Anonymous Group of 3D-Printed Gun Makers Is Spreading Online

"If they [the government] were to come after me, they’d first have to find my identity."

One of Many

A global network of gun enthusiasts is using the internet to anonymously share the files needed to 3D-print firearms — and there's seemingly nothing anyone can do to stop them, according to a newly published Wired story that includes an interview with one of the network's members.

“If they [the government] were to come after me, they’d first have to find my identity,” a person going by the name Ivan the Troll told Wired. “I’m one of many, many like-minded individuals who’re doing this sort of work.”

Guns on Demand

Guns are, obviously, not illegal in the United States. The issue with 3D-printed guns is that they make it easy for people to circumvent existing gun laws.

Essentially, anyone with access to an adequate 3D printer can go online, download a CAD file for free, and print the parts needed to build a functioning firearm — and "anyone" includes people prohibited from owning guns for legitimate reasons.

Drawing Fire

Ivan the Troll doesn't seem to see an issue with this, telling Wired that thousands of people across the globe are currently developing 3D-printed guns — and there's seemingly no magic bullet that could convince them to stop.

“I believe it is inherently important that… you should be able to own a gun," he said. "You should be able to own the same legal force that the cops are using to control you."

READ MORE: 3D-printed guns are back, and this time they are unstoppable [Wired]

More on 3D-printed guns: A Court Just Sent a Man to Prison for 3D Printing a Gun