Are 3D printed guns the future of weaponry?
3D printing has the potential to become a major economic force in the next 50 years. Many labs are using them for biology and medicine, 3D printing limbs and even organs. There is a chance that 3D printing could change everything about the way we live. Our first instinct as humans, however, is to weaponize, and prototypes are already underway for 3D printed guns. Below are profiles of the three different 3D printed gun designs.
3D printing has the potential to become a major economic force in the next 50 years. Many labs are using them for biology and medicine, 3D printing limbs and even organs. There is a chance that 3D printing could change everything about the way we live. Our first instinct as humans, however, is to weaponize, and prototypes are already underway for 3D printed guns. Below are profiles of the three different 3D printed gun designs.
In honor of Halloween, the "Terrified Scale" indicates how terrified this author is of each of these DIY firearms.
The Liberator: This 3D printed gun may sound badass, but the white plastic design isn’t exactly intimidating. The Liberator does, however, function as a real gun, and the designs are available to anyone. Released in May 2013 by aptly named company Defense Distributed, the gun designs are all over the web, including file sharing giant The Pirate Bay. Despite pressure from officials, the plans remain online. According to a statement by The Pirate Bay, the guns will not be taken down because “If there's a lunatic out there who wants to print guns to kill people, he or she will do it. With or without TPB.”
Terrified Scale: 5
The Reason: This menacing 3D printable handgun has a design more fitting of its name. Made of 3D printed metal, the firearm resembles a conventional Colt .45 pistol. Made of stainless steel, this weapon uses standard 10mm ammo, and likely packs a serious punch. Available to anyone with access to an EOS M280 3D printer, The Reason looks to be a bit more dangerous than its friendlier looking plastic cousin. Also, for all the gun printing libertarians out there, the Preamble to the Constitution is engraved on the handle. The creator's inspiration for the name? "No one can argue with reason."
Terrified Scale: 7
Terrified Scale: 7
Ghost Gunner: This isn’t exactly a 3D printed gun. Instead, it is a $12,000 dollar machine that prints gun parts for anyone. The “make your own AR-15 kit” is also manufactured by Defense Distributed, but this gun is more than just a 3D printable firearm. It creates a gun that is completely untraceable, as the machine doesn’t add any serial number to the 3D printed assault rifle. So not only can you create a totally unregulated automatic weapon from the comfort of your own home, but you can sell it to anyone without it being traced back to you. Efforts in California to ban untraceable 3D printed guns have been shot down, so the machine is legal in all 50 states.
Terrified Scale: 10
Terrified Scale: 10
Conclusion: While there is obviously no reason to panic, these gun designs mean that anyone can create their own firearm using a machine that sells for $800 dollars at home depot. The market for 3D printed guns is apparently strong, as the Ghost Gunner sold out in less than 36 hours. While guns in this country are widespread, these designs have the potential to create thousands more. We can only wait and see what how legislators tackle the potential problems that come with 3D printable guns.
-Nicholas Farrell, Editor-in-Chief
-Nicholas Farrell, Editor-in-Chief