The Rise of 3D-Printed Guns: A Global Arms Race
The world of firearms is seemingly entering a new era, one shaped by the revolutionary technology of 3D printing. This has led to two distinct, yet interconnected, developments: in Europe, individuals like Jacob Duygu are creating fully functional firearms from scratch, while in America, a small piece of 3D-printed plastic is transforming semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic weapons.
Duygu’s Legacy: From "Fuck Gun Control" to Global Proliferation
Jacob Duygu, known online as JStark, was a German gun enthusiast who believed in the right to own guns, even under restrictive European laws. In 2019, he designed and 3D-printed a semi-automatic rifle he called the FGC-9 (Fuck Gun Control 9). This was no mere curiosity project. Duygu meticulously documented the process, providing detailed instructions and downloadable plans online. His intention was clear: to empower anyone with access to a 3D printer to build their own firearm.
Duygu’s vision was tragically fulfilled. Though he died in 2023, his creation, the FGC-9, continues to spread. Today, reports from The New York Times indicate that the FGC-9 has been found in the hands of paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland, rebels in Myanmar, and neo-Nazis in Spain.
According to Duygu, "I have a responsibility to make sure everybody has the option to be able to get a gun.” He saw his creation as a tool for liberation, leaving the responsibility for its use to others.
The "Troll" and the Evolution of the FGC-9
Duygu’s work inspired a community of gun enthusiasts dedicated to the proliferation of 3D-printed guns. A key figure in this community is Ivan the Troll, an individual identified by the New York Times as John Elik, a 26-year-old gunmaker from Illinois. Elik collaborated with Duygu to further refine and improve the FGC-9 design, ensuring its continued availability and accessibility.
Elik believes that the focus on the FGC-9’s use in minor incidents involving no injuries is misplaced, arguing that it holds potential as "a tool of liberation." While this statement may seem radical, it highlights a concerning trend: individuals, motivated by ideology or personal beliefs, are utilizing 3D printing technology to create firearms that potentially pose serious threats to public safety.
The American Landscape: MCDs and the Easy Conversion of Semi-Automatic Guns
Across the Atlantic, the United States faces a different but equally challenging problem related to 3D printing and firearms. Here, the focus shifts from building entire guns to modifying existing weapons.
A key player in this scenario is the Machine Gun Conversion Device (MCD), also known as a "Glock switch." This small, often 3D-printed piece of plastic or metal can be added to a semi-automatic handgun, transforming it into a fully automatic weapon. In simple terms, the MCD prevents the firearm’s trigger from resetting, enabling rapid-fire capabilities.
MCD’s have become a significant concern for American law enforcement. The Justice Department, ATF, and numerous local agencies have witnessed a sharp increase in the use of MCDs in criminal activity. While their manufacture and possession are illegal, the ease of 3D printing makes them readily available and inexpensive.
The Government’s Response: A Focus on Manufacturing, Not Gun Control
In response to this growing threat, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco announced the establishment of ANTI-MCD, a task force aimed at combating the proliferation of these conversion devices.
Monaco’s approach focuses on addressing the root cause: the availability of readily printed MCDs. She stresses the need to collaborate with software developers, technology experts, and the 3D printing industry to find solutions.
However, her speech notably omitted any mention of addressing the underlying issue: the ready availability of semi-automatic handguns that can be easily modified by MCDs. This omission raises questions about the effectiveness of a strategy focused solely on controlling the means of conversion, while overlooking the source of the problem.
The Global Implications: A New Era in Arms Control
The rise of 3D-printed guns, whether built from scratch like the FGC-9 or converted via MCDs, presents a critical challenge to current firearms control strategies. The technology’s accessibility and affordability have fundamentally changed the landscape of gun ownership and control.
While individuals like Duygu and Elik may view 3D printing as an empowering tool for individual freedom, their actions have inadvertently fueled a global arms race, making firearms available to individuals and groups previously denied access.
The implications of this development are far-reaching. Governments and law enforcement agencies must grapple with new challenges in regulating and controlling firearms production and distribution. This will require not only the development of new laws and regulations but also innovative strategies to combat the proliferation of 3D-printed firearms and their devastating consequences.
The global community faces a critical juncture. The future of firearms control is intricately tied to the continued development and application of 3D printing technology. Balancing the rights of individuals with the need for public safety and security will be a difficult but crucial task in navigating the rapidly changing world of gun ownership and control in the 21st century.
