Thursday, November 14, 2013
Just as they become possible to build
Wouldn't you know it, the law that bans their production is about to expire. And with the rise of 3-D printers, plastic guns will be available to anyone with the relatively cheap equipment and software.
With a law banning undetectable firearms about to expire, federal agents are focusing attention on the latest twist in high-tech weaponry: guns made entirely out of plastic on 3-D industrial printers.One can almost hear Bloody Wayne LaPierre and the NRA executives oozing with joy over this.
The printers, commonly used to create plastic models and prototypes, can now make guns that cannot be picked up by metal detectors.
The longtime ban on undetectable firearms is scheduled to run out Dec. 9, and two Democratic senators, Chuck Schumer of New York and Bill Nelson of Florida, have called for a ban on plastic guns. Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., has also introduced legislation on the issue.
"The expiration of this law, combined with advances in 3-D printing, make what was once a hypothetical threat into a terrifying reality," Schumer said. "We are actively exploring all options to pass legislation that will eliminate the problem."
In a meeting with reporters Wednesday, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said plastic guns present a special challenge for law enforcement.
The agents said that in order to comply with current law, a person manufacturing a gun must use a certain amount of metal in the finished product so that the firearm is detectable by scanners at airports, federal buildings, sporting events — anywhere security screening is in place. If the law expires, someone could legally make and sell firearms that are undetectable.
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