'Ghost Guns'
Undetectable Firearms Explained

By NSSF. June 19, 2023

Despite the sensational headlines about cases of "undetectable" firearms, all firearms are heavily regulated under current federal law, regardless of how they are manufactured.

The 1968 Gun Control Act, the 1988 Undetectable Firearms Act and other federal laws all govern firearms produced by a 3D printing process or any other process, just as they apply to conventional manufacturing processes using machine tools.

What does it mean for a firearm to be "undetectable?" Some headlines suggest that 3D printed firearms are undetectable, as they are primarily made of polymer materials, not metal. Others warn about scary-sounding "ghost guns" that cannot be traced by law enforcement due to a lack of a serial number. ........

Americans have always had the ability to legally make firearms on their own and some choose to do so as a hobby. It has not created a wave of "ghost guns." It has allowed individuals who are passionate about building their own firearms to assemble them in their homes. This is the exception, not the rule. The overwhelming majority of firearms are bought through commercial sales, produced by manufacturers and sold by retailers that are federally licensed and regulated. .....