Standard PLA plastic will shatter under the pressure of a live round. Most hobbyists use PLA+ or Nylon , but even then, catastrophic failure (the gun exploding in your hand) is a real risk if the print settings aren't perfect.
It is illegal to manufacture or possess any firearm that cannot be detected by a walk-through metal detector. This means a 100% plastic gun is a federal felony; they must contain a certain amount of steel. 3. The DIY Route vs. Buying buy 3d printed gun
Any person or business selling firearms for profit must have a Federal Firearms License (FFL) . Standard PLA plastic will shatter under the pressure
Most people in this community don't "buy" the gun; they buy a (like an Ender 3 or Bamboo Lab) and download "CAD" files. This means a 100% plastic gun is a
People often buy "parts kits" (barrels, triggers, slides) which are not legally firearms, and then print the "frame" or "receiver" themselves to house those parts. 4. Safety Risks
If you're looking to buy one to bypass a background check, you're entering illegal territory in many jurisdictions. If you're a hobbyist, it’s a steep learning curve involving mechanical engineering and strict adherence to local laws.
Sites like DEFCAD or Odysee host the blueprints. Note that the State Department has previously fought to keep these files offline under export control laws (ITAR).