Despite the strict legislation in the field of control over firearms, criminals are finding increasingly sophisticated ways to acquire new weapons. Traditionally, there have been three main paths: acquisition from a legal owner willing to break the law, purchase from other criminals, or independent production.
The first two options come with significant risks. Even if the buyer “knows the right person”, sellers are typically cautious in selecting customers. Moreover, the cost can be exorbitant, especially for a weapon with a “clean” history – criminals aim to avoid any traces that could link them to other crimes.
As a result, the third option of independent manufacturing through unofficial channels is gaining popularity. Advancements in computerized production methods, particularly 3D printing, have made the process accessible even to individuals without traditional gunsmith skills.
The prevalence of homemade weapons, known as “ghost guns,” has become a concern in New Zealand. A recent public debate on amendments to the country’s Arms Act focused on the issue of illicitly produced firearms.
Various instructions, including those for 3D printing, can be found on online platforms, where interest in hybrid techniques combining modern technologies with conventional materials is rising. Components for modifying legal firearms and blueprints for individual parts are in demand for independent assembly. A comparison between these advanced products and the crude homemade gun that caused the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Sinzo Abe in 2022 underscores the dangerous capabilities mastered by underground gunsmiths.
The appeal of this manufacturing method lies in its speed, affordability, reliability, effectiveness, and untraceability. For far-right extremist groups seeking to evade government oversight, the ability to circumvent state control is particularly attractive.
New Zealand authorities encountered their first 3D-printed weapon in mid-2018, sparking a growing concern over the proliferation of such firearms. By the end of last year, 58 similar firearms and 200 to 300 related components had been seized. However, these numbers must be viewed in the context of the total of 9,662 firearms (including airguns)