Under recent ATF rules, "frames and receivers" (the part of the gun that makes it a legal firearm) must be serialized if they are sold or distributed by a licensed dealer.

It is illegal to manufacture or possess any firearm that cannot be detected by a walk-through metal detector. This means a 100% plastic gun is a federal felony; they must contain a certain amount of steel. 3. The DIY Route vs. Buying

If you're looking to buy one to bypass a background check, you're entering illegal territory in many jurisdictions. If you're a hobbyist, it’s a steep learning curve involving mechanical engineering and strict adherence to local laws.

Standard PLA plastic will shatter under the pressure of a live round. Most hobbyists use PLA+ or Nylon , but even then, catastrophic failure (the gun exploding in your hand) is a real risk if the print settings aren't perfect.

Most people in this community don't "buy" the gun; they buy a (like an Ender 3 or Bamboo Lab) and download "CAD" files.

Any person or business selling firearms for profit must have a Federal Firearms License (FFL) .

These are often "single-shot" or low-durability items compared to traditional steel or aluminum firearms.