A Senate inquiry into gun-related violence in Australia is calling for a gun count and new laws to tackle illegal, stolen and 3D-printed weapons in the country. Taking a note from the United States’ california concealed carry laws, they hope to curb the amount of illegal, stolen and 3d printed weapons that find their way into the country.
Since the technology is becoming increasingly affordable, the 3D printing of guns is becoming a greater issue than anyone anticipated. In theory, anyone with access to a 3D-printer and the design details of a gun could create their own lethal weapon at home.
Some manufacturers of airsoft guns which are often used for shooting sports have considered 3D printers to manufacture airsoft guns or components. An example being the orange cap used to indicate the gun is not a real one (Click Here to see more about airsoft guns). When people think of 3D printed guns, they may think of airsoft ones. But persons with sinister motives are potentially using that guise to create guns that shoot live ammo.
There is currently no data about the number of 3D-printed guns, which shoot lethal bullets and cannot be detected by X-rays and scanners, in Australia or any other country for that matter. Back when pistols were only manufactured to the standard of the likes of this firearm you can see in this Review of Boberg Pistol, security concerns were somewhat minimal, but as these 3D-printed guns can bypass metal detectors there is a valid panic regarding these self-printed firearms.
Greens Senator Penny Wright said the inquiry has received submissions about the 3D-printed guns, which are not covered by current gun laws.
“It seems that from some of the submissions that have come in that it’s still in a fairly rudimentary phase of development but there’s no doubt that people are concerned that it is a technology that is evolving quickly,” she said.
Howard Brown from the Victims of Crime Assistance League said even though 3D printing technology was not widespread, the law needs to be changed now.
“Our laws are failing to keep pace with that level of technology, and until we can keep pace with that, we’re going to have a situation where someone is going to be shot and injured with the use of a 3D device,” he said.
The rest of this news and more at ABC.net.au.