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Australian State Bans Possession of Blueprints For 3D Printing Firearms (computerworld.com.au)
angry tapir writes: Possessing files that can be used to 3D print firearms will soon be illegal in the Australian state of New South Wales after new legislation, passed last week by state parliament, comes into effect. Possessing files for 3D printing guns will be punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The provisions "are targeted at criminals who think they can steal or modify firearms or manufacture firearms from 3D blueprints," NSW's justice minister, Troy Grant, said when introducing the bill in the state's lower house on 27 October. "Those who think they can skirt the law will find themselves facing some of the toughest penalties for firearms offences in this country," Grant said.
It's always interesting to see one's own country through the lens of another.
A specific event caused the clampdown on gun ownership in Australia. Following Port Arthur and the ensuing confiscation of weaponry, incidents of gun violence basically dropped to zero. Violent crime in general has decreased - individual categories (robberies, assaults, kidnappings, sexual assaults, etc) are either trending downwards or not increased at all.
I've owned guns, I know people who still own and use guns for recreation and/or work. The rules aren't particularly harsh. It's a deadly weapon, if you want one, they just want to know why. You like shooting things and playing with guns? Cool. Here's licenses for target shooting, and we'll check in with your gun club occasionally to make sure you're still a member. You're culling pest animals because you're on acreage? No worries. Different license.
What I don't understand is the attitude of entitlement that just anyone can arm themselves with a deadly weapon because they just might have to pull it on someone after their wallet. Without the training or knowledge of how to handle it - and yourself in that situation - it's about as useful as a lump of wood. Statistically, you're twice as likely to damage yourself rather than your target. That's the idea of target practice and defence courses. Lets not forget you may've just shot and maimed/killed someone because "who cares?", it's just a thief. Since when is that up to you?
The problem our laws, and these new laws, are trying to solve is not criminals or terr'ists running around with plastic AKs. It's to prevent idiots from harming themselves and others, going off half-cocked (literally) or putting deadly weapons into the hands of people with poor judgement who would otherwise have a bit of time to calm down.
Studies show that the larger the group the worse the decision they make is.