Can you use a ghost gun for self defense?
Yes, you can absolutely use and, if permitted, carry a ghost gun for self defense purposes.
The real question, however, is whether should you carry a ghost gun for defending your life.
First let’s quickly address the question, “what is a ghost gun?”
For those uninitiated, a ghost gun is a firearm that is built or obtained without a serial number or governmental record of its ownership.
Ghost guns can be assembled from 80% kits (such as the Polymer 80), made at home using a 3D printer, or even build using a CNC machine like the Ghost Gunner.
Governments and law enforcement are obviously not keen on the idea and have rallied hard against allowing such weapons.
Lucky for you proud US citizen 😉 our 2nd amendment guarantees your right to build or manufacture your own gun for personal use.
Now, back to the topic at hand, should you use a ghost gun for self defense?
This is a double-edged question and brings up some important questions. What are your state’s local laws for carrying a ghost gun, do you have access to factory-made firearms that have increased reliability, lastly do you know WTF you are doing?
All of these questions should be examined and answered before tucking your freshly printed 3D printed Glock 19 into your waistband (blowing off your junk be da****).
Carrying Ghost Guns & The Law
Building your own guns goes back to the very beginning of the United States of America and some would say it is in our blood.
Is it legal to own a ghost gun?
Whatever your thoughts are on homemade guns (ghost guns) there is not a single mention prohibiting someone from building their own gun at home regardless of serialization or registration in the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA).
Many lawsuits and legal proceedings have used this exact Act to lay a precedent that homemade guns aka ghost guns are not against the law federally.
A stipulation, however, noted in the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA) declared that it is illegal to manufacture, sell, or distribute firearms without the proper licensing and adhering to federal regulations such as background checks and serialization.
Is it legal to build a ghost gun?
Exactly as we mentioned the GCA makes it legal to build your own ghost gun. While the term ghost gun is meant to sound ominous, it is no more than fear-mongering and a 5 o’clock news highlight.
Remember, a ghost gun is just a firearm sans a serial number!
What happens if you get caught with a ghost gun?
In most states, if you have your ghost gun stored correctly and in adherence to the local laws there is no issue with “getting caught” with an unserialized handgun.
However, there are a few cases where you will get into trouble and face potential charges when caught with a ghost gun:
- You are a felon in possession of a firearm
- Ghost guns or non-serialized guns are banned in your municipality
- Using a ghost gun in the commission of a crime
- Carrying a concealed ghost gun without a valid Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) permit
- Engaging in the sale, trade, or profit related to unregistered firearms without an FFL
The range of charges varies greatly with some of the more severe charges i.e. felon in possession or trafficking in ghost guns leading to multiple years in prison.
A defendant’s prior criminal record will also come into play and most likely raise or lower their sentence based on their past.
Verdict, Should you Concealed Carry a Ghost Gun
Here at 3D Gun Builder, we believe every human being on earth has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
What helps to ensure these rights?
Hopefully, you guessed it, the right to self defense.
If you are unable to obtain a factory-manufactured weapon locally and want to make sure you and your loved ones are safe carrying a ghost gun is certainly an option.
You will want to make sure to do the following:
- Learn, and become comfortable with how firearms work and the best practices for safety
- 3D Print, practice 3D printing until you can print clean and reliable sliced files that maintain the correct tolerances.
- TEST TEST TEST, bring your new 3D gun to the range and make sure it fires reliably.
- Keeping your Mouth Shut, talking or bragging about your firearms, ghost gun or not, is never a wise idea and is always a tool to use only when absolutely necessary.
Always remember though, rule number one of 3D printed guns.
Have fun!
