this post was submitted on 24 May 2025
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242
Why 3D-Printing an Untraceable Ghost Gun Is Easier Than Ever (Podcast 18mins) (www.wired.com)
submitted 3 weeks ago by technocrit to c/[email protected]
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On today’s episode of Uncanny Valley, we discuss how WIRED was able to legally 3D-print the same gun allegedly used by Luigi Mangione, and where US law stands on the technology.

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[–] [email protected] -2 points 3 weeks ago (6 children)

Only the non critical to function parts can be plastic. IE, the barrel can't be plastic. And you can use literally anything else other than 3D printed stuff.

So why is 3D printed even an issue. Anything... A CNC, scissors, metal, a grinder, wood, springs, screws...can be made part of or be used to make anything else. Making things is not magic and a 3D printer is not magic either.

The highest pressure rated plastic has a Ts or just maybe 28ksi. But with 15% elongation and a really weak modulus. So you can make toys basically.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) (2 children)

In the United States, only the lower is considered a gun. There's no check needed to buy the barrel or slide components, meaning you can print the lower, preferably from a fiber reinforced material, and just slap the unregulated upper components into it.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

You kidding? I know nothing about these things but that sounds just wrong.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 weeks ago

Nope, not kidding. the receiver is the component that is registered as a firearm, and the rest of the parts that go in it are unregulated. That's also why you may have heard of "80%" receivers. They're not machined all of the way so they are not considered firearms and the purchaser can then finish the machining and install the parts.

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