• Ceedoestrees@lemmy.world
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    2 days ago

    I’d suggest 3D printing for affordability and because shooting and maintaining a gun already takes a level of know-how and effort.

    • SkyezOpen@lemmy.world
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      2 days ago

      Maintaining a gun involves knowing how to take the slide off and scrub it with a brush. 3d printing one involves knowing how they work, not to mention having access to a printer, files, then buying a kit because you still need metal internals if you don’t want it to explode in your hand. Vice did a video on printed guns.

      TL;DW: a reporter got someone experienced in printing guns to help him build and test the gun over weeks and it still malfunctioned on competition day. If you want reliable self defense, buy it. Even a hi point is preferable to a printed gun, and honestly it’s probably cheaper too.

      • Ceedoestrees@lemmy.world
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        2 days ago

        I get CC’d on Crown reports on 3D printed guns. But I’m so glad you shared this thing from Vice.

        I think our disagreement might be more cultural than technology based, though, since I’m not American and gun laws are much different where I live. And it was… sort of a joke. Obviously, where I live having an unregistered firearm carries a lot of risk that outweighs the benefit.

    • rklm@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      2 days ago

      There’s a big difference between being a safe/competent shooter and being a gunsmith.

      3d printing a firearm you’re planning to bet your life on is a big ask for someone who isn’t already a gun owner.

      Also, if you’re buying a glock slide and parts kit to put in your plastic gat, you aren’t really saving much money.

      A glock can be had for nearly $300 on sale sometimes.

      • Ceedoestrees@lemmy.world
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        2 days ago

        Kits are about $30-100, the files are free and materials are cheap. Ammo is another matter, but plastic darts are a thing.

        But to the point, it was more of a hyperbole than advocating women start carrying unregistered firearms, so I’m exploring the hypothetical rather than arguing in favor of it.

        Where I live getting a gun is a lot more difficult, and a license to conceal and carry a loaded weapon even more so. Hypothetically speaking, it is faster, easier and cheaper to make a 3D printed handgun if you know what you’re doing. Given their prevalence here, it doesn’t seem all that difficult for a lot of people. I’m not saying it’s without risk.