Texan behind 3D-printed guns vows legal fight as White House endorses court ruling

No different than picking up a branch, breaking it in half to make a sharp edge and using it to stab someone.

Burning Bush - the indigenous peoples of Africa resisted colonising European armies with pointed sticks, usually with with metal tips, but they soon realised to their cost that sticks are no match for guns. I think it is as true now as it was then.

Very different.

The 3D printed gun, the latest stupid idea from ACME Stupid Ideas Inc.

In what scenario would you need a 3D printed plastic gun? Oh I know... you're trapped in your workshop, no gun on the premises and with slow moving zombies lurching towards the place... very slowly. You fire up your computer, load the plastic reel and wait for about half a day while the machine prints the gun, then fit the mechanical bits and make a bullet or several dozen... lots of very slow moving zombies...

This gun is a stupid idea for stupid people.

Too many gun owners seem to prefer to let the NRA speak for them. If 'lawful' gun owners are 'unable to speak out' I assume they're intimidated by the NRA and other rightwing goons in the extremist side of the gun community, the people I think are 'gun huggers'.

If lawful gun owners are unable to speak out because they're intimidated by those wanting tighter restrictions on gun laws, those gun owners must not feel very strongly about their beliefs.

I think many 'lawful' gun owners can recognize the costs to society of gun related issues and would accept that they need to take more responsibility for gun-related problems, including paying specific 'user fees'.

The NRA does NOT represent lawful or legit gun owners. Wayne LaPierre has turned it into a terror-mongering vehicle for filling his moneybags. He has been spreading false rumors and lies for over 30 years now, In 1988 he endorsed George Bush as President and lied about his opponent Michael Dukakis wanting to take all guns away from homes. Dukakis is a military vet himself just like Bush. LaPierre's extremism, open endorsement of the 1995 OKC bombing and talk of 'jackbooted Nazi thug police' coming to take all the guns away led to George Bush quitting his NRA membership. Kudos. LaPierre probably doesn't like Bill Clinton, who is also a gun owner and a hunter. And Barack Obama has released photos a few times of him skeet shooting. And yet Wayne LaPierre just won't stop running his motormouth and crying wolf. He keeps on raising hysteria with a shrieking frenzy after each and every school shooting. He keeps giving old answers to a new problem that he has a lion's share in creating. He won't shut up. And he has been fueling Spanky Don's reign of terror and gloom in America too. The NRA is a terror organization that has long strayed light-years from its original purpose. Responsible and mature gun owners stay away from the rabble-rousing Robespierre who runs it now.

they dont need to when they can already get their ARs from walmart

And the winner for missing my point goes to junkdeck!

And who does Trump run to for assistance?

"(Trump) has got the State Dept., the Defense Dept. to consult with. It is ironic that he consults with the NRA on this, and the NRA is funded by the gun manufacturers. They have nothing to gain from these cads, these computer assisted designs being downloadable on the Internet. ... There was no reason for the government to flip on this."

Brian Frosh, Attorney General, Maryland

No doubt about it. The zeal, fervour and mania surrounding the gun cult is akin to religious extremism. I hope this disease never spreads to Japan. I realise that there's obviously a few carriers about but I'm sure over time, they can be de-programmed.

@toasted

I know it doesn't really matter, but I would argue that gun mania is actually already as big, if not bigger in Japan. They just can't do anything about it because of the laws. On my visits to Japan, I've honestly seen more airsoft stores there than I've seen gun stores in the US.

First, I want to make it clear that I agree with outlawing these stupid plans and I won't have any sympathy for anyone who inevitably loses a finger or two trying to fire one. There's just no reason for them to be out there.

However, there is a lot of fear mongering going on in the press about them. I admit that I didn't fully understand what was available either, so I did a little research myself.

The 'Liberator' pictured above is the only full gun plan available and is only a single shot pistol. I've heard that the best its been able to do is shoot maybe 2 rounds through it before disintegrating. It's also not undetectable if you want it to be able to function, it requires a metal tube for the barrel and a nail for the firing pin. Not to mention the bullets. If you know how to make plastic bullets, I suggest you patent that idea because you've got an early retirement coming. You're not going to get these things through a metal detector, that's for sure.

