Cody Wilson, a prominent figure in the crypto-anarchist movement, announced this week that his company Defense Distributed (DD) has released new software for the Ghost Gunner 2 CNC milling machine, allowing users to manufacture untraceable aluminum frames for the M1911 handgun. This expansion from rifle to pistol production marks a significant step in the DIY firearm privacy movement.
From AR-15 to M1911: The Ghost Gunner 2 Upgrade
The Ghost Gunner 2, previously known for milling AR-15 components, now supports the M1911 semi-automatic pistol and its variants such as the Colt 45. Cody Wilson stated that the machine can produce the frame of a privacy-centric handgun in a fully automated process. The unit is priced at less than 0.5 Bitcoin (roughly $2,500 at the time of launch), and buyers can pay directly with Bitcoin processed through Bitpay.
Wilson’s Crypto-Anarchist Vision
Cody Wilson is no stranger to the cryptocurrency world. He co-founded the privacy-focused Bitcoin wallet Dark Wallet with former Bitcoin developer Amir Taaki and created the first 3D-printed working pistol, the Liberator, in 2013 — whose blueprints were downloaded 100,000 times in two days. Speaking on the Crypto Show radio broadcast, Wilson explained: “The whole cypherpunk attitude of total gun privacy is more coherent in this smaller package — now you can have a private 1911 or a private Glock, and it’s at the level of automated manufacturing.” He emphasized that handguns represent the core of the project: “Handguns are the essence of this project. When you can give people the means to make them, it’s the refinement of the project.”
Bitcoin Payments Drive Revenue
Defense Distributed has sold over 4,000 units of the Ghost Gunner, with approximately 10% of revenue coming from Bitcoin payments. Wilson noted that as the price of Bitcoin rises, customers tend to purchase more products. While other firms have attempted to create CNC gun mills, Wilson claims DD’s quality surpasses all competitors. However, it is worth noting that Solid Concepts demonstrated a metal M1911 pistol milling concept back in 2013.
Wilson concluded: “This basically announces the completion of the initial Ghost Gunner project — now it’s a machine that can make pistols for people. We got there.” The release has reignited debates over gun control and the ethics of untraceable firearms, with supporters hailing it as a privacy triumph and critics warning of public safety risks.