Partially 3D-Printed Rifle Manages to Fire 6 Shots

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There has been quite some controversy about Cody Wilson's idea to simply download some files from the Internet, print them via a 3D printer and assemble them into a rifle.

The concern has led to the point where Wilson had to return his 3D printer to the manufacturer who feared that something illegal was going on.

So far, only parts of guns and rifles can be printed and even those parts may not become serious weaponry anytime soon. In a review posted on the WikiWep DevBlog, a group of testers downloaded only the lower receiver of an AR-15 automatic rifle, and showed that the printed part was strong enough to endure a total of six shots, which was shorter than the expected ability to last for about 20 shots. The forces created by the shots apparently exceeded the plastic's capability by a significant margin: "It seems like the off-axis force generated by recoil simply "popped" the whole ring area off the receiver in the area of the receiver tube anti-rotation plate," the blog entry reads.

Of course, some may argue that the rifle lasted for six fired shots is six shots too many for gun that can be printed from files that are freely available on the Internet. Wilson himself claims that the Wiki Weapon could go into testing by the end of this year.

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Wolfgang Gruener
36 Comments Comment from the forums
  • tiret
    I'd think twice about picking on geeks with this kind of tech.
    Reply
  • The reason gun control laws are pointless. In an age where several tv shows showcase individuals capable of assembling cars, motorcycles, and punkin shooters from scratch does anyone believe if guns were banned people would not assemble devices that make a pistol look like a toy.
    Reply
  • ehanger
    The only part of that rifle that was made from the printer is the thing you see in green (the lower receiver)... all of the internal parts + upper receiver have to be metal. Although in the U.S. the only part of an AR15 which is legally considered a firearm is the lower, so you could make that yourself and buy everything else online w/out a background check.
    Reply
  • adrhellb
    Files from the Internet?

    'Mam, we belive your car is an illegal download.'
    Reply
  • sirmorluk
    I see that upper is actually a Ar-Five Seven and not a Ar-15. It fires the 5.7x28 mm round and not the 5.56/.223.
    I seriously doubt it would have lasted more than one round of 5.56.

    Still cool though.
    Reply
  • It is PERFECTLY LEGAL under US Law for ANYONE who is legally able to own a firearm to build their own firearm. There is nothing illegal about using a 3D printer to do this.

    The point that this becomes illegal is when the firearm is sold, or even given away. The law allows for you to build it for your own use. To sell it you must file paperwork with the ATF and pay their fees and taxes.
    Reply
  • memadmax
    You can build ur own gun... It's actually very easy...

    We've been doing it since the 12th century....

    It's people that think it's taboo to have anything to do with a gun is the problem... >_>
    Reply
  • happyballz
    flyer4096It is PERFECTLY LEGAL under US Law for ANYONE who is legally able to own a firearm to build their own firearm. There is nothing illegal about using a 3D printer to do this.The point that this becomes illegal is when the firearm is sold, or even given away. The law allows for you to build it for your own use. To sell it you must file paperwork with the ATF and pay their fees and taxes.flyer4096It is PERFECTLY LEGAL under US Law for ANYONE who is legally able to own a firearm to build their own firearm. There is nothing illegal about using a 3D printer to do this.The point that this becomes illegal is when the firearm is sold, or even given away. The law allows for you to build it for your own use. To sell it you must file paperwork with the ATF and pay their fees and taxes.
    Yeah on the federal level. But one should always check state laws since there are restrictions from them. Like for example in Cali you cannot make a gun that is of your own design without a manufacturer's license. It would be considered a "zip gun" and thus illegal; only deisgns "based on xyz" are allowed.

    Always check with an agency or better yet an attorney or two before going around manufacturing parts even for your personal use.
    Reply
  • alidan
    ok so what did they make exactly, because i dont get it.
    Reply
  • EDVINASM
    The whole article is misleading. Especially the title. Any uneducated tree huger (no offence) will start screaming that this guy should be jailed and 3D printing heavily regulated. I mean.. really? Though we just started whole Internet 3D printing ordering and already got some jackass showing off.
    I can't wait to print my first 3D items that I have made on PC. I jJust hope that there will be lack of idiots trying to print some lethal stuff.
    Reply