3D Gun Blew Up in the Face of Feds

3D Gun Blew Up in the Face of Feds (Video)

Remember good ‘ol Texan Cody Wilson and the whole 3D gun debacle we discussed back in May? Well, it’s making the news again, only this time it blew up right in the face of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Taking the online, 3D gun (aka The Liberator) blueprints that were available for free download and a 3D printer, ATF produced their own version of the Liberator.

“We downloaded files; we created firearms from those files; and we tested those firearms,” said Earl Griffith, chief of ATF firearms technology branch.

Discovering that the 3D gun wasn’t as powerful as other guns, ATF determined that it could, in fact, penetrate several inches of soft flesh and a human skull. Even though the Liberator can only fire one shot before needing to be reloaded, that’s all a determined “bad guy” needs to wreak havoc.

“The bottom line is, the penetration results demonstrated that the Liberator is a lethal weapon,” explained Griffith. “The .380 bullets fired from the Liberator penetrate sufficiently to reach vital organs and perforate the skull.”

It appears that in the hands of the wrong individual, even plastic guns can kill, and the ATF feels that we will see other 3D gun models in the future.

A huge concern is that the Liberator can defeat metal detection, enabling it to be carried into places and areas that weapons are banned. Yet, the design of the Liberator is perfectly legal under the Undetectable Firearms Act because it has a block of metal. According to this act, as long as a weapon consists of a certain amount of metal and that metal is detectable, it is legal. However, the metal plays no role in the Liberator’s ability to function and can be easily removed.

What to Know about ATF’s Testing

  • This 3D gun was made from a 3D printer and free, online blueprints.
  • ATF used acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic material and some plastic made by Visijet.
  • The Visijet version exploded during the test.
  • This 3D gun can get past metal detectors.
  • This 3D gun can penetrate soft flesh and the human skull.

Conclusion: This 3D gun qualifies as a deadly weapon.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.