3 ms·

Realistically, how effective would a 3D printed firearm be? I was under the impression that PLA/ABS plastics are simply not that strong of a material.

fenwick67 8y ago
Not very. However, with printed metal (which exists today) it's very possible to print something more reliable, or mods for an existing gun, etc.
kabdib 8y ago
The receiver for the AR series of rifles does not need to be that strong. It doesn't handle any of the pressure of firing the cartridge; it's really just a mount for the rest of the components. The other components are not considered the actual firearm -- in a legal sense -- so you can just buy those without running into licensing issues (well, maybe local ones). Just add a barrel, a trigger group and other stuff and you're good to go. Printing something that handles chamber pressures is a lot more challenging.
MisterTea 8y ago
It could be a good intimidation tool for stick ups. All it takes is one shot so most people will be scared enough to comply as they would when faced with any other gun or weapon. On the flip side, the barrel doesn't last fore more than one or two shots if you're lucky. You can't reload fast and have a single shot. I can see it being a useful tool for an assassination. But that single shot better count otherwise you're either captured, dead or you lose the target.
- sparky_ 8y ago
  That's actually a fair point, I hadn't considered this angle. Although I suppose it's not a new danger per se, I'm sure people have robbed convenience stores using Airsoft guns and similar.
- DanAndersen 8y ago
  Is the "proof of function" really important? Most muggers and store thieves don't find themselves needing to fire warning shots, despite the existence of toy guns, due to most people's rational risk aversion.
- throwawayi8 8y ago
  I think you’ve been able to do this with toy guns for a while now..
- lozaning 8y ago
  Wouldn't you be way better off buying one of those realistic airsoft guns and painting the tip? Plus in many jurisdictions should you ever be caught, crimes committed with a gun require serving more years.

fenwick67 8y ago

Not very. However, with printed metal (which exists today) it's very possible to print something more reliable, or mods for an existing gun, etc.

kabdib 8y ago

The receiver for the AR series of rifles does not need to be that strong. It doesn't handle any of the pressure of firing the cartridge; it's really just a mount for the rest of the components. The other components are not considered the actual firearm -- in a legal sense -- so you can just buy those without running into licensing issues (well, maybe local ones). Just add a barrel, a trigger group and other stuff and you're good to go. Printing something that handles chamber pressures is a lot more challenging.

MisterTea 8y ago

It could be a good intimidation tool for stick ups. All it takes is one shot so most people will be scared enough to comply as they would when faced with any other gun or weapon. On the flip side, the barrel doesn't last fore more than one or two shots if you're lucky. You can't reload fast and have a single shot. I can see it being a useful tool for an assassination. But that single shot better count otherwise you're either captured, dead or you lose the target.

sparky_ 8y ago
That's actually a fair point, I hadn't considered this angle. Although I suppose it's not a new danger per se, I'm sure people have robbed convenience stores using Airsoft guns and similar.
DanAndersen 8y ago
Is the "proof of function" really important? Most muggers and store thieves don't find themselves needing to fire warning shots, despite the existence of toy guns, due to most people's rational risk aversion.
throwawayi8 8y ago
I think you’ve been able to do this with toy guns for a while now..
lozaning 8y ago
Wouldn't you be way better off buying one of those realistic airsoft guns and painting the tip? Plus in many jurisdictions should you ever be caught, crimes committed with a gun require serving more years.