Fact file: Can you really print a gun at home?

How authorities monitor the spread of unauthorised weapons has become more complicated as technology enables new manufacturing methods. The manufacture of guns using three dimensional printing technology has been a growing concern to law enforcement authorities since the first plastic 3D-printed gun was successfully fired in Texas in May 2013. The Australian Federal Police told a recent Senate inquiry that plastic gun parts and assemblies can be created using 3D printers bought for as little as $500, due to the increased availability of 3D printers and global access to electronic CAD files via the internet. Regulation of 3D-printed guns There is currently no Australian legislation specifically addressing 3D printers, but the Senate inquiry heard that existing firearms laws would apply equally to 3D printed guns. Catherine Smith from the Attorney-General's Department told the inquiry the "importation, manufacture or possession of a 3D printed firearm, without a licence, would be illegal in Australia," just as it would be for other guns.