Can't Buy an AR-15? Print One!

[patric]

"Download this gun": 3D-printed semi-automatic fires over 600 rounds
And the Department of Justice says there's nothing illegal about it, either.
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/03/download-this-gun-3d-printed-semi-automatic-fires-over-600-rounds/

The law student said that anyone with the same type of 3D printer ("SLA resin and P400 ABS on a used Dimension") could replicate his efforts with "9 to 12 hours" of print time and "$150 to $200" in parts. "We've proven that you can build one for $50," he said, presuming the builder is using lower quality materials. (Dimensions typically sell in the $30,000 range—but Wilson says his results could be duplicated using the less-expensive Ultimaker ($1,500) or Reprap."

Now I know what you're thinking;  "Can you print your own 3D printer with a 3D printer?"  

[patric]

State Department Demands Takedown Of 3D-Printable Gun Files For Possible Export Control Violations
"The battle for control of dangerous digital shapes may have just begun."
http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2013/05/09/state-department-demands-takedown-of-3d-printable-gun-for-possible-export-control-violation/

[Gaspar]

I can make a .22 out of a cross pen, a Swingline 7 series stapler and a rubber band.

I wouldn't waste my time making parts for guns with a 3D printer, instead, I would make the parts to make another 3D printer.  I would probably want to write some software to improve the design each time, and then I would create Skynet!

Game Over

[heironymouspasparagus]

I can make a .22 out of a cross pen, a Swingline 7 series stapler and a rubber band.

I wouldn't waste my time making parts for guns with a 3D printer, instead, I would make the parts to make another 3D printer.  I would probably want to write some software to improve the design each time, and then I would create Skynet!

Game Over

Skynet is already done....

[Ed W]

Just a thought...but can you use a 3D printer to make another 3D printer?

And there's this:

[Conan71]

Now that the frenzy is over, I believe you can buy an AR-15 cheaper than a 3-D printer.  I think I'd just as soon buy the damn gun if I needed or wanted one.

[TeeDub]

Regardless, you still need a barrel.   Maybe we should be more like the Europeans and register the barrels instead of the receivers.   

Kinda makes more sense.

[patric]

Skynet is already done....

Yes, it was called Colossus....

[TheArtist]

The little round thing is the barrel.   

You don't have to purchase your own printer do you?   If I were to "borrow" a friends printer and print a gun, how would that violate any laws? 

I still don't get exactly how blueprints for a gun, really equal a gun any more than they ever did?   

[Conan71]

I still don't get exactly how blueprints for a gun, really equal a gun any more than they ever did?   

Anti-gun nuttery rhetoric seems to be as bad as extreme gun nuttery rhetoric.

[heironymouspasparagus]

FabLab has a 3-D printer!

[Gaspar]

Now that the frenzy is over, I believe you can buy an AR-15 cheaper than a 3-D printer.  I think I'd just as soon buy the damn gun if I needed or wanted one.

You can, but I would recommend a better weapon.  Most ARs are dinky and cheap knockoffs.  Go with an ACR 6.8mm. 

As for 3D printed guns, it would be cheeper to buy a lathe, band cutter and drill press at the hardware store and machine your own barrels, and parts from steel.  You wouldn't even need to learn CAD or 3D modeling, and the added bonus would be that your guns wouldn't blow up in your hand!

[Red Arrow]

As for 3D printed guns, it would be cheeper to buy a lathe, band cutter and drill press at the hardware store and machine your own barrels, and parts from steel.  You wouldn't even need to learn CAD or 3D modeling, and the added bonus would be that your guns wouldn't blow up in your hand!

It would probably be easier for most people to learn CAD and 3D Modeling than to become a machinist.  A lathe, band saw, and drill press won't be exactly cheap either if you get decent ones.

[custosnox]

bah, just give me a shovel

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=9b4_1354773101

when it comes down to it, if someone wants a gun bad enough, there are always ways.

[heironymouspasparagus]

Some big cities have wrongheadedly chosen to try to outlaw gun ownership in the city limits.  Here is one that has finally gotten it right!!  Good for them!!

http://news.yahoo.com/brady-campaign-sues-ga-town-125047642.html

And if the Brady Bunch Clowns are against it, you KNOW it has to be good!!