James Patrick, a mechanical engineering student, has successfully built the first 3-D printed, functional revolver that can shoot real .22 caliber bullets using only a commercial 3-D printer.
Here is a video proving the functionality of the 3-D printed gun:
Patrick has named it PM522 Washbear, and it has the capacity to fire up to eight bullets. Almost everything in the gun is 3-D printed using ABS plastic, with the exception of a band spring, a metal firing pin and steel rods, according to Fox News.
The gun has the looks of a Nerf gun, which makes it dangerous to be lying around and be mistaken for a toy.
Of course, printing a firearm, in general, is dangerous, and depending on design, it could sometimes be illegal. With this kind of weapon, there is a greater chance for a misfire, and at times the gun breaks, according to Slash Gear.
Hence, with the desire to let the invention pass as a legal firearm, Patrick made it a point to add steel rods into the well of the grip so that the gun has detectable metal. Authorities have yet to determine if the gun's design and blueprint can continue to circulate the Internet or if it has to be taken down.
Those interested in the blueprint can download the instructions on Patrick's website.
Below is an overview of the gun's design in a video:
