3D-printed guns are a frightening and genuine fear many people have about the future, but these 3D-printed Nerf muskets ought to ease tensions in the meanwhile. 3D printing has been one of the key developing technologies to keep an eye on in recent years as it has become something that both scientists and consumers are getting a lot of value from. While consumers have fun making toys and building jaw-dropping cosplay outfits, scientists meanwhile have been using 3D printing technology to make thermopower generators and even wagyu beef steak in a lab.
3D printed firearms have been a growing concern for people in recent years and it’s easy to see why. With a 3D printer and the right files, a potential criminal could get their hands on a usable gun if they have the right additional parts. People are already able to create fully automatic untraceable assault rifles in the comfort of their own homes. As 3D printing becomes more mainstream it becomes more likely that 3D printed firearms could lead to disaster. No matter the regulation put in place, hackers would more than likely find a way to remove any barriers keeping them from illicit creations.
The Nerf muzzleloaders you see here were posted on the 3D printing subreddit. The video of the gun in action, which was posted by the user CarnyCreations, shows the musket being loaded with a Nerf ball and was then cocked with a removable ramrod. The user then shot at a group of cans that were sporting some adorable mini hats and muskets of their own. The most striking thing about the musket is its design. Purple and gold with a bright orange barrel. It’s so high-quality that this weapon looks like a Nerf gun people could buy in stores. The locking mechanism sounds weighty and the ramrod even inserts underneath the barrel much like a real musket. This would fit perfectly alongside the Nerf crossbow, bow and arrow, and gatling gun as another archaic, but fun, toy.
How To Get One
CarnyCreations was tight-lipped about the amount of filament required and time it took to make the musket but did share their Etsy page wherein the user is selling the blueprints for owners of 3D printers to make the toys at home. Available is a flintlock pistol, another short-barrel gun but with an axe attached to the barrel, and of course, the full-sized muzzle-loader. Each is compatible with Nerf darts. The musket requires a 220x220x240mm printer bed due to its large size. Alternatively, for the smaller flintlock pistols, 180x180x180 printers are required. The user also has wheel and pirate cannons available for your child’s perfect American Revolution reenactment.
The 3D-printed musket will set you back $18-20 minimum before purchasing the filament and parts required. Its reviews rave over the design quality. Users purchasing it will require screws, springs, a screwdriver, elastic bands, superglue, and a stencil knife. Oh, and a 3D printer of course. Once purchased you are free to supply your Nerf armies forever as the license does not expire. While 3D-printed weapons could soon become a nightmare to many, these toys look like a fun way to pass the time.
