Controversy, debate surrounding 3D-printed guns

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order, blocking web sites from posting blueprints for 3D guns. But even if you had the plans, FOX 35 looked into just how easy it would be to make them.

This AR 22 is partially 3D-printed but the concern now is that anybody could make a fully 3D-printed gun at home.

“It just defies common sense,” said Senator Bill Nelson, D-Florida. 

Senator Bill Nelson took a stand against publishing 3D gun blueprints, filing new legislation to stop the blueprints’ online distribution. But now a Seattle federal judge issued a restraining order, temporarily stopping the release of blueprints. The blueprints are similar to the ones Michael Saville has at Solid Print 3D in Winter Garden. 

“We can manufacture for ourselves just for personal reasons,” said Solid Print 3D co-owner Michael Saville.

The concern is that with free blueprints online, anyone with a 3D printer at home could print 3D guns.

“With the right software and the right printer, you could probably build one in a day or two,” said Saville. 

Saville says some 3D printers are now as cheap as $200. 

Law enforcement officials are also voicing their concerns.

“There’s no way to trace the bullet, projectile back. so it's scary, scary, scary stuff,” said Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood.

But Saville’s not sure 3D-printed guns would be as scary as some anticipate.

“I think a lot of criminals are dumb and you have to be pretty smart to run one of these,” said Saville. 

AtSolid Print 3D, they say they don't get requests for guns and even if they did, it would be illegal for them to print. But they do print gun accessories.