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0 pointsyellowapple3y ago0 comments

If you're able to cheaply print firearms, then it doesn't really matter too much if those firearms end up being disposable; if it breaks, just print another one.

As for machining parts out of metal, people can and do build "slamfire" shotguns out of two pipes and a nail. Needless to say, I think you're overestimating the difficulty of shopping around at Home Depot.

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kube-system3y ago· 2 in thread

I understand the problem space, I've built my own gun parts using both 3d printers and traditional machine tools.

The thing is, criminals aren't hobbyists. They're not going to goof around at the range for 8 hours trying to tune in a mechanism. As long as traditionally produced guns are the price of a 3D printer, (or a busted pickup truck window away), there's really no reason for your local gang member to do an arts and crafts session.

aksss3y ago

That's not how it works, any more than we make our own cocaine.

The local gang member doesn't need to learn the specialist skills. He needs to know a guy who knows a guy.

kube-system3y ago

The gang member already knows a guy with reliable and cheap professionally made guns. 3D printed parts are inferior in quality and performance to injection molded.

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