Posted on 03/11/2015 5:10:09 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
3D-printing pioneer Cody Wilson wowed DIY enthusiasts and home gunsmiths alike last October when he unveiled a personal CNC mill that could complete 80 percent AR-15 lower receivers. Marketed for the comparatively low price of $1,200, the portable toaster-sized mill was named the “Ghost Gunner,” a jab at the term that some lawmakers use for firearms that are homemade or otherwise self-assembled. Though interest in the mill has been high, Wilson and his company Defense Distributed may find some difficulty in shipping the devices. FedEx recently announced that it will not be shipping the mills, and that Wilson will have to find another shipping service.
“In February, I began pursuing business-to-consumer fulfillment rates from Federal Express to ship my product because I was a member of their FedEx Advantage/NRA Business Alliance program. I understood that the company held itself out as catering to the firearms industry with special rates,” Wilson wrote in a press release. “Two weeks ago FedEx, through my account executive, began demurring on the rates and expressing uncertainty as to the legal status of my product. I assured them there was no controversy and showed them legal memos from my GCA firm in DC and other memos and facts confirming that the product and its related activity are not regulated or restricted by the ATF or federal law.”
Wilson stated that FedEx did finally get back to him, and their answer was no.
“Now FedEx has told me that they will NOT ship my product at all, and though they will not give me a reason in writing, they have told Wired.com that it is because my machine allows an individual to make a gun,” Wilson wrote.
In his comments to Wired, FedEx spokesperson Scott Fielder summarized the company’s doubts about Wilson’s device.
“We are uncertain at this time whether this device is a regulated commodity by local, state or federal governments,” Fielder said. “As such, to ensure we comply with the applicable law and regulations, FedEx declined to ship this device until we know more about how it will be regulated.”
Nothing about the Ghost Gunner or what it can do makes the device illegal. The purchase, sale, use, and transfer of the personal mill is perfectly legal under federal law, as is the ownership of “unregistered” AR-15 lowers. FedEx has historically had a supportive stance on shipping firearms and firearm parts, yet Wilson speculated that the company may be scared off by the ambiguity of a machine that can manufacture homemade guns.
“I am writing today because I feel you should know that FedEx is uncomfortable with the constitutionally protected right to make a rifle free from government surveillance. They may cater to the firearms industry, but they have a specific antipathy to the non-commercial acquisition of firearms,” Wilson stated, adding that he will find an alternate way to ship the device.
Wilson has had more than his share of controversy before, especially when it comes to the subject of 3D-printed firearms. In 2013, Wilson made what is believed to be the world’s first fully 3D-printed pistol, which quickly led to his website being shut down by the US Department of Defense Trade Controls and the design files for the pistol removed. Wilson, a staunch Second Amendment advocate, says that he views digital manufacturing as the next big step for the firearms industry.
Just mark the package “Cupcakes for Gays”.
“Because Fedex accounts, such as UPS requires your industry category. ”
Then lie to them. 3D PRINTED stuff, right? Hey, im in the printing industry ;-)
Dont tell me fed ex has its own jails for people who lie to them. I mean, they’re not the phone cops. ;-)
I bet there are a LOT of people who are on the road a lot, that could facilitate the delivery of these things, kind of along the lines of UBER, only cross country. I’m thinking...truckers, salesman, private pilots. People who may be going that direction anyway, and wouldn’t charge much to take 10-15 units to drop off in a central location they’ll be passing through anyway. Probably a little far fetched, but if enough carriers refused, why couldn’t a private party volunteer?
Sounds like a business opportunity....
Some one I know just ordered a couple of 80% lowers.
Come with a jig etc to finish....
“gay wedding” cake toppers.
Isn’t the community of patriots big enough to have an Underground Railroad to deliver these?
Probably the only way to lie and get away with it is to have the exact weight. UPS and especially the lazy USPS don’t even try, unless there’s a really ‘crusader’ post office clerk somewhere who weighs it, which happened to us and 2nd bill the recipient. A CNC mill machine can be delivered by UPS without a hitch as we have had larger equipment such as trailers shipped overseas if need be.
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