As we stand on the precipice of a new era in the firearms industry, it's crucial to take a step back and examine the problems and solutions for what they truly are.
Washington's Aggressive Firearm Restrictions
Living in Washington State, I've witnessed one of the most aggressive firearm and magazine bans in the country. This state has not only banned all magazines with a capacity exceeding 10 rounds but it has also imposed an assault weapon ban that virtually targets anything not featuring a bolt or lever action.
This aggressive and unreasonable attack on our constitutional rights is something we cannot ignore. It is a prime example of Seattle's political agenda imposing itself on the entire state. As a concerned citizen, I profoundly disagree with their values and beliefs. In my view, while we must abide by the law, these unconstitutional measures won't provide the protection lawmakers claim they will.
A Discussion on 3D Printers and 37-Millimeter Launchers
What's more, these laws display a blatant and controlling nature, leading to numerous loopholes that allow circumvention and situations where they do not apply. This brings us to today's discussion: 3D printers and 37-millimeter launchers. Both are challenging to regulate and, by most standards, are considered hobbies.
3D printers have been in existence for some time. You may be familiar with the Ghost Gunner device, which permits the printing of handguns at home. DEFCAD, a prominent website within the Ghost Gunner community, has risen as a key player in the world of firearm printing. Meanwhile, NFA laws regulate the purchase, availability, and use of a 40-millimeter grenade launcher.
The 37-millimeter launcher serves marine flares and other less lethal rounds, escaping the same regulations, and is easily available for online purchase and direct shipping, with no paperwork required.
Discrepancies in Firearm Regulation
In Washington State, I cannot buy an AR15 and a 30-round magazine, yet as an American citizen, I am free to purchase a 37-millimeter Havoc launcher from Spikes Tactical and have it shipped without any paperwork, along with ammunition from IWA International. Moreover, I am legally allowed to manufacture pyrotechnic rounds for my launcher, following specific regulations.
The question arises: how can we maintain an unlimited supply of 37-millimeter launchers when, someday, they might control their sale? This is where the 3D printer comes into play. Controlling the sale of plastic and outlawing filament not only seems unreasonable but also infringes upon the basic rights of American commerce.
Firearm Manufacturing in the Digital Age
By utilizing modern filaments and 3D printers, you can potentially manufacture shells. Although I haven't produced them myself, I have manufactured powder bushings, payload devices, and other small parts necessary for assembling pyrotechnic rounds for a 37-millimeter launcher. Common rounds such as 37-millimeter bird bangers, flares, or smoke can be easily assembled at home.
You can purchase supplies from regular fireworks vendors, and the mechanical components can be printed using a 3D printer. Additionally, you can obtain all the components to make your own black powder at home from a website like Skylighter. They also sell the chemicals needed to produce flares, bird bangers, smoke, and the fuse necessary for assembling these components.
While I prefer making my shells out of cardboard, many of these components are readily available in plastic. The same components can also be downloaded from the Skylighter for use with a 3D printer. It's essential to remember that making fireworks at home is not recommended and can be extremely dangerous. You must possess a solid foundation in chemistry and physics, knowing that you're taking risks for a hobby your family may not wholeheartedly support.
Once you navigate these liabilities and concerns, the mechanics of assembly become relatively straightforward.
The Versatile 37-Millimeter Launcher
Having talked about how to produce your own 37-millimeter fireworks using unregulated materials, components, and a simple 3D printer, I'll share that you can do the same for your 37-millimeter firework launcher.
A group called 'Are we cool yet?' (AWCY) has introduced a variety of different launchers to the 3D printing market. They offer not only common breech lock fold-open single shell launchers but also reloadable launchers and multi-round launchers. Similar to a pump-action shotgun, you can assemble a 37-millimeter firework launcher capable of holding up to 10 rounds, offering an evening of entertainment wherever you go.
Additionally, they provide STL files for useful and common devices such as 37-millimeter launch sights, shells, and other legal devices, allowing you days, if not weeks, of enjoyment assembling different systems from your 3D printer. While this may be a hobby, it's a hobby I deeply appreciate.
My Final Thought
Given the aggressive political actions in Washington State, I can't help but see this hobby as an expression of freedom against a state actively trying to suppress the Second Amendment. After all, it seems illogical to ban assault rifles while you can print, purchase, and manufacture projectile launchers in a state where politics and freedom have taken a backseat to the agenda of the extreme left.