The weapon that lets you shoot around corners without being seen

Wars & Conflicts · Published 16 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In high-stakes hostage rescues, exposure is fatal. The CornerShot solves this by allowing operators to view and engage targets from behind cover. By using a specialized hinge and digital camera, it provides a tactical advantage that traditional firearms cannot match, turning a standard pistol into a precision surveillance tool.

Created during the early 2000s by Lt. Col. Amos Golan from the Israel Defense Forces, this CornerShot was built for special forces and SWAT units. The system functions similarly to a periscope or the WWII-era Krummlauf attachment for the Sturmgewehr 44, enabling an operator to see and attack an armed target without exposing themselves to a counterattack.

Its basic setup includes a pistol fixed to the weapon's front, pivoting sideways via a sixty-degree mid-frame hinge. A digital camera and flashlight are attached to the barrel, while the operator uses a 2.5-inch color LCD monitor and controls located on the butt side of the hinge. This setup allows for high-resolution surveillance and sighting in both day and night conditions.

The versatility of the system allows it to mount various accessories, including IR lasers, suppressors, and even rubber bullets. While the standard version accommodates pistols like the Beretta 92F, Glock, or SIG Sauer in various calibres, the Assault Pistol Rifle (APR) variant can mount a custom pistol to fire 5.56 mm ammunition. The system can even be remotely emplaced behind camouflage, saving images to a two-hour flash memory chip.

The technology has sparked global interest and imitation. China has produced at least three similar weapons, including the HD-66 and CF-06. South Korea's Agency for Defense Development developed a version with a pixel sensor and laser target designator, while India's DRDO has been developing its own system, with the Trikaal variant unveiled in early 2024.

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