Yeah 3d printed gun is such a misnomer for most of the "ghost guns", the gun he had was just the printed frame. That section of the 3d printing community isn't really my scene but that seems to be what I've seen for all the printed guns, lower/frame with barrel and trigger assembly being metal pieces. I think years ago I saw a modern reinterpreting of the WW2 Liberator that was done in all plastic but that's obviously designed to shoot only once.

I'm sure you know more about the scene than I do and can correct or verify my knowledge.

[–] SARGE@startrek.website 9 points 4 days ago

The ones I have use 3d printed frames, the fire control group and barrels are metal with 3d printed pieces for making the rifling.

All the parts that take repeated heavy abuse are reinforced with extra thickness or different infil, but by weight I'd say it's about 50/50 metal/plastic.

The 3d printed lowers are quite basic, and since they aren't designed to take a ton of stress anyway, it's not really hard to find a decent design.

All my parts are printed in pla+, and I do minimal work afterwards to make things perfect, only what is necessary for the mechanical parts to cycle properly.

I actually haven't been keeping up the last few years, I wouldn't be surprised if there are even better methods than the ones I've used.

[–] TopRamenBinLaden@sh.itjust.works 5 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

To add on to what you said, only the lower recievers for most guns have to be registered. Someone could hypothetically get every other upper part for a pistol or rifle delivered directly to their door or PO box with no questions asked, and then just hypothetically 3d print the lower reciever.