You can conceal this gun like a smartphone

A company specialising in concealed weaponry has designed a gun that looks exactly like a smartphone when in the "locked" position.

The website of Ideal Conceal, the maker of the .380-caliber gun, says: "Smartphones are everywhere, so your new pistol will easily blend in with today's environment. In its locked position it will be virtually undetectable because it hides in plain sight."

The gun can hold two bullets in two barrels.

While the gun is still patent-pending, it is expected to be available by mid-2016 for $395.

"From soccer moms to professionals of every type, this gun allows you the option of not being a victim," the company said in a statement.

"Most threats will occur in less than a 30' range. Ease and speed of deployment will mean the difference in the outcome. With the Ideal Conceal pistol you can be quick on the draw stopping a threat effectively and immediately," it added.

Ideal Conceal looks to be tapping into the gun market at an opportune time. Earlier this month, US firearms giant Smith and Wesson rode a groundswell of demand to surprisingly strong quarterly results.

The stock has more than doubled in the past year, as uncertainty over gun laws and the rising threat of terrorism have caused customers to load up.