Charlotte 3D Printer Providers On Gun Blueprints

CHARLOTTE, NC– Starting Wednesday, people can make guns and gun parts with a 3D printer.

There are a number of 3D printing spots in Charlotte, and there are questions about regulations.

Defense Distributed now has made the blueprints available for the newest ghost guns.

They aren’t traceable, no serial number. No background check. You go online, download a file, and you can make it with a printer using plastic, ceramic or metal.

“It’s a very serious, concerning threat,” said Steve Gray with MakerSpace Charlotte. “It’s a big challenge because the technology is only going to spread itself as more and more people become aware of it.”

Gray is the President of MakerSpace Charlotte,  a community workshop that provides tools like 3D printers.

“What you can print on them is virtually unlimited,” said Gray.

Defense Distributed provides blueprints for several guns and an AR-15 lower receiver.

The State Department tried to stop it but the government settled a lawsuit with the founder, Cody Wilson, last month.

Wilson explained his goal back in 2013.

“In this future, people will be able to make guns for themselves. That was already true, but now it’s been demonstrated in yet another technology,” said Wilson.

Some firearm experts argue the guns won’t work well, and the quality printers cost too much.

Gray says it doesn’t matter because technology is always getting better and cheaper.

North Carolina’s Attorney General says he’s looking into the issue to determine his the next step.    South Carolina hasn’t responded.

3D printer specialists say if you only have one printer, it would take about a day, two days max to make a gun.

The state of Pennsylvania reached an agreement with defense distributed so residents cannot download the plans.   Some in Congress want to take emergency actions to block ghost gun websites.