Ghost Guns
Ghost Guns
What is the problem?
A ghost gun is a do-it-yourself, homemade gun made from easy-to-get, unregulated building blocks. These guns are made by an individual, not a federally licensed manufacturer or importer. Ghost guns are the fastest-growing gun safety problem facing our country.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)’s current interpretation of federal law allows people who can’t legally own a firearm to easily buy the parts for a ghost gun. In less than one hour, these self-made weapons become fully functioning, untraceable firearms. A person can buy the parts and assemble a ghost gun without even receiving a background check.
They are becoming a weapon of choice for violent criminals, gun traffickers, and other legally prohibited persons. Federal authorities should act to ensure that the core parts for ghost guns are defined as firearms and properly regulated. States should also consider immediate action to regulate ghost guns.
Featured Resources

Undeniable: How Long-Standing Loopholes in the Background Check System Have Been Exacerbated by COVID-19
Loopholes must be addressed to ensure that guns are not sold without a completed background check.

ATF & the Rising Threat of Ghost Guns
Ghost guns are emerging as a weapon of choice for criminals, gun traffickers, extremists, and others banned from legally buying firearms.

Untraceable: The Rising Specter of Ghost Guns
Ghost guns are do-it-yourself, homemade guns made from easy-to-get, unregulated building blocks.