How long does the 9mm Sentry 1911™ firearm stay unlocked?

As long as the user continues to depress the safety activation switch provided the user’s RFID-enabled hand is firmly gripping the hand grip.

What is Certifire Technology™?

Certifire Technology™ is Free State Firearms, LLC’s proprietary RFID-based user authentication system. It pairs the firearm with an RFID-enabled authorization ring worn on the shooting hand. When the authorized user grips the pistol and depresses the grip safety, the system unlocks the firearm in under 200 milliseconds. The technology is entirely self-contained — it cannot be remotely accessed, hacked, or disabled by any outside party.

What about left handed / ambidextrous users?

The 9mm Sentry 1911™ firearm is currently designed for use by either hand.

Will the government or anyone else be able to hack / remotely disable / modify my 9mm Sentry 1911™ firearm?

No. The technology is entirely self-contained and can’t be accessed, hacked or manipulated remotely.

Has the Sentry 1911™ been tested or used by law enforcement? 

Yes. The Sentry 1911™ has been beta tested by six separate U.S. law enforcement agencies and is the first user-authenticated firearm in history to be operationally deployed by U.S. law enforcement. 

Authorization Ring

Can my authorization ring operate other Sentry 1911™ firearms?

Yes, but only for custom orders. Each Sentry 1911™ is typically paired to one or two authorization rings to ensure maximum security.

What if I lose my authorization ring? 

If you lose your authorization ring, simply contact either 1) the authorized dealer you purchased the handgun from, or 2) Free State Firearms, LLC, directly. Replacement rings can be paired to your firearm and sipped overnight.

Can multiple users be authorized on the same firearm?

Additional authorization rings can be purchased and paired to your Sentry 1911™, allowing multiple authorized users — for example, both adults in a household. Custom multi-user configurations are also available for agency and organizational orders. Contact Free State Firearms, LLC, directly for details.

Battery & Power

How is the Sentry 1911™ powered?

The Sentry 1911™ uses a rechargeable battery magazine. Every purchase includes a USB wall charger and recharging cable.

How long does a fully charged magazine typically last?

Up to three months, depending on level of usage.

What happens if the battery runs low or dies? 

Low battery indicator lights are located on both the upper right grip facing the operator as well as the top of the battery case base. A red indicator indicates that the battery is running low and that it needs to be re-charged immediately. If the battery is dead (no indicator light at all or possibly an intermittent flashing red) the firearm will not unlock and the firearm cannot be discharged.

Can’t I just leave my battery magazine charging around the clock?

Certainly! The battery cannot be over-charged.

Purchasing & Legal

How much does a Sentry 1911™ cost?

The Sentry 1911™ starts at $1,895 MSRP. Contact your nearest authorized dealer or Free State Firearms directly for current pricing and availability.

Where can I buy a Sentry 1911™?

The Sentry 1911™ is available through our authorized dealer network across the United States. Visit our Dealers page for a full list of authorized dealers, or contact Free State Firearms, LLC directly.

Does purchasing a Sentry 1911™ require any additional certifications or background checks compared to a traditional firearm?

No. The purchase process for the Sentry 1911™ is identical to that of any traditional firearm and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Is the Sentry 1911™ legal in my state? 

The Sentry 1911™ complies with all applicable federal firearms laws. State and local laws vary. We recommend checking your state and local regulations or consulting with your local firearms dealer prior to purchase. Free State Firearms, LLC, sells all firearms in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Safety & Misuse Prevention

How does this help address firearm abuse or misuse?

Opportunities for firearm abuse and misuse are eliminated provided unintended users don’t have access to the authorization ring. A stolen Sentry 1911™ is inoperable without the paired authorization ring.

Has the Sentry 1911™ been tested or used by law enforcement? 

Yes. The Sentry 1911™ has been beta tested by six separate U.S. law enforcement agencies and is operationally deployed by the Real County, Texas Sheriff’s Office — making it the first user-authenticated firearm in history to be operationally deployed by U.S. law enforcement.

How is Free State Firearms different from other UAF manufacturers?

Free State Firearms, LLC, is the only company manufacturing a commercially available RFID-enabled user-authenticated firearm in North America. Unlike biometric (fingerprint) UAFs, the Sentry 1911™ uses RFID technology — the same proven technology used in access cards and key fobs worldwide — for fast, reliable authentication in under 200 milliseconds. The Sentry 1911™ has been operationally deployed by U.S. law enforcement, setting it apart from products that have not yet achieved real-world duty deployment.