All I'm trying to say is there are not going to be criminals going on killing sprees with undetectable 3d printed assault rifles.

Guns can be traded in gunshows by individuals without check.

Weapons can change hands many times without leaving a trace.

Check your own laws.

Not in the State where I’m from.

A better word for 'gun huggers' is 'gun worshippers' because gun ownership in America is a religious CULT.

No doubt about it. The zeal, fervour and mania surrounding the gun cult is akin to religious extremism. I hope this disease never spreads to Japan. I realise that there's obviously a few carriers about but I'm sure over time, they can be de-programmed.

but for public use, if should be prohibited

But that's Liberal. It says shall not be infringed

if only people used their time, skills and money for something worthwhile.... like getting a job or helping people...

@ossanAm As a result, lawful gun owners are unable to speak out against aspects of the gun issue which they see as a threat to society, as you do.

Too many gun owners seem to prefer to let the NRA speak for them. If 'lawful' gun owners are 'unable to speak out' I assume they're intimidated by the NRA and other rightwing goons in the extremist side of the gun community, the people I think are 'gun huggers'.

If lawful gun owners are unable to speak out because they're intimidated by those wanting tighter restrictions on gun laws, those gun owners must not feel very strongly about their beliefs.

I think many 'lawful' gun owners can recognize the costs to society of gun related issues and would accept that they need to take more responsibility for gun-related problems, including paying specific 'user fees'.

OssanAmericaToday 09:43 am JSTPTownsendToday 08:26 am JST

@ossanam Lawful gun owners have no need at all for

Within the gun hugging community are collectors, people who want any weapon of any sort to add to their collection, increasing the number of guns in circulation, increasing the likelihood of them being stolen and used in crimes.

And they are a minority. Your use of the disparaging term "gun huggers" alone displays your biased view, lumping all gun owners into one. As a result, lawful gun owners are unable to speak out against aspects of the gun issue which they see as a threat to society, as you do.

A better word for 'gun huggers' is 'gun worshippers' because gun ownership in America is a religious CULT. Benedict Donald used that Pavlov dog trick at a rally and he openly encouraged murdering Hillary Clinton at that same event. This cult is led by the greedy demagogue Wayne LaPierre who as NRA head has for many years stirred up panic and he is the lead prophet or messianic figure of this sick violent cult. All he has to do is say that so-and-so will take your guns and his sheep tremble. Nobody has even started collecting or taking guns away.

smithinjapanToday 12:25 pm JSTSorry, but I honestly hope that whomever is dumb enough to make these weapons by printer has them explode in their hands when they attempt to use them and are maimed so they cannot do it again (Don't hope they are killed... just scared into realizing the folly of it). I'm sick of the stupidity and lunacy of people like this, and it is unbelievable that many people think it is some kind of right.

Pres. Barack Obama didn't do that and yet LaPierre keeps on howling and stirring up violent tensions even after several school kids are killed. LaPierre openly praised the Oklahoma City bombings in 1995, boorishly dubbing some of the dead as 'Nazis'. This led the more moderate ex-Pres. George H W Bush to quit his lifetime NRA membership. I am sick and tired of these gun cultists whining and moaning all the time. Nothing wrong with hunting or home protection but this insane frenzy is a cancer to America. It must stop.

bit pointless trying to ban it now , once on the internet its there forever. as 3D printers become better and the materials used stronger these 3d guns will only become more refined. bit like Japan ban on porn not being filtered. many J porn stars just film outside Japan and upload of foreign servers

Russian roulette will teach him that 3D-printed guns blow-up his head with the blueprint bullet, too! Morons never learn, here is another son of the g**!!

"This is similar to whoever it was that first started posting the instructions on how to make pipe bombs" -- comment

Exactly. The reference you made to can be found online in "The Anarchist Cookbook" that is still readily available for download.

This is similar to whoever it was that first started posting the instructions on how to make pipe bombs. Human beings like this one are the kind that work eagerly towards humanity destroying itself. "It's not illegal to do this... although it's intent is to cause harm".

This is America.

Bass4Funk:

Which is regulated and where you would need to purchase the firearm in a gun shop.

Guns can be traded in gunshows by individuals without check.

Weapons can change hands many times without leaving a trace.

