Video: Test Firing a 3D-printed Rifle
OutdoorHub Reporters 07.25.13
Earlier this year 3D printing pioneer and Defense Distributed founder Cody Wilson released the plans for the world’s first fully 3D-printed firearm. Since then, droves of independent designers, shooting enthusiasts, and fans of 3D printing have printed out their own versions of the gun, adding to or altering the design. Wilson’s single-shot .380 “Liberator” pistol may have been the first, but it will not be the last.
Mere days after Wilson released the files for the pistol on his website defcad.org, officials from the Department of Defense Trade Controls ordered the files removed, and Wilson complied. This did not stop other 3D designers, such as YouTube user ThreeD Ukulele, from printing their own creations. Borrowing concepts from the Liberator like the coiled mainsprings and a metal firing pin, ThreeD Ukulele’s single-shot .22 rifle is designed to have better accuracy over its smaller predecessor. Unfortunately, after a test fire the “Grizzly” rifle seems capable of firing only one shot in its operational lifetime. At least until improvements are made.
Watch it in action below:
http://youtu.be/Ow3lO_ViXkk
Wilson recently appeared in a short documentary where he explains his goals and motivations after the release of the Liberator.
You can also learn how the world’s first 3D-printed pistol operates here.
Hat tip to guns.com for finding the videos.
