As congress debates gun law changes, a new breed of weapon is being created by “Do-It-Yourself” enthusiasts. Defense Distributed released a video this weekend showing what is believed to be the first 3D gun firing a shot.
The world’s first 3D printed gun is called The Liberator and was created by Cody Wilson. The gun is made completely out of plastic and according to Gizmodo is capable of firing.22 rimfire rounds.
It’s unclear how powerful the weapon is but Defense Distributed is aiming to make lethal weapons. Wilson said that the point of creating a 3D gun isn’t make it easier for people to shot each other but to make sure that the second amendment is protected from congress.
Wilson said: “I recognize the tool might be used to harm other people – that’s what the tool is – it’s a gun. But I don’t think that’s a reason to not do it – or a reason not to put it out there.”
Defense Distributed adds on its website : “To defend the civil liberty of popular access to arms as guaranteed by the United States Constitution and affirmed by the United States Supreme Court, through facilitating global access to, and the collaborative production of, information and knowledge related to the 3D printing of arms; and to publish and distribute, at no cost to the public, such information and knowledge in promotion of the public interest.”
Here’s the video of the world’s first 3D printed gun firing a shot.
The CAD file for The Liberator is available for free on Defense Distributed’s website. The Huffington Post reports that anyone with a 3D printer will now be able to make their own gun. 3D printers aren’t too popular at the moment but they could soon find there way into homes across the country. Staples said that it plans to start stocking the printers later this month.