The Dot Matrix, Reloaded - How do you ban assault weapons when you can print them?

National Review Online ^ | January 25, 2013 | Daniel Foster

[Vince Ferrer]

If a 3rd “Red Dawn” remake ever came out I can imagine millions of printed new versions of a Liberty Pistol being made in occupied areas. Used to capture an enemies weapon.

If Red Dawn ever gets remade, the American government will be the enemy.

[Vince Ferrer]

A good idea would be to print a shape that could used make a lost wax or investment mold for casting your part in your metal of choice, especially if the master is made with a low melting point material. Those processes are easy to do and reproduce parts in fine detail. Very little finish machining would be required.

There are already 3d printers on the market which print in sand + binders to be used for sand casting.

[PapaBear3625]

I have a question, though. Don't gun barrels have to be specially heat-treated and/or extruded to withstand the explosive force of a gunshot?

The "firearm" is the part with a serial number on it. In the case of the AR-15, it's the lower-receiver frame. The barrel, springs, trigger group, etc are unregistered and can be purchased anonymously for cash. So all you have to fabricate is the frame, and buy the other parts.

[Lee N. Field]

Everyone has a point where they say “ This is bullshit”.

I wonder how many people, out where I'm at in Flyoverland, are at or just before that point.

Almost everyone I talk to is pissed. Totally unexpected people approach me for advice on firearms purchases. Strange times.

[One Name]

Yes. Longtime peacelovers are arming themselves.

I’ve been similarly approached. I give my usual best contrarian advice.

[One Name]

Depends what you want to do, how big you want to do it and from how far away.

The general answer to your question is “yes”.