short Barreled Rifle) you say?

Shoulder stocked handguns have been around for centuries, but the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 classifies pistols with a stock into a restricted item (SBR) requiring a $200 tax and government approval.

The unique design of the 1Shot and the fact that it is not permanently attached to the handgun keeps it from being declared an SBR.

We were skeptical and asked to see a letter confirming this from the ATF.

APS’s CTO, Robert Gilmer, has asked the ATF Technology Branch for a letter to clarify, but the Tech branch stated that since it does not attach to the firearm or impact the design or function of the handgun in a permanent manner it is simply a shooting rest and not covered by the purview of the Tech branch.

“We asked the ATF their opinion and they had none, as it is not a permanent part of the weapon. This product has been in development for almost three years with major players in the firearms industry working with APS such as Leupold, Glock and Safariland. We have spoken with the top military and law enforcement people in the nation and all of the feedback has been positive.”

USA 1Shot Dynamic Pistol Rest
USA 1Shot Dynamic Pistol Rest

OK, But Why a Dynamic Pistol Rest?

APS conducted a study of active shooter incidents over the past decade. They discovered that first responders were most often motorcycle cops who have the ability to weave through traffic quicker than a cruiser.

Armed with handguns against a madman with a rifle, many of these officers indicated that they could use something better than a pistol or a 14” shotgun.

When SWAT officers show up to these incidents they may come loaded for bear with the big guns: M4s, Sniper rifles, SMGs, etc. However in many instances officers may have to move through pedestrian trafficked areas in a shopping mall, school or office complex toward the threat.

As firearm aficionados we may appreciate seeing these things, but the general public does not and reacts with alarm.

The USA1Shot acts as a stopgap between the handgun and the carbine or SMG. It offers extended accuracy in a more compact or in some cases discreet package. The US Military is looking at incorporating it into the MHS for the same reason, to give the noncombatant types more range and better accuracy with an issued handgun as opposed to lugging around a rifle or PDW.

The unit weighs 12 ounces and can be stowed in a small pouch.

APS has set up a facility to produce the USA1Shot in Reno, Nevada and the device is in use by three police departments as of this writing and under consideration by others.

USA 1Shot Bottom Line

For as simple as it is, this is a specialized piece of gear. At this point in time, it is not aimed toward the casual shooter or the person who thinks gun ownership is keeping a revolver in a lock box and a shotgun in the closet to gather dust.

The primary markets will be military and law enforcement agencies for a stopgap measure to bridge handguns with long guns. It will never replace the rifle or carbine; it simply augments the use of the pistol.

Handgun hunters and recreational shooters who want to push the limits of their handgun will find use for it as well.

The nagging question of whether the ATF Tech Branch will change their mind over its classification may seem to hang over the shooter’s head like a sword of Damocles, but for now, at this point in time, the USA1Shot is legal in their eyes.

For more information on the USA 1Shot Dynamic Pistol Rest check out www.USA1Shot.com

About Mike Searson

Mike Searson’s career as a shooter began as a Marine Rifleman at age 17. He has worked in the firearms industry his entire adult life as a Gunsmith, Ballistician, Consultant, Salesman, Author and was first certified to teach firearms safety in 1989.

Mike has written over 2000 articles for a number of magazines, websites and newsletters including Blade, RECOIL, OFF-GRID, Tactical Officer, SWAT, Tactical World, Gun Digest, Examiner.com and the US Concealed Carry Association as well as AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.

Mike Searson
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Fred Wise

More than a comment, hoping for an answer.
What about left handed shooters and other makes of pistols or revolvers?

paul

I had a stock similar to this for an old Crossman 1322 air pistol back in the 80s. A short stock you add to the grip. Loved this set up and wondered why it was never incorporated into an actual firearm design. Short, compact, solid. Get increased accuracy from a stable grip, ease of movement with no long barrel hanging up on vegetation and lighter load on long hauls. Normally I sit/kneel or use a pair of dowels. Stable rest = accurate shot.

Ed Robertson

I say that if you want one of these to help you “handgun hunt”, that you would be better off if you just went and bought a rifle.

notalima

I like the idea quite a bit, but the price is stupidly high.

Whodaty

Genius functional concept AND sidestep of rules that don’t prevent!
Will be interesting to watch the AFT dance around this one. Bets anyone?
Price stupid high? Genius again. Remember the $500 hammers bought with tax dollars? As stated in the writeup, the product is primarily being marketed to government agencies who generally don’t have a bottom line if “they” really want something.
Let’s watch the show….