Ghost Guns: The Legal Battle Over 3D-Printed Weapons

Recent advancements in 3D printing have pushed the technology to new heights. These machines have evolved from producing trinkets to printing working engines, human bones, and everything in between.

When the 3D printing industry expanded, no one imagined just how far and fast the technology would go. Today, home 3D printing enthusiasts enjoy the ability to create intricate and rugged prints, including the capability to print working firearms, also known as ghost guns.

Ghost Guns

The idea of a 3D-printed firearm isn’t new, but it wasn’t a reality until 2013. That’s when commercial 3D printers and gun enthusiasts began to merge. Ghost guns operate just like traditional firearms, with the main difference being that non-stress components are printed on-site.

Early 3D-printed gun advocates had to create their designs from scratch. This requirement often meant that the ghost guns were very unreliable and would sometimes explode, causing injury to the shooter.

However, as time progressed, reliable ghost guns began to emerge. These new designs combine better materials with optimized CAD files. No longer do gun enthusiasts have to create from scratch.

Defense Distributed

Defense Distributed was the first company to offer downloadable 3D-printable firearm blueprints. The company’s founder, Cody Wilson, wanted to show how impossible it will be in the future for gun laws to stay in place as they currently sit.

Notably, Defence Distributed’s first design was a single-shot .380 caliber pistol dubbed the Liberator. It was released on May 6, 2013, and became an instant hit. Impressively, over 100,000 downloads were recorded in the first two days it was posted.

However, the success was short-lived as regulators demanded the plans be removed. Specifically, they cited violations of the Arms Export Control Act. The maneuver didn’t stop the proliferation of these designs as platforms like The Pirate Bay continued to make the plans available to the public.

Defense Distributed Fights Back

Defense Distributed challenged the order in court, triggering a series of legal battles that lasted years. In 2018, a proposed settlement between the company and the U.S. State Department briefly allowed the files to be published. However, several states filed lawsuits that led to court injunctions preventing the widespread distribution of the designs. As a result, the legal status of downloadable firearm blueprints has remained contested rather than fully resolved.

More Platforms Emerge

This ruling also led to a flood of new ghost gun plans entering the market across thousands of websites. Many of these networks are peer-to-peer platforms that integrate encryption, making them much more difficult to monitor and enforce laws against.

One study¹ revealed that there are now +1000 printable firearm design plans available online. These plans have hundreds of thousands of downloads, raising alarm bells amongst concerned anti-gun advocates.

Additive Manufacturing Materials Continue to Improve

The materials and processes used to make ghost guns have improved significantly since 2013. Originally, these designs used brittle filaments that would result in the gun being able to take 1-10 shots maximum.

However, recent improvements in the filaments have upped the ruggedness of these prints significantly. Today’s ghost guns incorporate high-temp nylon filaments, carbon fiber, infused glass, and other new materials to provide unmatched durability.

Hybrid Designs Emerge

In addition to major advancements in the filament, ghost guns have seen improvements in their overall designs. The introduction of hybrid ghost guns has been a vital step in creating capable firearms that can handle 500-800 rounds.

These designs integrate metal firearm pieces to help reduce the stress when firing. These designs focus on printing the receiver and other normally federally serialized components. Keenly, the best designs incorporate a metal barrel.

Ghost Guns are Popular Among Enthusiasts

The idea of printing a firearm is very attractive to gun enthusiasts who often spend thousands on their firearms. In comparison, designs like the FGC-9 by JStark1809 provide reliable performance for under $500.

Ghost Guns in War

You are also starting to see these firearms emerge in conflicts globally. In 2021, gun enthusiasts noted the use of 3D-printed firearms by Myanmar rebels. This marked a milestone for the industry and raised concerns among anti-gun parties.

Ghost Guns in Crime

Sadly, it’s impossible to know how many ghost guns are used in crimes yearly. Their anonymous nature and design make them harder to trace without the actual firearm in hand. Even then, it’s a difficult process.

Luigi Mangioni

On December 4, 2024, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was assassinated at 6:45 am in Midtown Manhattan. The crime, which was caught by a surveillance camera, showed the assassin’s firearm jamming once.

The authorities later arrested Luigi Mangioni while he sat alone eating at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania. He currently awaits trial for first-degree murder and other charges related to the incident. When Mangioni’s possessions were searched, detectives found that the firearm was a hybrid ghost gun.

Source – ABC7

Reports show that the assassin used the Chairman V1 printed frame coupled with metal components to create the firearm. They also found him in possession of a suppressor for the firearm and a fake ID. The Mangioni case is currently underway, with the defendant pleading not guilty.

US Laws on Printing Guns

In 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Bondi v. VanDerStok, upholding the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) rule that allows regulators to treat many ghost gun kits and unfinished receivers as firearms under the 1968 Gun Control Act. The decision means sellers must obtain federal licenses, serialize key components, conduct background checks, and maintain sales records for qualifying kits.

This case states that weapon parts can now be regulated the same as firearms, under the 1968 Gun Control Act. The decision will have a rippling effect on the industry as it requires sellers of firearm kits to secure federal licensing.

They also must conduct a background check on all purchasers, ensure their product has serial numbers for tracking, and keep clear and precise records. The court reasoned that the kits are simple to put together, requiring only basic assembly. As such, they can be considered a firearm.

Not all Judges are on board.

