On 13 February, the US Department of Justice announced that an eight year sentence had been handed to Eric McGinnis, 39, from Dallas. (http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndtx/pr/man-carrying-prohibited-3d-printed-gun-found-list-lawmakers-addresses). He had successfully 3D printed parts for a short barrel AR-15 rifle despite being banned from purchasing or owning firearms. He didn’t print out the whole weapon – he had bought the barrel, stock, upper receiver and grip from a gun shop. He was heard by police officers while test firing the weapon in woodland. The story is interesting for two reasons: first, it shows how sophisticated this new frontier is becoming. Secondly, it is mildly amusing that McGinnis’ initial defence to the officers was that he was … a CIA officer. They didn’t fall for it.
