Gun Advocate Inserts 3D Printers Into Debate

Four days before Mr. Obama unveiled his gun-control agenda, which includes a proposal to ban the sale of high-capacity ammunition magazines, Cody Wilson appeared in a YouTube video firing a Colt M-16—the rifle long favored by the U.S. Army—with a 30-round plastic magazine made by a 3D printer. The Wall Street Journal reports.

The video has been viewed more than 240,000 times. More important, the data file—which is available on the group's website—has been downloaded 27,000 times by people who, with access to 3D printers, could turn around and make their own.

... Rep. Steve Israel (D., N.Y.) is targeting Mr. Wilson's Wiki Weapon Project directly. He plans to craft specific legislation that would ban possession of plastic ammunition magazines, calling Mr. Wilson's project "fundamentally irresponsible."

... While Mr. Wilson and his allies face a daunting challenge in producing a fully functioning all-plastic gun soon, Mr. Israel said the Wiki Weapon Project is proving that lawmakers must tackle the challenges raised by evolving technology.

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