The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Poll: Did you download the plastic Liberator handgun files? why?

stephen426 · May 15, 2013, 09:31 AM

Guys,

The prices are coming down on these printers. The plastic ones are actually affordable and the metal ones are getting there. Overall strength isn't great nor is durability, so I imagine they is why the design is only for .380 ACP.

The biggest threat is that "bad guys" could conceivably either buy (more likely steal) a 3D printer and create a weapon that is very cheap, disposable, and completely untraceable. There are no serial numbers to trace, not rifling to match ballistics if the gun is easily destroyed or melted down, and they can print more any time they want or need.

Most of us would consider it more of a novelty since we already have guns and most of us are law abiding citizens for the most part. We also care about the quality and reliability of our firearms. Imagine if there was no "cost" to print as many guns as you wanted and the materials needed to feed the printer were uncontrolled and very plentiful? There is a legitimate reason for concern in my opinion.

May 15, 2013, 09:31 AM	#22
stephen426 Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2005 Posts: 3,840	Guys, The prices are coming down on these printers. The plastic ones are actually affordable and the metal ones are getting there. Overall strength isn't great nor is durability, so I imagine they is why the design is only for .380 ACP. The biggest threat is that "bad guys" could conceivably either buy (more likely steal) a 3D printer and create a weapon that is very cheap, disposable, and completely untraceable. There are no serial numbers to trace, not rifling to match ballistics if the gun is easily destroyed or melted down, and they can print more any time they want or need. Most of us would consider it more of a novelty since we already have guns and most of us are law abiding citizens for the most part. We also care about the quality and reliability of our firearms. Imagine if there was no "cost" to print as many guns as you wanted and the materials needed to feed the printer were uncontrolled and very plentiful? There is a legitimate reason for concern in my opinion. __________________ The ATF should be a convenience store instead of a government agency!