14 DAY TRIAL // A while ago, we got word of a so-called 3D-printed gun, named like that because its parts, or some of them, were 3D-printed. Unfortunately, it couldn't survive more than a few shots before it broke.
Now, we get to look at the first true 3D-printed gun, in that it not only works, but all of its parts are 3D-printed.
Then again, with Defense Distributed gaining a license to make 3D firearms just last month, we could already see this coming.
Indeed, the company has made a 3D-printed gun that not only works, but is legally considered a genuine weapon.
The lower receiver of the gun was printed back in December 2012 (the bare minimum of parts that legally constitutes a gun) but the stock and barrel have been made now too.
The magazines can last for over 100 rounds of fire, but they eventually wear down and stop working.
The barrel probably caused the most headaches though, since it is the part of the weapon that bullets actually strike upon the trigger being pulled.
Ironically enough, Defense Distributed called the gun “The Liberator” and didn't bother making it look different from a toy. The item is, after all, made of ABS plastic, except for the firing pin, and a 6-ounce piece of metal.
The good news, though some may disagree, is that it will be recognized by a metal detector, so it won't slip through customs that easily.
The bad news is that DD intends to release the CAD files onto its blueprints archive, Defcad.org, as soon as testing finishes.
That will allow anyone who owns a 3D printer to make their own Liberator, which is rather unsettling, since no license will be required, and no serial number will be stamped on the weapon. The only limitation is that real bullets will need to be purchased.
Check out the video embedded below if you're interested in the so-called documentary.
