Cody Wilson, the well-known crypto-anarchist and founder of Defense Distributed (DD), has announced the release of new software for the Ghost Gunner 2, a computerized CNC milling machine that can now produce aluminum frames for the M1911 handgun. This development extends the company's capability beyond the AR-15 rifle platform, allowing individuals to manufacture untraceable pistols at home for less than half a Bitcoin.
From Liberator to Ghost Gunner: A New Era of Private Firearms
Wilson first gained notoriety for creating the Liberator, the world's first fully 3D-printed handgun, whose blueprints were downloaded over 100,000 times in two days. He later collaborated with former Bitcoin developer and anarchist Amir Taaki on the Dark Wallet privacy project. The Ghost Gunner 2 upgrade now brings the same ethos of private manufacturing to a wider range of firearms. According to Wilson, the M1911 frame can also serve as a base for other models such as the Colt .45. "Handguns are the essence of this project," Wilson told Ars Technica. "When you can give people the means to make them, it’s the refinement of the project."
Bitcoin Adoption: 10% of Revenue and Growing
Defense Distributed has sold over 4,000 Ghost Gunner units, and customers can purchase the machine and its proprietary parts using Bitcoin processed through Atlanta-based Bitpay. Wilson revealed that Bitcoin transactions account for 10% of the company's revenue, and interestingly, as the price of Bitcoin rises, so do sales. During an appearance on The Crypto Show, Wilson said the business is thriving and provided insight into the development of the new M1911 software. The machine itself costs less than half a Bitcoin at current rates, making it an attractive option for privacy-conscious buyers.
Cypherpunk Ideals Meet DIY Manufacturing
Wilson has been called "one of the most dangerous men in the United States" by mainstream media. He argues that the Ghost Gunner 2 brings the cypherpunk ideal of total gun privacy to a new level. "Now you can have a private 1911 or a private Glock, and it’s at the level of automated manufacturing," Wilson explained. Although companies like Solid Concepts had previously demonstrated metal M1911 milling, Wilson insists that Defense Distributed's quality is superior. He also noted that not everyone wants an AR-15, which is a large rifle, whereas handguns are more practical for personal defense and concealment.
The launch has reignited debates about the Second Amendment, digital privacy, and the ethics of DIY weaponry. By combining Bitcoin's pseudonymous payment system with CNC milling technology, Wilson is pushing the boundaries of what it means to own and manufacture firearms in the 21st century. Future plans include a broader range of pistol models, effectively democratizing the means of production for small arms.