Gun or toy
I am a firearms enthusiast and own a number of firearms. I regularly practise shooting in a professional and safe environment. The other day, a newcomer, who wanted to try his hand at shooting, was holding a particular object in his hand: a plastic gun that he told me he had created at home using a 3D printer after finding the plans for the weapon on the internet! Surprised, I immediately wondered whether this piece of plastic constituted a weapon and whether authorisation was required. What is the situation?
J., Les Grottes
In Switzerland, the manufacture, possession and acquisition of weapons are strictly regulated by the Federal Arms Act (LArm), which aims to limit the risk of misuse and guarantee public safety. According to Article 4 of this law, firearms are defined as devices that enable projectiles to be launched by means of a propellant charge and can be carried and used by a single person; objects that can be transformed into such devices also fall within the scope of this provision. If a 3D-printed object meets these criteria, it is considered a firearm under Swiss law. The acquisition of a weapon requires a permit (art. 8 LArm).
But there's more: Article 19 LArm stipulates that any non-professional manufacture of weapons is subject to authorisation, subject to certain exceptions. In other words, it is a criminal offence to produce a functional pistol using a 3D printer, either at home or with a third party, without prior authorisation. One of the major problems is the lack of traceability of such weapons, which escape the usual controls and bear no official markings.
In the specific case of your stand neighbour, there are a number of factors to consider. If his 3D-printed gun is capable of firing a projectile, it meets the legal definition of a firearm and its owner is subject to legal obligations, including obtaining a permit and a manufacturing authorisation. On the other hand, if it is a purely decorative model or a harmless object, it is not directly affected by these restrictions. However, if the object can be mistaken for a real weapon, it may still fall within the scope of the ban on imitation weapons laid down in art. 4 LArm.
In conclusion, manufacturing a functional 3D firearm at home without authorisation is illegal and may result in criminal penalties. Federal law has clearly laid down a strict framework to avoid any abuses, protect the public and prevent accidents. When in doubt, it's best to refrain from playing the engineer in this area... or risk ending up with a completely different kind of impression, that of a fine, or even a court conviction!