Check your own laws.

The issue here is upholding the 1st Amendment. Free speech does not lose any Constitutional guarantees just because that "speech" is expressed in the language of computer codes.

Watch for the left to lose on this latest manufactured outrage if/when it reaches the SC.

Sorry, but I honestly hope that whomever is dumb enough to make these weapons by printer has them explode in their hands when they attempt to use them and are maimed so they cannot do it again (Don't hope they are killed... just scared into realizing the folly of it). I'm sick of the stupidity and lunacy of people like this, and it is unbelievable that many people think it is some kind of right.

Murder is, however, the entire reason for the plans' existence.

No it isn't.

It was an exercise to see what a 3D printer could make, just like when people use 3D printers to make a spatula, a model airplane, a tiny case for single board computers, an iPhone case, human body parts https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/3d-printed-ears-grown-stem-cells-are-finally-on-their-way-180961605/ and models or a piece of art https://interestingengineering.com/these-8-artists-are-3d-printing-masterpieces . People create all sorts of great and stupid things with 3D printers. Sharing the plans is like sharing a beer recipe. Freedom of speech.

There are other materials which can be 3D printed, not just plastic. Aircraft and rocket engine parts are being 3D printed to make complex parts stronger. https://www.sculpteo.com/blog/2018/02/28/top-5-of-the-best-3d-printed-rocket-engine-projects/

Using any gun to harm someone is still illegal.

A plastic gun is already illegal in the USA. This is about the plans.

katsu78Today 10:20 am JST

EppeeToday  10:13 am JST

You're misinterpreting, it's not an argument, it's a fact. Child pornography, credit card numbers, etc. are on Internet, and yes today there's nothing we can do about it,

You do realize that police routinely investigate, arrest, and prosecute people who post/host CP or CCNs, don't you?

I am not sure to get your point, that doesn't stop anyone publishing it, and giving access to people looking for it.

theFuToday  10:40 am JST

And nobody has ever been murdered with these plans either.

Murder is, however, the entire reason for the plans' existence.

No one has ever been murdered with poetry or newspapers.

And nobody has ever been murdered with these plans either.

But people HAVE been hunted and killed for the ideas they put in poetry and newspapers.

EppeeToday  10:13 am JST

You're misinterpreting, it's not an argument, it's a fact. Child pornography, credit card numbers, etc. are on Internet, and yes today there's nothing we can do about it,

You do realize that police routinely investigate, arrest, and prosecute people who post/host CP or CCNs, don't you?

theFuToday  10:05 am JST

This is free speech just like poetry and newspapers. 

No one has ever been murdered with poetry or newspapers.

Right. We need to prep for a future where guns can be taken into any situation at any time. Perhaps they can find a way to scan for these new guns but I’m guessing that will require a staggering amount of money to replace the scanners currently in place.

Guns will be everywhere for anyone who wants them, and they will be able to sneak them into concerts, sporting events, near political figures, etc. it’s an inevitable conclusion.

katsu78Today 09:58 am JST

EppeeToday  09:38 am JST

What an interesting argument. Imagine if it were applied to other things that are "accessible" on the Internet "to anyone who's iterested". Like say child pornography, or your personal credit card number.

You're misinterpreting, it's not an argument, it's a fact. Child pornography, credit card numbers, etc. are on Internet, and yes today there's nothing we can do about it, expect cutting network accesses.

This is free speech just like poetry and newspapers. There are hundreds of books about how to make a firearm with plans. This is the same.

Or do we burn books now?

Anyone with the plans could put them into a crypto-currency ledger and that would effectively put it into the world until that crypto-currency is dead. Even then, everyone with a copy of the ledger would have access and be able to read it. This technique is how people get around the Chinese govt trying to stop free speech. They cannot stop it. http://fortune.com/2018/07/26/blockchain-technology-cryptocurrency-ethereum-censorship-free-speech/

EppeeToday  09:38 am JST

Legal or not it will happen anyway, it'll be on Internet accessible to anyone who's iterested, so get ready to deal with it.

What an interesting argument. Imagine if it were applied to other things that are "accessible" on the Internet "to anyone who's iterested". Like say child pornography, or your personal credit card number.

