Legally I have to tell you if I have received the product or any compensation for writing this review. I did receive this product in exchange for a review! There may be affiliate links in the material that utilize Amazon as a platform. The LifeCard® has been designed to be discreet, hidden and functional, this article will explore all of these and look at benefits and drawbacks. It is also entirely built in the United States!
When this firearm first came out I was both intrigued and dismayed, I saw another gimmick versus a workable tool for defense, hunting or competition. Over the past couple of years and with research and quite a bit of going back and forth I decided to accept the offer and test LifeCard® using several approaches. Being someone who carries backups for my primaries and even just in case firearms on top of that, this appeals to that niche. However, seeing as how it is a single shot in .22lr and not easily reloaded, the drawbacks are apparent instantly.
Upon receiving the firearm the location I do my transfers at had several people that like myself had never actually seen one of these, and of course, it made the rounds quickly. Everyone checking it out and admiring the solid construction. Let me say this up front, it is VERY solidly made especially considering what role it fits and where you will be carrying it! At 7 ounces and the size of a deck of cards, it is absolutely concealable. How does it shoot and is it worth spending money on?
It does not have sights, it does have a simple channel machined into the top of the barrel. This allows for rudimentary sighting or what amounts to point shooting it. As you can see in the picture it groups well, though it shoots a bit high and left. The group shown was at 10 yards and was not shot to get center of the target but rather to get a group size to show you!
To shoot it you have to unfold and lock it into place, grip the bolt firmly and the firearm with your finger off the trigger and pull the bolt out until it locks into place. Aim and squeeze until it fires. After firing, keep the muzzle pointed away from people and using your fingernails or a key or a small knife pop the empty out! Reload and fire as needed. The instruction PDF can be downloaded here, LifeCard instructions for use. It is an extremely safe firearm, it cannot fire unless fully cocked, you cannot keep it cocked while folded, and the trigger is fully covered while folded. You have to consciously cock it and then shoot, making it extremely safe. Obviously, as with all firearms follow the rules of safety.
- Loaded or not, keep the finger OFF the trigger!
- Loaded or not, ALWAYS ensure the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction!
If you follow these rules you can never hurt anyone without meaning too. I know that the NRA instructors have their 3 big rules and an entire list of others. I have seen some lists of rules go pages in length. However, as with everything K.I.S.S. is essential! Keep it Simple Silly!
Like all small handguns I wanted to test it using good ammunition, I need to know it will function every time and that the round will do its job. I tested this handgun with the following ammunition,
- CCI Stinger
- CCI Velocitor (1400 fps)
- CCI Segmented
- Aguila Hypervelocity (1700 fps)
- Aguila Interceptor (1400 fps)
- Aguila Super Extra
- Aguila Pistol Match
- Remington standard
- Winchester (333 round white box)
- Federal Premium
All of the listed ammunitions worked, however, I chose Aguila Interceptor as my carry round in this handgun because it clocks in at 1030 fps average over 8 rounds from the short barrel; it is also a 40-grain bullet giving me more punch from a small package. Additionally, the group shown in the picture above was from the Aguila Hypervelocity round, showing that at up too 10 yards it is plenty accurate. I was easily able to put rounds inside of a 2” circle at 3-5 yards. The energy from this small round is around 94 ftlbs, which is more than adequate for a small handgun.
So why should you own this pistol? From the perspective of someone on a fixed income and with limited resources I can answer this easily. This is a pistol that easily fills multiple roles. You can use it as a last ditch or very covert defensive tool. It is NOT fast into action, it is, however, VERY easily concealed which makes it something you can get into action without notice. In addition to this, it makes a really solid hunting and trapping backup. I like having a 22lr handgun when I am hunting or trapping or harvesting meat on the farm. This really is perfect for these things. This video shows how easy it is to fire and reload the handgun.
Now, this is not an inexpensive firearm, it averages $350. For quality, this is not a bad price, and of course, it is the last firearm anyone will want to ban so there is that benefit as well! I am a firm believer in having what I need all the time. This being said, something like this is perfect for your tackle box, pants pocket, purse or console of the car. It is the last ditch tool you never want to use but will have if you need it. If you need something that can be concealed and is well made and works well, this really is the pistol to get.
Here is a quick list of places you can order this amazing little handgun from, obviously you will need to transfer it in legally and fill out the appropriate paperwork for it.
- Buds Gunshop (one of my favorite places to get firearms)
- LifeCard (directly from the company)
- Gun Deals (another solid place to go for good pricing)
Check with your local firearm dealer and see if they have it in stock as well. They may be able to order it for you directly or worse case you can transfer it in through them. If you have any questions please ask, and of course, also put some feedback in the comments if you have one!
