Date of Award
Summer 8-5-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department/Program
Forensic Science
Language
English
First Advisor or Mentor
Peter Diaczuk
Second Reader
Jack Hietpas
Third Advisor
Andrew Winter
Abstract
Privately made firearms (PMFs), often referred to as “ghost guns,” are firearms manufactured or assembled by individuals rather than federally licensed manufacturers. Although the terms are frequently used interchangeably, “ghost gun” more specifically describes an unserialized firearm, whereas PMFs include a broader range of firearms produced through nontraditional manufacturing methods. PMFs may be entirely 3-D printed, assembled from partially completed firearm kits, or constructed by integrating additively manufactured components with commercially manufactured firearm parts. The increasing accessibility of additive manufacturing and widespread dissemination of computer-aided design files have raised concerns about concealment, regulation, and forensic evasion, particularly when factory-manufactured components are replaced with 3-D printed parts.
This study evaluated whether a 3-D printed firearm barrel retrofitted onto a commercially manufactured firearm could produce a lethal projectile. A commercially available Makerbot Replicator+ printer was used to produce a replica side-by-side barrel for a Derringer Cobray Model DD originally chambered in .38 Special/.357 Magnum. The printed barrel was modified to accommodate a smaller .25 ACP cartridge, allowing additional plastic material to support barrel integrity, and was printed using Tough polylactic acid filament. Test firing showed that the 3-D printed barrel lacked sufficient strength to survive repeated firing and did not produce projectile penetration in ballistic gelatin consistent with lethal injury. Poor accuracy was attributed to the absence of functional rifling and spin stabilization, while limited penetration was attributed to barrel failure before sufficient pressure developed to propel the bullet effectively.
Recommended Citation
Mayol, Maria Latenia, "Real Bullets, Plastic Guns: Evaluating the Strength of 3-D Printed Gun Parts" (2026). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/jj_etds/409
Included in
Commercial Law Commons, Computer Law Commons, Criminal Law Commons, Criminal Procedure Commons, Engineering Physics Commons, Graphics and Human Computer Interfaces Commons, Polymer Chemistry Commons, Public Interest Commons, Public Law and Legal Theory Commons, Second Amendment Commons
