Quote Originally Posted by damauk View Post
It looks like the 3D printer mentioned is in fact a 3D printer the photos in the link below, show a box for a Dremel Idea builder, a variant of the Flashforge dreamer, which can only print in PLA. So even though they were most likely printing a lower reciever, it probably wouldn't have lasted very long in actual use.

The search warrant was served at Chai’s house on the morning of April 28, 2015, and the deputies say they discovered the “3D printer” creating a lower receiver for an AR-15, which is an integral part of the assault rifle.
AR lowers are available commercially made from plastic. The upper receiver is the portion of the gun that is subject to abuse from temperature/pressure/impact/etc. The lower is primarily a place to put the grip and house the trigger. A printed lower may not last as long as a molded one but its not exactly going to fall apart the first time it's used.

Quote Originally Posted by Wolfie View Post
They did NOT arrest them for printing or making the lower receivers, they were arrested for suspected identity theft. And according to current laws, they can't be prosecuted for building AR lowers unless they are already felons and can't legally possess firearms or they were manufacturing them for sale or distribution. Making the lowers, having the lowers or assembled rifles, is NOT illegal for your own use anyway. Selling or distributing them would be against the law.
Yes it is depending on the circumstances. The lower, by law, is the portion of the gun that is considered the "firearm" (why, i don't know) and as such must be serialized. Since it is a firearm and must be serialized, whoever is making it must have an manufacturer's ffl to produce it. They must also keep a log book of everything they've made which is subject to random audit by the atf. Also, depending on the state (not sure specifically about cali) even owning one is not legal depending on when it was made and how. CT for instance recently passed a new law banning all purchases of AR's. If you have them already you're fine but no one in the state can buy or even receive as a gift or inheritance any additional guns of that type.

I agree that the post is misleading and seems to be trying to create controversy where there really is none.