This year’s broad pushback against firearms rights at the state level continues, with California now gearing up with a lawsuit against big names in the 3D firearm print world. On Friday, February 6, the State of California announced it was suing Gatalog and CTRLPew LLC over files they distribute online.
Printing gun parts @ TFB:
The basis of the lawsuit
The state of California has long been known for its highly restrictive firearms laws, when compared to more 2A-friendly states like those in the southeastern US. These laws include limits on magazine capacity.
Since 3D printing websites offer the ability to manufacture magazines of over 10 rounds, not to mention other items banned by California law, the state government says it is taking Gatalog and CTRLPew to court for: “unlawfully distributing computer code for 3D printing ghost guns, machine gun conversion devices including "Glock Switches," illegal large-capacity magazines, and other firearm-related products and components to individuals who are not licensed to manufacture firearms in California. In addition, the defendants are being held accountable for promoting and facilitating the unlawful manufacture of 3D printed firearms and machine guns.”
And chances are, this lawsuit is just the opening salvo in California’s war on 3D-printed guns and gear. The state’s PR about the lawsuit had a quote from Adam Skaggs, top lawyer and VP for GIFFORDS Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, saying “Today’s decisive action against Gatalog is a critical first step in showing they are not above the law and stopping those who would profit from undermining public safety.” A first step? What’s next? They don’t say, but we may see more names named in the suit, at least.
You can see the lawsuit filed here; note that CTRLPew and Gatalog are specifically named along with a handful of individuals, but the lawsuit also lists “Does 1 through 100,” which implies more targets of the lawsuit are coming.
Will California be successful? Maybe they will indeed set the U.S.-based 3D printing community back a bit with this legal action, but those files have been shared around the world now, and will continue to be shared by organizations through websites outside California’s control. The signal cannot be stopped at this point; it’s doubtful that it can even be significantly delayed.
