Cody Wilson, founder of Defense Distributed, has unveiled WASP, a single-shot pistol chambered in .22 caliber. The weapon was designed by GatGPT, an AI model trained on the DEFCAD database, which has provided firearm blueprints since 2012. The pistol features a 3D-printed plastic frame and metal components, with the printing process taking approximately six hours.
During testing in Austin, Texas, the firearm successfully fired twice out of three attempts, though it misfired on the first try. The AI was tasked by a company employee to redesign an existing single-shot pistol to achieve full functionality and a unique aesthetic. Currently, the GatGPT model is available to a limited number of users.
Experts from the Royal Armouries and other organizations have questioned the design, citing an unconventional grip and an incomplete trigger guard. They described the weapon as only conditionally functional and ergonomically impractical. Critics argue that such AI-driven tools lower the barrier for manufacturing untraceable ghost guns.
Wilson suggests that AI systems will accelerate the development of new firearm designs as databases expand and user interaction with models increases. While he labels WASP as an AI-generated product, the development process began with a specific human prompt. The project has reignited discussions regarding the regulation of 3D-printed firearms.
