3D Printed Ghost Guns: A Brave New World

Introduction

• Art is subjective - freedom of expression; 3D printing as a form of expression.
• 3D printed guns: concept and innovation since 2013 when Cody Wilson created the first 3D-printed gun (The Liberator).
• Modern 3D printed guns resemble factory-made weapons but are untraceable (ghost guns).

Current Legal Landscape

• Ghost Guns: firearms with no serial numbers, making them untraceable.
• Only 10 states + Washington D.C. have specific laws; minimal federal regulation.

Purchasing and Building a Ghost Gun

• Purchase kits online with all necessary parts; as easy as online shopping.
• Kits are nearly complete but require some finishing touches.
• 3D printing a ghost gun from scratch is complex compared to assembling a kit.

First Ghost Gun Competition

• Held in Florida, organized by Rob Pincus, showcasing homemade 3D printed guns.
• Participants include hobbyists, enthusiasts, and designers appreciating 3D printings.

Building a Ghost Gun

• Starts with deciding a model; here, a Glock 19 was chosen.
• 3D printing part took about 16-18 hours.
• Frame completed; additional metal parts (e.g., springs, barrels) required.
• Assembly required various tools and considerable expertise.

The Controversy and Community

• "Are We Cool Yet": Inventors and designers call their guns art; see it as freedom of expression.
• Concerns: Public outcry against ghost guns due to potential misuse by criminals, felons, etc.
• Community defenses: worried about high criminal usage, calls for higher regulation.
• Deviant uses: Ghost guns used by white supremacists and criminals.

Technical Challenges

• Common for 3D-printed guns to frequently jam and have reliability issues.

Regulatory Efforts

• Efforts to contain: Biden administration aims to regulate ghost gun kits, require serial numbers.
• Legal battles: Federal appeals court allowed unrestricted sharing of 3D gun files online.

Future and Perspectives

• Balance of freedom and safety: Advocates argue guns should be accessible but responsibly used.
• Technological advances: Future will lower barriers to gun creation, sparking debate.
• General perspective: Freedom isn't entirely safe; education and responsible ownership key.

Conclusion

• Balanced regulation: Highlighting need for regulations without infringing on freedoms.
• Ending thoughts: The evolution of 3D printed ghost guns reflects broader debates on regulation, safety, and individual rights.