"Welp, the genie is out of the bottle. Someone else has my credit card number. I guess there's nothing I can do but prepare for a future where random strangers on the other side of the world can order big-screen 4K TVs off of Amazon in my name and I have to pay for it. Once the toothpaste is out of the tube, there's just nothing at all you can do about it."

PTownsendToday 08:26 am JST

@ossanam Lawful gun owners have no need at all for

Within the gun hugging community are collectors, people who want any weapon of any sort to add to their collection, increasing the number of guns in circulation, increasing the likelihood of them being stolen and used in crimes.

And they are a minority. Your use of the disparaging term "gun huggers" alone displays your biased view, lumping all gun owners into one. As a result, lawful gun owners are unable to speak out against aspects of the gun issue which they see as a threat to society, as you do.

Legal or not it will happen anyway, it'll be on Internet accessible to anyone who's iterested, so get ready to deal with it.

If people are determined enough there will be plenty of mirror sites hosted offshore which will supply the plans, whether or not you agree with it it's going to be impossible to contain once it's out there.

I read about a study which prepared two dozen of these guns according the the instructions and used a remote method to pull the trigger. Of these two dozen, 17 exploded with enough force to injure the user.

What we've got here is another method to make the Darwin Awards - that is, until someone offers an improved version for download.

@ossanam Lawful gun owners have no need at all for

powerful weapons that should be in the hands of the police and military to protect those of us who want to live without gun violence from those who use guns in criminal activities.

Within the gun hugging community are collectors, people who want any weapon of any sort to add to their collection, increasing the number of guns in circulation, increasing the likelihood of them being stolen and used in crimes.

Never ending cycle.

Now that these weapons can be made and smuggled into Japan...

The same can easily be said for civilians possessing semi- and fully-automatic weapons. 

Which is regulated and where you would need to purchase the firearm in a gun shop.

How long until someone comes up with an even easier to make plastic bump stock?

Don't know, I'm against bump stocks

Gun nuts, and that includes terrorists, are making the world less safe everywhere for everyone who wants to live in peace. 

Now we have weapons that can be moved onto planes, trains, you name it, undetected.

That is a problem and that is why I'm against 3D printed guns.

Well you can't really pit the toothpaste back in the bottle. We should start prepping ourselves for a future with no background checks and the elimination of the effectiveness of metal detectors as a way to catch guns.

I support the right to own guns but this idea goes way off the deep end. Even in military or Law Enforcement applications this type of weapon could only have limited value in covert operations. Lawful gun owners have no need at all for what, by gun standards, is a piece of scrap for any sporting, hunting, target shooting purposes. It really is nothing more than an untraceable illegal murder weapon. For those who are against private gun ownership, don't confuse this nutbag with the rest of us.

At the very least the response should be to introduce massive mandatory minimum sentences for those convicted of possessing an illegal gun, say 10 years. Even in the most progressive anti-gun states the penalties are quite minimal (likely owing to the profile of the average illegal gun owner).

@bas4 there is no need or purpose for any civilian to get this on the market.

The same can easily be said for civilians possessing semi- and fully-automatic weapons.

How long until someone comes up with an even easier to make plastic bump stock?

Gun nuts, and that includes terrorists, are making the world less safe everywhere for everyone who wants to live in peace.

Now we have weapons that can be moved onto planes, trains, you name it, undetected.

As an NRA member and a huge supporter of the second amendment, I think this is a very stupid, dangerous and scary idea. If it is used for military purposes or by law enforcement I probably wouldn't object, but for public use, if should be prohibited, there is no need or purpose for any civilian to get this on the market.

Enabling this US (and other countries in the Americas) disease to become a worldwide pandemic.

Yep. This filthy gun disease needs containing. Sort this crap out.

What next? The means to weaponise smallpox published on the net?

These are straight-up murder weapons. There is no other use for a gun like this. You can't hunt, target-shoot, or defend yourself against an invading army. In all likelihood you really can't even use it for personal self-defense. It's an inaccurate, close-range, murder weapon.

How sick.

untraceable, undetectable plastic weapons.

Enabling this US (and other countries in the Americas) disease to become a worldwide pandemic.

to make untraceable, undetectable plastic weapons.

How sick.