On a recent episode of Uncanny Valley, the discussion centered on the legality and accessibility of creating untraceable ghost guns via 3D printing. The conversation highlighted how easy it has become to produce these firearms, especially in light of the recent case involving Luigi Mangione, who allegedly used a 3D-printed gun in a high-profile crime.
Andy Greenberg, a senior writer at WIRED, has been investigating ghost guns for over a decade. He began his journey with a 3D printer back in 2015, and he now notes that the process of creating these guns has become significantly faster and cheaper. In a demonstration, he legally printed the same type of gun that Mangione is accused of using in a killing. Greenberg explained that while the technology for making ghost guns has advanced, the laws governing them have not kept pace, leading to a significant gap that allows people to create firearms in private without registration or background checks.
Ghost guns—homemade firearms without serial numbers—are legal in many parts of the U.S. due to a loophole in gun control laws that allows individuals to manufacture their own weapons without regulatory oversight. Greenberg pointed out that while some states have attempted to impose restrictions on ghost guns, many still lack comprehensive legislation.
In 2025, the conversation around the legality surrounding gun manufacturing has evolved. For instance, creating a 3D-printed gun in states like New York or California requires obtaining a serial number, which complicates the process. The recent Supreme Court ruling, which upheld certain restrictions on ghost gun kits, shows an effort to clamp down on these weapons. However, creating a gun from scratch, as Greenberg demonstrated, remains largely unregulated in parts of the country like Louisiana, where he conducted his experiment.
As the podcast delved into the assembling process, Greenberg shared that while printing the gun parts was straightforward, actual assembly was complex, involving multiple small components that required careful handling—similar to assembling IKEA furniture. The final moment of assembling the gun was particularly striking for Greenberg, as it transformed the parts into a functional weapon.
After testing the assembled gun at a shooting range, Greenberg recounted the sensation of handling a real firearm compared to mere components. Although the gun experienced some jamming issues, it ultimately functioned as intended, reflecting the very capabilities of the weapon Mangione allegedly used.
The discussion also touched on the motivations behind advocating for ghost guns. Proponents argue that the ability to create firearms at home preserves a form of personal freedom, despite the associated risks. Greenberg articulated the tension between the ideals of freedom and the potential for harm that unregulated access to firearms can bring.
As technology advances faster than legislation can adapt, the implications surrounding 3D-printed ghost guns represent a growing concern in the discussion about gun control in the United States. The episode invites listeners to reflect on the future of firearm regulations as these technologies continue to evolve.
For more details on the story, you can read the original piece: We Made Luigi Mangione’s 3D-Printed Gun—and Fired It.