What is a Ghost Gun and Why It’s Making Headlines

With the ongoing debate over gun rights and the Second Amendment, “ghost guns” have emerged as the new hot topic. For some, these firearms symbolize resistance to government outreach, but for others, they pose a dangerous threat. But what exactly are ghost guns and why are they making headlines?

What is a Ghost Gun?

Ghost guns are firearms that can be assembled at home using parts purchased online or made using a 3D printer. These firearms are sometimes referred to as 80 percent receivers, because the core component, the lower receiver, is typically unfinished and must be completed by the end user. Once assembled, however, ghost guns function like other guns, but lack serial numbers, making them untraceable.

Critics of ghost guns often label them as “unregulated firearms,” but that name may not be entirely correct. Under the current federal law, it’s perfectly legal for individuals to manufacture firearms for personal use as long as they are legally allowed to own a firearm. The lack of a serial number is only an issue if the gun is sold or transferred to another owner.

Ghost Guns in the Spotlight

Ghost guns have been in the spotlight as they draw increased scrutiny from gun control advocates who are pushing for more regulation and more restrictions. Gun control advocates argue that these firearms are a public safety risk, because they bypass traditional background checks. This narrative has been the forefront of multiple high-profile cases where untraceable firearms were used in crimes. However, statistics show that ghost guns are only used in a small fraction of overall gun crime, suggesting that most are made by law-abiding citizens. 

In 2022, the Biden administration took steps to tighten regulations around ghost guns, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) introducing new rules requiring manufacturers of gun kits to include serial numbers for all gun types. Furthermore, buyers were required to undergo background checks before purchasing a kit, a move that some said was meant to chip away at Second Amendment freedoms.

Increased Availability

Part of the reason ghost guns are getting so much attention is because of how available they have become. The rise of online kits and the increasing availability of 3D printing technology have made ghost guns more accessible. With basic tools and simple instructions, individuals can assemble functioning firearms at home. While some may see less government involvement as a good thing, others see it as a regulatory challenge, fueling the ongoing debate about ghost guns and gun control in general. 

Defending the Right to Build Firearms

As ghost guns continue to dominate headlines, often as a talking point for gun control proponents, it’s important for gun owners to stay informed and engaged in the conversation. The battle over these DIY firearms isn’t just about ghost guns — it’s about preserving the constitutional right to bear arms. Law-abiding gun owners must push back against narratives that unfairly demonize ghost guns and instead, advocate for policies that focus on criminals rather than eroding the rights of responsible citizens. In the end, ghost guns aren’t going away and a compromise needs to be made that allows for more regulation without infringing on the freedoms of individuals.