Not Just Metal Anymore: 3-D Printed Fire Control Groups
Freedom Printing 3D (a channel I recently discovered) posted up a video early last month of a 3-D printed fire control group for the AR-15. I was surprised to see it, as my currently industry affiliation has always used metal parts – which prejudiced me against polymers in some capacities. It seems I should have looked harder at polymers which seem to be now functional as a fire control group straight off a 3-D printer.
I am left to wonder… how much actually needs to be metal on a firearm outside of the barrel and bolt? How so will we get to that point?
For a non 3-D printed version, you can check out New Frontier Armory’s Polymer Lower Parts Kit.
One of TFB's resident Jarheads, Nathan now works within the firearms industry. A consecutive Marine rifle and pistol expert, he enjoys local 3-gun, NFA, gunsmithing, MSR's, & high-speed gear. Nathan has traveled to over 30 countries working with US DoD & foreign MoDs.The above post is my opinion and does not reflect the views of any company or organization.
More by Nathan S
![[SHOT 2026] First Shot: SAS Veteran Christian Craighead with Steyr ATC](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2026/01/19/21051/post.jpg?size=350x220)
![[SHOT 2026] Adams Arms Launches Side-Charging Piston AR Line](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2026/01/22/12421/post.jpg?size=350x220)
![[SHOT 2026] Ruger American Gen II Scout: Built For The Real World](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2026/01/27/15221/post.jpg?size=350x220)
![[SHOT 2026] Hogue New Grips for 2026 - Wrapter, G10 & More](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2026/01/31/17001/post.jpg?size=350x220)
![[SHOT 2026] Auto Ordnance Thompson .22 LR Lightweight Carbine](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2026/01/20/02231/post.jpg?size=350x220)
Comments
Join the conversation
Why has metal injection molding not been reconfigured for additive manufacturing yet? Instead of a liquid slurry of metal, you could have a filament with metal particles in it that you sinter in a kiln to make a part with similar properties to an MIM part. Yes everyone hates MIM but it is stiffer than plastic.
Great. Now is anyone working on homemade shell casings? Brass or mild steel? How about commercial spec primers? Does anyone have a recipe for a medium burn rate smokeless powder they want to share? How about basic hand operated bullet swager that can be built from scrap?
People don't kid yourselves. Making a gun and even working mags is great, but it's only half the nut cracked. If we are dependent on large companies for ammo we're screwed.
Being dead serious, until we have easily obtainable guides to do all of the above AND to build an entire rifle by scavenging from, say, an automotive junkyard, they still have us.