More than 1,000 people have already downloaded manual to print 3D ASSAULT RIFLE
MORE than 1,000 people have downloaded an instruction manual on how to print 3D assault rifle-style guns in just three days.
The web downloads became available on Friday — and, even though a court had barred access until Wednesday, scores of people got their hands on the instructions within 78 hours.
Defense Distributed, the gun-rights group behind the website, hailed it as the start of 'the age of the downloadable gun'.
The downloads were supposed to be available from August 1 but it's been claimed it firm started distributed the files on Friday.
"By Sunday, 1,000 people had already downloaded 3D plans for AR-15 semi-automatic assault rifles," said Pennsylvania attorney general Josh Shapiro.
During a hearing on Monday, Defense Distributed agreed to block all IP addresses from Pennsylvania.
But it is one of nine US states which have filed a lawsuit against the company.
"One state cannot censor the speech of a citizen in another state."
The DIY firearms are untraceable and do not have serial numbers.
Defense Distributed offers its website download manuals for an AR-15 lower receiver, a complete Baretta M9 handgun and other firearms.
But high-end 3D printers needed the make the guns cost thousands of dollars.
It's argued however the 3D-printed weapons will make it easier for terrorists and criminals to get their hands on guns.
The tragedy of gun rampages in the US has been a divisive issue for some time.
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