Just under a year ago, the company, which has since been acquired by 3D printing giant Stratasys, revealed the world’s very first 3D printed metal handgun, the 1911. Although there had been a number of interesting plastic firearms 3D printed up until that time, this metal firearm was the first capable of shooting several rounds of ammunition flawlessly. In fact the original 3D printed 1911 has since fired 5,000 shots without a problem, prior to it being retired.
Solid Concepts made 100 of these firearms available for $11,900 a pop. It is unknown, how many of these guns have sold, however such a limited edition run is certain to have captured the attention of many collectors around the globe.
Here we are, almost one year later, and Eric Mutchler, Project Engineer at Solid Concepts, who was the developer of the first 1911 pistol, has produced a new 1911, this time a bit fancier. Although the gun likely will not appeal to everyone, the detail and lettering on the firearm show just how incredibly accurate the direct metal laser sintering machine used to create it must have been. Using a high powered laser to directly melt metal powder, layer-by-layer, this weapon was produced.
The gun, with the word ‘Reason” printed onto its slide, is chambered in 10mm auto. This new firearm is much more stylish than its predecessor, with a wave-like design printed into the grip, and a gradient of parallel lines throughout the barrel. What will make this 1911 pistol stand out the most, however, is the preamble of the Declaration of Independence printed onto the front of the grip, making a statement obvious to anyone who sees the weapon.
Solid Concepts has not officially released any information on this new pistol, meaning that future plans by the company on whether or not they intend to sell printed copies of this new design like they did with the original 1911, have yet to be announced. Either way, this is another incredible print, one which is sure to be a bit controversial, yet stands out as a symbol of how quickly technology is progressing.
Let’s hear your thoughts on this new 10mm 1911 Pistol by Solid Concepts. Discuss in the 3D Printed Metal Gun forum thread on 3DPB.com.