Regulations on 3D-Printed Guns Gain Momentum Across States
As the debate around the Second Amendment continues, more states are considering regulations on 3D-printed firearms, also known as ghost guns. These are often made using 3D printers and lack serial numbers, causing concern among lawmakers.
A growing bipartisan movement seeks to limit the manufacturing and ownership of these weapons. However, advocates for gun rights argue that such actions infringe upon constitutional rights, as reported recently by Stateline.
At present, around 16 states have enacted laws regarding 3D-printed guns, with seven states introducing significant legislation this year alone. Some notable actions were taken in 2026 by states like Colorado, New Jersey, Maine, New York, Virginia, and Washington, all of which enacted measures targeting firearms without serial numbers. California has gone further by requiring that 3D printer manufacturers incorporate technology to prevent the printing of guns.
New York’s state budget introduced similar legislation, which is set to take effect by mid-June. Manhattan’s district attorney, Alvin Bragg, compared the law to restrictions on commercial printers that produce U.S. currency.
“We’re going to implement technology to stop machines from creating 3D guns, similar to how we prevent commercial printers from making American money,” Bragg stated.
Maine’s Legislature passed a bill in January mandating that all firearms, including those manufactured via 3D printing, have serial numbers. Additionally, a new requirement stipulates that residents must hold a firearms license to access blueprints for 3D gun creation.
Colorado and Virginia have introduced comparable laws against unaccounted firearms, while Washington’s law restricts ownership and places limits on digital blueprints and related manufacturing equipment.
Notably, a proposed bill in Minnesota aimed at broader restrictions was unsuccessful in the state House earlier this year.
The push for these regulations has been linked to a noticeable increase in the recovery of 3D-printed guns at crime scenes. According to data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), over 27,000 such firearms were retrieved from crime scenes in January 2023, marking a stark rise from just about 1,600 in January 2017.
Supporters of tougher gun laws express concerns that the surge in 3D-printed weapons could lead to a rise in mass shootings. There are worries that as this technology becomes more accessible, younger individuals may create guns without parental guidance, raising safety issues in schools where 3D printers are being utilized.
On the other hand, some gun rights advocates counter that imposing further limits infringes on Second Amendment rights and does little to enhance public safety.
“The issue isn’t the firearms. It’s about the individuals behind the crimes,” remarked William Sack from the Second Amendment Foundation.
Several states enforcing these restrictions are facing legal challenges. For instance, a recent ruling from a U.S. Court of Appeals panel upheld New Jersey’s stance in a case against the distribution of 3D gun blueprints by Defense Distributed, highlighting the ongoing legal complexities surrounding this issue.
Defense Distributed’s legal team is working to have the case reconsidered, and should they not succeed, they plan to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.
