And a podcast: Michael W. Dean and Cody Wilson talk 3D printable guns.
Even though I have at least one gun-making acquaintance who actually uses this technology, I admit I probably won’t understand 3D printing until I’m standing in a shop watching it be done. Or better yet, having a try at it myself.
But you know, the idea of a “wiki weapon” is gloriously subversive and empowering to individuals (which is precisely what makes it so subversive). So I’m all for it. Of course. And it won’t take much to make this happen.
We live in a world of wonders …
It’s why the regulation of ammunition will gain ground with the StateVerts. So… it’s time to start concentrating on that aspect.
I see interesting things ahead. Once a technology exists it can not be wished away. Statists will try very hard to limit who has access but ultimately I think a paradigm shift is in the offing. Think, Gutenberg. Once high strength materials are developed that can be used in a 3D printer, ammunition will be just another CAD file, like the gun itself.
OR… someone just may come up with something altogether different. 🙂 Much as I enjoy the feel, sound and smell of modern firearms, I’m all for the idea of something completely new.
Who wants to go back to pen and paper for communication? Once we had email… how many even looked back? 🙂
I’d think phasers would be easier to “print” than Glocks and .45 cartridges.
I hear ya MomaLiberty. I expected FAX machines to be a great revolution in communications, then email erupted on the scene. I’m all for printable phasers, and handheld medical scanners too. Bring em on!
It might be more feasible to develop and “print” a light saber before moving on to phasers, power guns etc. Development of battery power needs to be stepped up first.
One of my favorite sites is Forgotten Weapons http://www.forgottenweapons.com/ The last few weeks it has featured weapons designed and manufactured underground by the Polish resistance during WWII. I figure that anything that can be made with simple hand and machine tools in clandestine facilities under the noses of very violent occupiers is a design that should be able to be made in many american basements and hermitages. We might be the only country that people routinely purchase and use machine tools for fun.
Ammunition might be an issue but only briefly. All it requires currently is a projectile, propellant and something to hld them together. First step might be new propellants (liquid perhaps) that can be made at home (black powder is easy though impractical). We’ve seen caseless tecnology, how about a case that is consumable or made out of the propellant etc. We’ll get there, all it takes is telling Americans that we can’t do it.
Even drones, which seem universally to be thought of a great technology for the state, may end up biting the ruling classes in the ass. After all, the technology is out there for anyone to hack. It’s no big deal to purchase radio-controlled planes. If we can’t hide from drones, it’s equally true that the ruling class also cannot.
The ruling class can’t hide from drones, true. But, they might be able to afford better quality AAA than the proletariat.
I’ve typed and deleted several responses, because I think they’d attract too many goons. Lets just say that it can be dangerous to get me brainstorming 🙂
I forget how long ago it was, but in one of these blog posts we were talking about concealed-carry clothing for women and how most of what’s out there isn’t all that attractive. I owe you guys thanks on that, I started sketching ideas, and, long story short, I’m currently negotiating with a clothing company for the rights to use my designs. Look for prettier CC-wear for women soon.
Wow. Ellendra. That’s awesome. I remember that discussion. Please keep us posted — and may your clothing line be a HUGE success.
The war against general purpose computing is just beginning. The Soviet Union licenced typewriters. The USSA will do the same and worse with any computer you want to own/use. Federal Department of Computing will regulate computers into oblivion.
Really 0xB16B00B5? Can’t think of anything the USSA has managed to regulate into oblivion… no matter how hard they try. Not even government “schools” have managed to stamp out individuality and intelligence after close to 150 years of serious effort to do so…
Just remember that, in the long run, there simply are not enough of “them” to prevent us from doing whatever we need to do. The only power they have is what we give them. We’ve just got to stop doing THAT.