Posted on 10/25/2013 10:03:40 PM PDT by Jet Jaguar
Police believe the parts represent the "next generation" of firearms, which can be created by gangsters in the privacy of their own homes and smuggled with ease due to the fact they can avoid X-ray detection.
The gun parts were discovered, along with a 3D printer, when officers from Greater Manchester Police executed a series of warrants in the Bagley area yesterday.
Police found what is suspected to be a 3D plastic magazine and trigger which could be fitted together to make a working gun.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of making gunpowder and remains in custody for questioning.
The technology works by allowing anyone who has a 3D printer - which can be bought on the high street for about £1,200 - to download designs for guns or components.
The printers themselves squirt molten plastic to produce 3D shapes of whatever design has been downloaded.
The model parts can then be converted to become a genuine firearm capable of firing bullets.
The parts are now being forensically examined by firearms specialists to establish if they could construct a genuine device.
It they are found to be viable components for a gun, it would be the first ever seizure of this kind in the UK, police said.
A 3D printer was seized in the raid [PA]
The raid was part of Challenger, the largest ever multi-agency operation to target organised criminality in Manchester.
Detective Inspector Chris Mossop, of Challenger's Organised Crime Coordination Unit, said: "This is a really significant discovery for Greater Manchester Police.
"If what we have seized is proven to be viable components capable of constructing a genuine firearm, then it demonstrates that organised crime groups are acquiring technology that can be bought on the high street to produce the next generation of weapons.
"In theory, the technology essentially allows offenders to produce their own guns in the privacy of their own home, which they can then supply to the criminal gangs who are causing such misery in our communities.
A part believed to be a magazine for a plastic gun [PA]
"Because they are also plastic and can avoid X-ray detection, it makes them easy to conceal and smuggle."
He added: "These could be the next generation of firearms and a lot more work needs to be done to understand the technology and the scale of the problem.
"If what we have seized today can, as we suspect, be used to make a genuine firearm then today will be an important milestone in the fight against this next generation of homemade weapons.
"I would strongly urge anyone who has information about the whereabouts of a gun in their community to call us."
There are 3-D printers that can directly print metal parts. These parts are used as anything from gears to jet engine parts.
It is quite possible to print springs, firing pins and barrels.
Governments want to utterly squash and destroy personal printing well before metal printers are priced for the home/hobbyist market.
A citizen who isn't utterly dependent on government and its Bestest Friend Forever, Big Business for every necessity of life is a terrifying prospect for some.
“Police found what is suspected to be a 3D plastic magazine and trigger”
So...a plastic box and a small squiggle.
“which could be fitted together to make a working gun”
After adding receiver, barrel, firing pin, grip, spring, another spring, extractor, slide...most of which really need to be metal for practical use.
This is like arresting someone for drunk driving because he has keys and a tire.
Good one.
3-D gun raid in UK may have nabbed printer parts
“Sometimes a 3-D printer part is just a 3-D printer part.
Police thought they had seized the UKs first 3-D-printed gun on Thursday when they raided a local model-making shop, arrested its 38-year-old owner, and confiscated a 3-D printer and a number of parts they believed were for a 3-D printed gun.
However, it now appears the parts are likely just replacement components for the 3-D printer itself.”
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3083922/posts
They used box cutters (aka razors) which are metal.
As an aside an acrylic knife could easily be a deadly weapon.
Remember the capabilities of our chemistry sets in the '60's?
Remember building cannons out of "tin cans" and lighter fluid?
Remember liberty coupled with accountability?
No more of that nonsense. We all must rely on an all powerful State to protect us from ourselves...
As government expands - individual freedom, responsibility, and accountability shrinks.
Things will be a lot more interesting when someone figures out how to print primers or brass. (hint - don’t hold your breath!)
Revolt is coming.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.