The Pocket Pistol Showdown – Developments from Heizer Defense and DoubleTap Firearms

You may remember an interesting pocket pistol, then known as the Heizer Defense DoubleTap, which we covered at the 2012 SHOT Show.  Since then, there have been some shake-ups, including DoubleTap inventor Ray Kohout ejecting from the deal with Heizer Defense to form DoubleTap  Defense.  DoubleTap has also filed a $6 million lawsuit against Heizer et al. for monetary damages and an injunction against “any further action on the part of Heizer Defense, LLC and others to manufacture or market a product based on the intellectual property of DoubleTap inventor Ray Kohout“.  Both companies were at the 2013 SHOT Show and were both still in the hunt for market share for this type of pistol.

The newly announced Heizer HD1 pocket shotgun, chambered for .45 Colt and 2.5/3″ .410 shotshells and offered in a variety of materials and finishes, has a similar small form factor with a familiar grip and trigger design.  The HD2 model appears quite similar to the double barreled pistol we saw on display last year, along with its two-barrel-single-hammer firing mechanism and a  price tag ranging from $489 to $719 with spare barrel assemblies priced at $189 .   Heizer has recently made an announcement reiterating their commitment to the project and the company said that they hope to have both units available later this year.  Heizer personnel didn’t have much to say about the split other than nodding toward a sign at the rear of the booth noting that they were not associated with DoubleTap.

DoubleTap’s booth had on display what they describe as an improved version of the model unveiled last year.  Manufactured by Azimuth Technologies of Naples, Florida, the new DoubleTap is projected to hit the market in the first quarter of 2013.  The biggest change is probably a simplification of the firing mechanism to use two hammers which operate sequentially rather than one hammer that  reciprocates between the two firing pins.

The DoubleTap is also available in a variety of materials and finishes with retail prices ranging from $499 for aluminum non-ported models to $799 for ported titanium models.  Spare barrel sets for converting the pistol between 9mm and .45ACP range in price from around $200 to $269.

One fellow SHOT Show attendee, while viewing the double-barreled pistol in the New Product Showcase, asked “What’s the point?”  Whether it’s to meet a low-capacity firearms restriction, to have a last-ditch backup gun or to have a tough, dependable firearm for your glove compartment, tackle box, etc, it looks like this design would meet those needs (albeit, at what seems to us to be a relatively high price-point for something in that role).

Stay tuned to GunLink for future updates on the Heizer/Doubletap split, lawsuit and products as well as more from SHOT Show 2013.

8 Responses to The Pocket Pistol Showdown – Developments from Heizer Defense and DoubleTap Firearms

  • Kevin says:

    What is the latest info on the double tap and its avaialbility?

  • GunLinkBlog says:

    I emailed the company with a request for info and they sent back their standard datasheet.

    Their PR rep told us that “[DoubleTap] will be making a shipping announcement next week – stay tuned for updates,” so we’ll let you know what we find out.

  • SD3 says:

    “[DoubleTap] will be making a shipping announcement next week…”

    That’s nice. What YEAR?!?

  • GunLinkBlog says:

    Good question, SD3. If there were “Like” buttons for comments, we’d click it on that one.

  • GunLinkBlog says:

    From @LauraBurgess on twitter: “@LauraBurgess: @gunlink still expecting to start shipping within the 7 to 10 business days they stated on May 3rd”

  • Steven says:

    I got my hands on the Double Tap pistol…finally. I cometely dismantled it soon as I could. Simple on the inside as far as how it works. I actually met a couple of the Azimuth Technology guys who claimed to be owners at the NRA show. I e never met the owners of a firearms manufacturing company who couldn’t at least sound like they knew what they were talking about. Apparently there on the West coast. Really arrogant unpleasent people. More like a couple of used car salesman than “Owners” of a “state of the art” facility. Something’s not right with this picture. Anyway the gun truly is beautifully machined and very nice to carry right in my front pocket. There are some small things I hate like the round barrel release actuators and the heavy trigger pull. Long trigger pull or heavy…but not both it’s just to much resistance. Honestly I’d rather have a hair trigger with a safety than this. I like the gun overall and glad I waited. As for the manufacturer “owners” which I question…clown show!

  • GunLinkBlog says:

    Thanks for the DoubleTap report, Steven. We haven’t had a chance to shoot one but we been seeing and handling them since nearly the start of the project. Our experiences with the firearms and the personnel aren’t much different than yours. Did you get to shoot it or just handle the show prototype?

    We’d love to have a full review from you on the GunLink Forums Firearms Review board (http://gunlink.info/forums/index.php?board=14.0)

    • Steven says:

      I actually shot mine. I can say if your not a well trained shooter your going to know it in the .45 caliber. Staying high and tight without a weak grip is key to handling it without to much pain. I have about 50 or so rounds threw it without any issues. It is very very nice sitting in my front right pocket. Weight has always been my issue. Even a heavy knife I would find myself not carrying it. With this pistol I don’t see myself having an issue ever. I also don’t think it should ever be any lighter in the .45 caliber! Lol. She has some kick.

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