HaveBlue of AR15.com has managed to create a working polymer AR-15 lower made from a 3D printer, specifically a mid 90’s Stratasys 3D printer. So far, the lower has been combined with a .22 LR upper, with over 200 rounds fired and no issues. A .556 upper was also used, with some feeding and extraction issues, however according to the creator this upper has also had problems with a standard aluminum lower.
A few other articles I’ve seen on this project have instantly jumped at the chance to (incorrectly) claim people now have the ability to create fully-functional firearms using just a 3D printer, so in the name of truth and fairness, I feel it’s important to mention that only the lower was created with the printer, not the trigger assembly and other required components.
AR-15.com thread detailing the project
Mentioning why it is important that it is the lower might be important however. I understand we are a long way from being able to 3d print a fully functioning gun. However, in the eyes of the government the lower is the gun. Being able to print the lower essentially allows you to purchase all the other pieces anonymously.
This is no different from those who have been buying 80% forged lowers and then finishing them themselves. I don’t see why people are freaking out other than the fact that 3d printing will allow those without any machine skills to create these lowers. In any case, it has never been illegal to create your own firearms and I don’t see that changing now.
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