I recently received a Press Release from Shults Media who represents MKS Distributing, the distributor for Chiappa Firearms.
RFID chips are to be used in the manufacture of Chiappa Firearms. There is also appears to be a huge controversy in the firearms blogosphere with respect to these RFID chips. Unfortunately for me, I can't get on the blogosphere because blogs might be bad for me, according to the IT guys...
First off the press release is incorrect, and is an attempt by MKS Distributors to "Damage Control" or "Spin" the situation.
I call Bull Shit on the following: "The Chiappa PASSIVE RFID can be read ONLY when passed within (2-3 inches) of an active (and powered) reader that is dialed in for the particular long antenna radio frequency of the RFID-this is not random."
Having no small experience now with RFID, let me tell you that they can be read by the appropriate reader at 30 meters. Furthermore no RFID chip reader that is being used for logistical control will have its range limited to 3 inches. A carton, or even pallets of materials will need a reader set to several feet. " Passive RFID is also a final check that verifies that what is inside the sealed box is the same thing as shown on the box exterior bar code during shipping. Now, it will no longer be necessary to open/inspect hundreds of boxes by hand prior to packing in export containers. " 3 inches eh? How is it going to read a pallet of material at 3 inches? I can only assume that MKS Distributors thinks most people are idiots, and incapable of figuring things out on their own.
Now here are some more facts about RFID:
The reader does upload the information to a server, and that server can transmit that information anywhere in the world in the blink of an eye. How do you think Walmart can track any item, anywhere, at any time, in their inventory?
Readers can be configured to range, frequency, and an assorted other of functions, some (Surprise!!!) that are classified. I know this to be true.
I think what chafes my jaw more than anything is the following from the press release: "Others may prefer to wrap the revolver and their head in aluminum foil, curl in a ball and watch reruns of Mel Gibson's 1997 film, Conspiracy Theory."
I would suggest to Shults Media and MKS Distributors to more closely pay attention to their customers. Shults, as the mouth piece for Chiappa, you should have considered the ramifications of allowing MKS to insult their core customer base. That is what they pay you for right?
I would immediately remove the RFID chip as suggested, and and if you were considering purchasing a Chiappa Firearms product, perhaps you might reconsider. If this is how they respond to a legitimate concern, how are they going to treat you once they have your money?
Personally, I am certain that the RFID chip is just for logistical control, that's what they are used for. But if a customer is uncomfortable with it, then the merchant needs to respond with honest and candor, rather than insults. A simple explanation with instructions for removal would have sufficed.
Here is the Press Release:
RFID "Chip" in Chiappa Firearms-what's up with that? MKS Distributing, Dayton OH, July, 2011-Distributor for Chiappa Firearms
Recently there has been some blogger activity (credibility always guaranteed) concerning Chiappa Firearms putting a RFID (radio frequency identification) in Chiappa Firearms. Yes, but Chiappa will not be using the RFID system for at least a year.
RUMOR: (known as blogosphere food): The erroneous information about some sort of "chip" was put out by a blogger who translated Chiappa (Italian) technical information incorrectly. The incorrect translation and his interpretation came out as some sort of a GPS type tracking "chip" -which RFID isn't as it cannot transmit anything-it has NO power source (unlike cell phones).
THE FACTS: Recently several Italian gun makers (not just Chiappa) decided to utilize RFID technology to improve manufacturing and provide more accurate inventory control. We guarantee this technology will proliferate to other gun makers world wide as it is so efficient for everything from production QC control to export/import verification. Other industries already use passive RFID technology such as on DVDs, sunglasses, clothes and even some food products for example.
Basically Chiappa RFID (again it is radio frequency identification) assists the manufacturing process, inventory control and shipping. The type of information on the RFID ties in the firearm and proof house verification; the latter is required by the Italian Government for all firearms made in Italy. Passive RFID is also a final check that verifies that what is inside the sealed box is the same thing as shown on the box exterior bar code during shipping. Now, it will no longer be necessary to open/inspect hundreds of boxes by hand prior to packing in export containers.
BOTTOM LINE: The Chiappa PASSIVE RFID can be read ONLY when passed within (2-3 inches) of an active (and powered) reader that is dialed in for the particular long antenna radio frequency of the RFID-this is not random. And it will NOT go into operation for a year or more.
SUMMARIZING: RFIDs have NO power source or GPS locator. Rest assured they are NOT transmitting your identification and location information to a Chiappa Firearm tasked CIA satellite.
Proposed RFID shown on a Chiappa Revolver grip frame
RFID Removal: For those still concerned you can simply remove the grip and remove the hot glued RFID from the frame in the grip area when (over a year from now) these begin to appear. Others may prefer to wrap the revolver and their head in aluminum foil, curl in a ball and watch reruns of Mel Gibson's 1997 film, Conspiracy Theory. Well, that's a plan too!
Media Professionals For more (accurate???) information you may contact:
MKS Supply, Inc. the marketer for Chiappa Firearms
937-454-0363
Albert A Rasch
Qalat City, Zabul Province, Afghanistan
Standing Ready when the Wolves Growl at the Door...
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
The Range Reviews: Tactical