Free the mind and the body will follow
As I looked at the pistol, I was thinking “What if I could put a green shotgun fiber optic on top for a sight?”
I have heard of this, thanks for the review.
JP, I’m thinking you could, I would definitely vice shoot to get as close to center as possible- than mount/ personally I point shoot it. ..however, it really is innovative and definitely has uses… within reason *not a quick shooting took for certain
Jesse,,
I have several j Frames in 38 SPL that have that same groove and with such a short sight plane you pretty much have to point shoot it; plus, for defensive purposes, you are not likely to have time to stand at high ready and take aim.. This is one tool and use that should not be overthought, other than reliability and utility for the purpose.
TOP. It is absolutely reliable and will function for exactly the purpose it is designed.
Jesse,
I don’t doubt that at all; but, since I have numerous tools that fit that function, I see no need for another. Glad you found one you like and perhaps it’s an option for some of those here who have an unfulfilled need.
great review! I thought the site was closed! It would be great if your reviews still kept coming
Cdnnate, absolutely I will keep writing them for now I have a few that have been written and others on the way.
cndnate,
The other site is closed – but this one isn’t. Two different sites lol
i may eventually try to get one of these, it is so small, great for the glove box. i am glad i saw this video of it.
007, they really are quite nice
jesse, it is really a last ditch weapon, but it would be better than a rock, not trying to sound like a broken record but i am just amazed at the size of this gun. i would rate it up there with my ar-7 .22 survival rifle which i like very much.
007, agreed, it is small, fits anywhere and really is well made – I cannot dislike it
on another subject, I just recieved the Lost Ways book and it was not the book described as hard bound or needle stitched or 350 pages. it was 8X11 glued and no stitching and 305 pages. also did not get the digital copy.. it may still be a good book, but very disappointed in the product. OKIEin CO
Joe, I’m not sure what to say – I reviewed what I had I would definitely raise an objection with the seller if it is not as described when you purchased
thanks for the info, I emailed them but no reply yet, joe
Thanks Jesse for the good review. Probably not the first firearm I would choose to purchase but seems like it could have its place.
Greg. Exactly, definitely a fine well made firearm with a niche, however, not the first one to go too
Totally useless, I think. When you need a gun, you need a gun!
Bob, I do enjoy having larger calibers for many reasons. I also enjoy .22lr handguns of many types for many reasons ?
Bob & Jesse,
And almost any firearm beats a rock.
Jesse,
What you listed pretty much embodies the NRA Rules which are:
1. ALWAYS keep the muzzle in a safe direction
2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot
3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
I don’t know what other lists of rules you’ve seen; but, the only other rule we use has to do with actually shooting the firearm: “Know your target and beyond.”
Otherwise Keep It Simple Stupid AKA Occam’s Razor usually works.
While this little gun is intriguing, for the tasks and advantages you list, why wouldn’t a small handgun like the North American Arms .22 derringers or revolvers such as the NAA-22LR, NAA-22LR-HG, or others work as well. They have versions for .22 short and long rifle, as well as .22 WMR. These all carry more than a single shot, are as easy to conceal, carry, and deploy, and all run about $100.00 less than this novel little single shot device.
T.O.P, I dont disagree with you, I actually quite like my NAA mini revolvers in 22lr – 5 rounds and about the same approach.
Really a matter of taste I think, when you get firearms like this one can easily say it is a niche gun, if I were a working man who could not carry a main gun I would want something small instead. This allows for carry without any printing at all, eg., no hurt feelings *and for many it simply doesn’t represent danger – that alone gives it a beneficial edge in some situations I would expect.
I’ve been rotating between this and the NAA mini I also use for a micro bug for the past 2 weeks now. I can honestly say I rather like both of them and while more ammunition is better than less, I’ve worn shorts, basketball shorts, blue Jean’s and more and had zero issues with printing – plus it is absolutely safe to carry while closed.
The mini needs the addition of the fold over grip, *which I have* however without that grip it needs a holster which means ensuring an empty pocket -the lifecard i can drop in any pocket with anything else *i dont* but i can, and it will always be safe until unfolded and cocked!
With cci or aguila or eley ammunition i know it will go bang virtually every time, with aguila interceptor i am getting 100fps more than the NAA mini i have so there is also that, with this my plan would be a rather fast well pointed shot and than cover and or flee or get to my vehicle which should have better gear