Yep, spiked MS housings are bound to stand out in peoples' memories! I remember this thing, too. Seems to me it was Teddy Jacobson (Actions by T), but it may have been somone else. First time I've seen the "standoff" muzzle block accessory, though. Could be useful, maybe for someone like a tunnel rat? Or a blind person!
Generally, I don't regard these things too highly and liken them to the multi-bladed, knuckle-guarded fantasy creations in Bud K catalogs or grade B sci-fi flicks.
On the other hand, muzzle contact fighting techniques might make sense, but especially for the smaller calibers--to add muzzle blast and burn wounding to the trauma mechanisms. Screwed into someone's neck or gut, these could magnify what little power the "mouse guns" have, as well as .38 snubs.
As for using handguns as impact weapons, it should be thought out, so that you don't incapacitate the weapon by bending the trigger guard or something. I would tend to use a gun as a sap only if I ran out of ammo or if I had no time to clear a malfunction/jam. Then anything heavy in my hand could be useful--just like a Motorola radio.
Smart folks give thought to using their long arms as contact weapons, so why not handguns? Makes sense, but not to the extent of some of the "radical surgery" that is out there. Study the possibilities mainly to maximize force in an emergency, and to reduce the liklihood of damaging the weapon.
As for using a loaded, functional handgun as a sap, that will generally be regarded as a "no-no." If you are not justified in using deadly force, why do you have a gun in your hand? It will be difficult enough to defend your "conventional" armed S-D actions in court, let alone something most police are probably taught NEVER to do. This ain't the fifties no more! Keep in mind the possibility of a negligent discharge upon striking an attacker and where that bullet might go--into a bystander?
This doesn't mean that using a loaded gun as a sap is never a good thing, just that it needs a lot of further thought, and is probably way low on the list of training which will "save the day," at least for the average person.
Karl