Notably, two justices opposed the decision and stated that the ATF had overstepped its. Specifically, Judge Alito filed a dissent in which he states that more discussion on a congressional level is what was required. Alito was joined by Judge Thomas. Thomas pointed out that the current laws don’t cover weapon kits. As such, he notes that the ATF didn’t choose to use the current text and requirements but, rather, wrote statutes to fit their goals.

States Join in on the Ghost Gun Legislation

While Federal discussion continues on both sides, state legislators have begun to come forth with their own bills. These states have taken different approaches to the problem of ghost guns. Here are some of the most important state cases going on right now.

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California Civil Suit

The state of California just took an unusual approach to 3D-printed firearms. This month, it filed a civil suit against 3 individuals for their in proliferating, promoting, and supporting 3D gun culture.

The three individuals include a gun maker named John Elik, aka IvanTheTroll, a 3D gun designer and attorney Matthew Larosiere, and CTRL+Pew website owner Alexander Holladay. The allegations claim that the 3 created, shared, and promoted illegal 3D printed firearm blueprints with no regard for public safety.

The suit focuses on parts and upgrades as well. Specifically, automatic conversion switches are listed. These devices slide into the back of Glock handguns, converting them into fully automatic weapons.

The state accuses the 3 of not doing any background checks, age verifications, or record-keeping. It also claims that the damage from these actions is substantial and that their decision will cost the state in the future when these weapons are used to commit crimes.

California Civil Code

The reason that California was able to take civil action against these individuals is due to some new legislation. Specifically, section 3273.61 opens the door for civil liability to anyone who distributes 3D printing gun designs to non-licensed manufacturers.

This legislation is supported by section 3273.625. This new legislation puts civil liabilities on people who are prompting, aiding, abetting, or facilitating the manufacturing of 3D printed firearms. Consequently, these sections place a huge financial risk on the 3D printed firearms industry.

The goal is to deter anyone from participating. However, if these sections don’t get the job done, legislators have already stated that they have considered creating new licensing requirements for state-approved only devices.

New York

New York has banned all unlisted 3D printed firearms under Penal Law § 265.10. The state requires manufacturers to be fully licensed, serialize their products, and complete background checks for parts. Notably, it’s one of the first states to make it illegal to print guns that can pass through metal detectors.

Washington state

Washington has also passed legislation effectively banning all ghost gun manufacturing. Law RCW 9.41.326 created a background checklist for parts kits, accessories, and required manufacturers to add serial numbers to their prints.

The state also raised the level of the crime from a misdemeanor to a Class C felony in 2026 and made it illegal to share CAD files with unlicensed manufacturers. Reportedly, lawmakers also considered blocking digital files altogether, but no legislation has been put into place yet.

Additive Manufacturing Advocates Concerns

The additive manufacturing sector is experiencing massive growth, and nations around the globe continue to compete for an edge. As such, many in the growing 3D printing community have expressed concern that some of the suggested legislation would stifle innovation.

Intrusive Methods

These groups cite recent pushes to integrate intrusive prescan technologies. These programs would require printers to submit their prints to a centralized approval process. If the file you want to print resembles a firearm component, it will not print.

Gun Advocates Concerns

Gun rights advocates continue to push for more freedom. They argue that there is no way for the new ghost gun laws to be enforced, and as the tech continues, it will become even harder. For gun advocates, ghost guns represent the ultimate right to bear arms.

Ghost Guns Statistics Don’t Share the Entire Story

When you examine recent ghost gun confiscations, it’s easy to see that the number of these firearms in use continues to expand. In most instances, the major problems are not entire firearms but rather certain components.

Switch

The auto-sear switch is an easily 3D-printed device that clicks onto the back of most Glock handguns. It converts the firearm into a fully automatic pistol. California reported more than 11,000 autosears were recovered between 2021 and 2025.

Other cities suffer ghost gun-related problems as well. Boston reported a massive jump in the number of silencers and switches over the last few years. It also recently shared that 10% of the firearms collected in its recovery operations were ghost guns.

What Can Be Done

It’s hard to imagine how to stop someone from printing relatively cheap and easy-to-make gun parts like autosears. As such, lawmakers will need to come up with some out-of-the-box solutions to these new world problems.

Investing in 3D Printing Innovation

The 3D printing sector continues to expand with new platforms and service providers entering the market weekly. Notably, no major 3D printing firm currently participates in the public firearms printing sector due to regulatory concerns. However, many work with the military to provide parts and other components.

Velo3D

Velo3D (VELO +3.28%) launched in 2014. It was founded by Benny Buller to provide access to reliable, rugged metal 3D prints. Specifically, the company focuses on rocket components as these parts require a level of manufacturing intricacy that Velo3D offers.

Velo3D made its mark in the industry due to its advanced technology, support-free printing capabilities, and improved workflow. These features, coupled with the company going public via a $274M merger in 2021, helped to make Velo3D of heightened interest to investors.

Latest Velo3D (VELO) News and Performance

3D Printing Oversight | Conclusion

After reviewing the evidence, it’s easy to see that there’s no easy answer to this scenario. Additive Manufacturing is sure to improve, especially as more AI integrations occur. These updates will make it even easier for anyone to simply print a firearm. Soon, printing a gun could be as easy as a simple text prompt.

Learn about other cool additive manufacturing news and tech here.

References:

^{1. Schaufelbühl S, Szwed A, Gallusser A, Delémont O, Werner D. Investigating the availability of 3D-printed firearm designs on the clear web. Forensic Sci Int Synerg. 2023 Oct 18;7:100444. doi: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2023.100444. PMID: 38025092; PMCID: PMC10630772.}