Trailblazer Lifecard
The Trailblazer LifeCard is a single-shot .22 LR handgun that folds up into a credit card-looking configuration. This handgun is designed for deep concealment, and to the untrained eye, it does not appear to be a firearm when folded.
This breech-loading handgun is constructed almost entirely of polymer. There are a set of tabs on the upper and lower receiver, as the lower hinges down to expose the trigger. A second set of tabs on the upper receiver releases the hinged barrel, opening the breech for single cartridge loading. The hammer features a pull tab at the rear of the upper, priming the trigger for its single round of fire. Additional rounds can be stored in a small compartment on the lower receiver.
Related Review: LifeCard – A Nifty Little Pocket Pistol
The LifeCard is extremely small and has no iron sights, making it slightly difficult to make accurate shots on the range. The design is set up to be a last resort, close quarters, point-and-shoot handgun. I was able to successfully make a few hits on the range at about 5 yards, but it was difficult. Quick reload drills are also another beast, as it is time consuming to release the breech, manually eject the cartridge, load a new one, close, and prime the hammer.
Overall, this is designed for emergency use with deep concealment in mind. Most people would never guess that this is a handgun, making it one of the most unique firearms on the list.
Trailblazer Pivot
Sticking with the Trailblazer theme, meet one of the most unique folding mechanisms on the market: the Trailblazer Pivot. Using a tab in the front of the lower receiver, this carbine rotates the upper and lower receivers to make the 9mm carbine either more compact for storage or locked and loaded for deployment and use.
The Pivot features a metal upper receiver with a threaded barrel, M-LOK accessory slots, a top pivoting rail, and a forward-mounted charging handle with a notch to lock it to the rear. The lower receiver features a polymer pistol grip that houses standard 9mm Glock-pattern magazines. The trigger is flat faced, with little take-up and a short reset. The collapsing stock holds an additional Glock magazine for quicker reloads.
Related Review: The Trailblazer Pivot Rifle Gets its Name Honestly
The unique pivoting design reduces the overall length by a third when folded, and it is quick to deploy. This 9mm carbine is light recoiling and easy to control for accurate shots. The amenities to the upper receiver make it easy to accessorize and customize the design, while double-stack 9mm Glock magazines are easily found and pretty affordable. The Pivot is a fun carbine to shoot and even more fun to pivot into deployment.
Black Aces Tactical Pro Series X
The next firearm on the list is a shotgun with a folding stock assembly. The Black Aces Tactical Pro Series X is a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun with a 3-inch chamber, a 4+1 capacity, a screw-in choke system, an 18.5-inch barrel, and a folding stock with a pistol grip.
Black Aces shotguns tend to be very affordable and reliable. This shotgun offers the incredible power of a 3-inch 12-gauge shotgun shell with a folding stock assembly for easier storage. The stock is adjustable for length of pull. Set up as a tactical shotgun, the Pro Series X includes a front sight with protection wings, a rear peep aperture, and a tactical rail on the top of the receiver for mounting an optic.
On the range, the Black Aces runs like a typical 12 gauge. You get a solid thump as all that 12-gauge power dumps energy into your shoulder. The pump was reliable with zero malfunctions. The shotgun can be fired with the stock folded or deployed, and the pistol grip aids in control over recoil. If you’re looking for an inexpensive pump-action shotgun in a tactical configuration, this foldy boy will serve you well.
SIG Sauer MCX Rattler
Next up is the popular SIG Sauer MCX Rattler. The MCX has been on the rise lately, as the largest variant of the platform was just adopted as the XM7 Spear for U.S. Army service. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Rattler is the smallest MCX package. Chambered for .300 Blackout, this design is optimized to replace the pistol-caliber sub guns that found so much success in the 20th century.
The MCX Rattler features a 5.5-inch barrel and operates from the proprietary SIG MCX piston action, which reduces the need for a buffer tube, making the firearm more compact and easier to add a folding brace. The Rattler has an adjustable gas system for shooting suppressed and unsuppressed, which is perfect as .300 Blackout is optimized suppressed. The Rattler has lots of M-LOK space, a QD mount on the receiver and handguard, and an ambidextrous safety and magazine release. The Rattler feeds off standard AR-pattern magazines.
On the range, it is incredible how compact and quiet the Rattler is, thanks to the addition of the Silencer Central Buck 30 and Banish 30. Perfect for anything within 100 yards, this handgun offers the power of a .30-caliber round while being accurate and hearing-safe. I have had an extensive amount of range time with the MCX Virtus and now the Rattler, and I am incredibly impressed with the entire system. The recoil is soft and controlled, the controls are laid out well, and I mean – who doesn’t love shooting suppressed?
The MCX Virtus has been my go-to for awhile, but when the Rattler first came out, I found myself skeptical of its size and capability. I am happy to report that this handgun proved me wrong and may just find its way into my own armory.
Atlantic Arms AAM-47RU
Any folding firearm list would be incomplete without an underfolding AK. Enter the Atlantic Arms AAM-47RU, a domestic version of the AKMS produced for Atlantic Firearms. Chambered for the classic 7.62x39mm Soviet cartridge, few firearm silhouettes are more recognizable than an underfolder AK.
This domestic version of the AKMS features a slightly different folding stock than seen on surplus imports. The stock’s tubular construction is slightly more comfortable than the edged, stamped metal design of other AKMS models. This rifle features an aftermarket “cheese grater” heat shield over the gas tube as well as a Polish Tantal Bakelite handguard.
Outside of that, it is a standard AK and shoots like any other AK. The stock is slightly less comfortable than a full wood stock, as the low-hanging hinge rides more along the jaw rather than the cheek, but it is still easy to get a good sight picture. The rifle can be shot from the folded position, as is seen in countless videos from conflicts across the globe, but just a hint: it’s more effective to shoot with the stock deployed.
The controls are familiar, as is the recoil impulse. It’s a familiar friend and an easy firearm to master. There is something iconic about the underfolding AK, and there is no denying the reach of the design. The .30-caliber cartridge is extremely effective and an excellent choice for anyone looking for a go-to rifle.
Summary
Everyone needs a few easily stored firearms. From deep concealment to travel, to saving space or locating hiding spaces in the house, it’s always easier to have a design that collapses.
What really matters is how much you train on the system. From finding the storage spot to rapidly deploying the stick or folding mechanisms, it is important to train on your go-to design. Get reps, move from deep concealment, pull the firearm from its hiding place, rapidly go through the manual of arms, and make sure you’re proficient. Dry fire, grab ammo, hit the range, master the craft.
