As of July 25, 2024, Polymer 80, a pioneer in the DIY firearm community, has officially ceased operations. The Nevada-based company, known for its “ghost gun” kits that allowed law-abiding citizens to build their own firearms, cited overwhelming legal costs as the primary reason for its closure. For many Second Amendment advocates, this marks a troubling development in the ongoing battle for gun rights in America.
Polymer 80 released a statement on Social Media, quietly making the closing announcement:
Statement from Polymer 80 https://t.co/TYbkUr3QE4
— 3DGB (@3DGunBuilder) August 14, 2024
Legal Assault on Polymer 80
Over the past few years, Polymer 80 has been embroiled in a series of lawsuits that have targeted its business model, which empowers individuals to exercise their constitutional right to bear arms.
Key Legal Challenges Faced by Polymer 80:
- Baltimore City (February 2024): Polymer 80 settled a lawsuit with Baltimore City, which included a ban on dealers in nearby states from selling ghost guns to Maryland residents. The settlement also imposed quarterly reporting requirements on sales in neighboring states. Baltimore’s lawsuit was based on the claim that Polymer 80’s products were contributing to gun violence in the city—an assertion that many gun rights supporters contest as an overreach.
- Philadelphia (April 2024): In Philadelphia, Polymer 80 was forced to agree to a four-year ban on sales to customers in the city and surrounding counties. Additionally, the company was required to pay $1.3 million, which the city claimed would be used to combat gun violence. Critics argue that this settlement unfairly punishes a company for providing law-abiding citizens with the tools to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
- California (October 2023): The company’s legal troubles began with a settlement in California, where it agreed to stop selling ghost gun parts to residents and pay $5 million in penalties. This settlement also permanently banned Polymer 80 from assisting Californians in building their own firearms—a direct blow to the state’s gun owners who value their right to self-reliance.
The Broader Impact on Second Amendment Rights
The closure of Polymer 80 is more than just a business decision—it’s a significant moment in the ongoing struggle over gun rights in the United States. For many, the company’s shutdown is seen as a victory for those who wish to limit the ability of Americans to arm themselves without government oversight.
Why This Matters:
- Second Amendment Under Siege: Polymer 80’s shutdown is emblematic of the growing pressure on the firearms industry. Legal actions like those taken against Polymer 80 are seen by many as part of a broader strategy to erode Second Amendment rights by targeting manufacturers and suppliers.
- Access to Firearms: The ability for individuals to build their own firearms is a long-standing tradition in America, rooted in the principles of self-reliance and independence. Polymer 80’s products were popular among hobbyists and gun enthusiasts who value privacy and the ability to exercise their rights without excessive government interference.
- The Future of Ghost Guns: With Polymer 80 out of the picture, there is concern about the future availability of ghost gun kits. While other companies may step in to fill the void, the legal and regulatory environment is becoming increasingly hostile to these types of products.
Is This the End of DIY Firearms?
The closure of Polymer 80 raises significant questions about the future of DIY firearms in America. While some may see this as a win for gun control, it also represents a concerning trend for those who cherish their Second Amendment rights.
Potential Consequences:
- Reduced Access to Firearms: With Polymer 80 out of business, the availability of ghost gun kits will likely decline, making it harder for law-abiding citizens to exercise their right to build their own firearms.
- Increased Government Oversight: The legal actions against Polymer 80 are part of a broader trend towards increased regulation and oversight of the firearms industry, which many gun rights advocates see as an infringement on individual freedoms.
- Legal Precedent: The settlements reached in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and California could set a precedent for further legal actions against other companies in the firearms industry, potentially leading to more closures and reduced access to firearms for ordinary Americans.
The Fight for Gun Rights Continues
Polymer 80’s closure is a stark reminder of Second Amendment supporters’ challenges in today’s legal and regulatory climate.
