Sensible debate shot down by hysteria

The controversy this week over 3D printable plastic guns was in some ways a perfect microcosm of the gun debate in America – a few points of concern requiring clarity and rational discussion, all overwhelmed by absurd allegations and idiotic rhetoric. This week a federal judge in Seattle, responding to a suit brought by several states, placed a temporary ban on the posting of web files to produce guns with 3D printers.

Concerns about 3D printable firearms are not irrational. These weapons would have no serial number, cutting off one means by which criminal investigators trace guns to their users. But the downloads necessary for 3D printing plastic guns are traceable; and in any case a criminal wishing to use a gun that’s not traceable is more likely to steal one or remove the serial number than undergo the expensive, complicated, and unreliable process of fabricating a plastic gun via download. Another concern is metal detection. But plastic guns have enough metal components to signal a sensitive detector, and security personnel can be trained to spot plastic firearms.

While these and related concerns aren’t irrational, they aren’t persuasive – and they certainly don’t justify the lunatic rhetoric of Democratic politicos. The panic over plastic guns has more to do with Democrats sensing a political opportunity than reason or sensible policy.