We May Be One Step Closer To 3D Printing Assault Weapons

An internet project aimed at producing defense weapons using 3D printing techniques claims to have created a completely plastic lower for an AR-15.

Defense Distributed also say they have test fired it successfully, shooting a full 600 rounds through the weapon with no issues.

It's a major breakthrough for Defense Distributed — the last time they tested a lower receiver it failed after only six rounds. The company has also successfully tested high capacity magazines.

Here's the video of the gun in action:

The group may be a little way off creating a full semiautomatic rifle yet, however. An AR-15 rifle has two major components — the upper, which houses the bolt and gas system, and the lower, which holds the trigger and buttstock. The final, and most difficult step, will be building an upper receiver which doesn't melt. Either way, the world is one step closer to seeing a downloadable weapon.

3D printing of weapons is of course a controversial topic, but Defense Distributed maintains their weapons are perfectly legal.