Poll: 62 Percent Say Americans Should be Allowed to Own 3D Printers; Majority Opposes 3D Printed Guns

Recently the world's first fully 3D-printed gun was successfully fired and Reason-Rupe findsAmericans are torn on 3D technology.  A substantial 62 percent of Americans say people should be allowed to use 3D printers in their homes. However, a majority (53 percent) of these Americans oppose allowing people to print their own guns.

Most demographic and political groups support private ownership of 3D printers, although men are 14 points more likely than women (69 to 55 percent). Support for 3D printers increases with income but decreases with age. For instance, while 77 percent of college-aged Americans support household 3D printers, only 43 percent of seniors agree.

Among those who support private ownership of 3D printers, the most striking difference emerges between men and women when asked if individuals should be allowed to use 3D printers to print their own guns. While 57 percent of men think Americans should be allowed to print their own guns, only 28 percent of women agree. When taking into account marital status, unmarried women (75 percent) are even more likely than married women (58 percent) to oppose 3D printed guns.

Nationwide telephone poll conducted May 9-13 2013 interviewed 1003 adults on both mobile (503) and landline (500) phones, with a margin of error +/- 3.7%. Princeton Survey Research Associates International executed the nationwide Reason-Rupe survey. Columns may not add up to 100% due to rounding. Full poll results found here. Full methodology can be found here. Demographics and detailed tables are available here.