I agree that this is a boogeyman law.

I don’t understand the threat to revenue streams. From gun manufacturers? Would anybody who is allowed to purchase a gun bother with a 3D printed one other than for the novelty of it?

My biggest gripe is that I feel that politicians usually don’t get involved in creating laws until way late. Think laws around the regulation of AI or cloning or genetically modifying humans. Is there a credible threat related to printed weaponry? I seriously doubt it.

I saw something similar a few weeks ago on the national news to allow local police to shoot drones around regulated airspaces. In this case it’s a football game. The stadium security said that a drone flew in and distributed pamphlets but could have easily carried in a bomb. Again, this is a theoretical threat, but they’re more likely concerned about illegal filming of a sporting event.

That was sort of my point. I’m going to go out on a limb and say without any research that bears kill more people every year than 3D printers.

A self replicating 3D printer? I like it.

I don’t even own a gun, so maybe somebody with more experience can correct me, but I do believe that many states, if not all, require a background check and waiting period. I assume there are certain crimes that remove your right to own a firearm. There are (or were) loopholes for purchasing guns at gun shows where a background check and waiting period are infeasible.

As for other weapons, there aren’t such provisions, but it may depend on the weapon. A bow and arrow, hunting knife or machete can be purchased at any wall-Mart. A grenade? I’m not sure.