Derwood
A carpenter from West Virginia nicknamed “Derwood” just released a video featuring a 3D printed semi-automatic 9mm weapon. The “Shuty-MP1” has minimal metal parts, specifically the steel barrel and springs, but other than that, the entire firearm was made entirely from 3D printing technology with inexpensive PLA plastic.
You can check out a demonstration of his creation here:
"This gun has been a work in process for about a year now," Derwood told Arstechnica. "The first model required some welding and machining, and the goal was to keep it simple so that anyone could build it," he added. "It is now to that point."
Shuty-MP1
Derwood is part of a group called FOSSCAD, who is focused on “the datalove of open source CAD, 3d-printing, awesomeness, and firearms." He has yet to release the CAD files needed to allow more people to duplicate the design.
“No one had ever tried to get a semi-automatic 3D printed gun working before…I’m just one of those types, I like to find new things that people say can’t be done,” he told Wired in an interview published earlier today.
Notably, such 3D printed guns have a host of problems with overheating and, well, melting. To prevent this problem, Derwood used store bought components for some of the most vital parts of the weapon: The barrel, hammer, firing pin, bolts, and springs.
It should also be noted that the design for the firearm is still far from perfect. The plastic around the barrel begins to melt after 18 shots if used consistently and not allowed to cool.
With the matter of gun control, the United States Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968 also states that anyone can manufacture their own firearm, with no license required; however, manufacturing firearms for sale or transfer will require a federal license.
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