The firearms industry was recently hit with a significant development: Polymer80, one of the most well-known manufacturers of “ghost guns” (untraceable firearms assembled from kits), has closed its doors. The decision to shut down comes after mounting legal pressure from multiple lawsuits and increased regulation, marking a major shift in the availability of build-it-yourself firearms. Several sources, including NPR’s Martin Kaste, YouTuber Liberty Doll, and Jared Yanis of Guns & Gadgets, talked about this issue, and in this article, we will provide an in-depth look at what led to Polymer80’s closure and what it might mean for the industry. So let’s dive in.
The Rise of “Ghost Guns” and Polymer80’s Role

Polymer80 became famous for producing gun kits that allowed buyers to assemble firearms at home without the need for serial numbers or background checks. Critics, such as gun control advocates, often referred to these as “ghost guns” because they are virtually impossible to trace. According to Martin Kaste’s article for NPR, Polymer80’s success with these kits made it a target for the Biden Administration and gun control groups like Everytown and Giffords. The government moved to classify the kits as firearms under federal law in 2022, which meant they would require serial numbers and a background check before being sold. This regulatory shift was just the beginning of Polymer80’s legal troubles.
Lawsuits and Settlements

As the regulatory environment changed, so did the volume of lawsuits against Polymer80. Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Baltimore all filed suits, accusing the company of selling products that fueled gun violence. Liberty Doll notes in her YouTube video that these lawsuits resulted in millions of dollars in settlements. Polymer80 agreed to pay $7.5 million in settlements and stopped selling its kits in key states like California, Maryland, and parts of Pennsylvania. A separate lawsuit in Washington, D.C. added another $4 million in penalties, further constraining the company.
Unbearable Financial Strain

Jared Yanis from Guns & Gadgets echoes the magnitude of these legal pressures, stating that Polymer80 was effectively “sued out of business.” He explains that Polymer80 was sued so frequently – often twice a month – that the financial strain became unbearable. These lawsuits typically claimed that Polymer80 kits were a go-to for criminals because of their untraceable nature.
The ATF’s Role and Regulatory Crackdown

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) played a central role in Polymer80’s downfall. The agency’s 2022 ruling that reclassified gun kits as firearms dramatically changed how companies like Polymer80 operated. Jared Yanis points out that this rule, enacted under President Biden’s administration, required serial numbers and background checks for the sale of gun parts. This move, along with additional state-level restrictions, began to squeeze Polymer80’s ability to function.
Polymer80’s CEO, Len Kelly Jr., acknowledged the strain in a social media post, stating that the company had to “shut down and get some things in order” to stop the financial bleeding. He emphasized that the company was being sued continuously and simply couldn’t keep up with the legal battles.
Gun Control Advocates Celebrate the Closure

Gun control groups, unsurprisingly, see Polymer80’s closure as a victory. Everytown for Gun Safety, one of the groups actively pushing for the regulation of ghost guns, celebrated the news. In a statement quoted by both Kaste and Yanis, Everytown’s legal director Eric Turell highlighted that their combination of litigation, regulatory action, and state laws “led to the shrinking of the ghost gun market,” ultimately forcing Polymer80 to shut down. These groups argue that Polymer80’s kits were primarily sold to individuals looking to avoid background checks, often ending up in the hands of criminals.
Questions About the Customer Base

Martin Kaste’s NPR article also includes a perspective from David Pucino of the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. He argued that Polymer80’s customer base was largely composed of people who “don’t want to pass a background check, who don’t want a record of the sale, who don’t want a serial number.” This belief further fueled the legal campaigns against the company.
A Tradition Under Siege?

Not everyone views the shutdown as a victory. Gun rights advocates see the closure of Polymer80 as an infringement on American traditions. Liberty Doll reflects on the cultural significance of privately-made firearms, noting that “building firearms has been an American tradition since its very founding,” dating back to the Revolutionary War. She, along with many gun rights supporters, believes that the government’s actions against Polymer80 are not just about stopping crime but about restricting the Second Amendment.
Mike McCoy from the Mountain States Legal Foundation, quoted in Kaste’s NPR article, further highlights this historical perspective. He points out that during the Revolutionary War, private manufacturing of firearms was critical in keeping the American rebels armed when the British restricted imports. McCoy argues that current restrictions on privately-made guns echo these past efforts to disarm citizens, threatening the very essence of gun rights.
A Potential Comeback?

Despite the closure, Polymer80’s CEO hinted that the company’s story might not be over. Liberty Doll reports that Kelly has left the door open for a possible return, especially if the Supreme Court rules in favor of Polymer80 in an upcoming case. The ATF’s 2022 rule classifying gun kits as firearms will be heard by the Supreme Court in October 2024, and the decision could have a significant impact on the future of companies like Polymer80. Kelly remains vague about what exactly the company’s next steps will be, but he did indicate that Polymer80 might return in some capacity.
What’s Next for the Industry?

The fall of Polymer80 is undoubtedly a significant moment in the gun kit industry, but it also raises larger questions about the future of firearms manufacturing. Will other companies that produce similar products face the same fate? Jared Yanis speculates that Polymer80 might just be the first of many companies to be “sued out of business” by gun control groups, setting a precedent that could cripple the industry.
The debate over ghost guns also touches on broader issues of criminal justice and public safety. While gun control advocates argue that untraceable firearms are a serious threat, gun rights supporters counter that most crimes are committed with stolen or illegally acquired guns, not kits like those sold by Polymer80. As Liberty Doll points out, gang members and criminals are far more likely to buy a stolen firearm off the street than to go through the trouble of assembling a gun from a kit.
“Should be Illegal”

People in the comments shared their thoughts: “This is down right un-american. Should be illegal to sue company out of existence.”
Another commenter said: “Using tax payer $$ to sue a legit company for doing legal business”
One person added: “Since they were found constitutional, polymer 80 should have counter sued for defamation, loss income etc…”
Growing Legal Challenges

The closure of Polymer80 highlights the growing legal and regulatory challenges facing the firearms industry, particularly in the realm of build-it-yourself firearms. Whether you view this as a win for public safety or a blow to constitutional freedoms, one thing is certain: the debate over ghost guns is far from over. As the Supreme Court prepares to weigh in, the future of companies like Polymer80 – and the broader gun kit market – remains uncertain.
Regulating Homemade Firearms

What are your thoughts? Should the government have the authority to regulate homemade firearms, or does this infringe on Second Amendment rights? Will the closure of Polymer80 lead to a safer society, or will criminals continue to find alternative ways to obtain guns?

Mark grew up in the heart of Texas, where tornadoes and extreme weather were a part of life. His early experiences sparked a fascination with emergency preparedness and homesteading. A father of three, Mark is dedicated to teaching families how to be self-sufficient, with a focus on food storage, DIY projects, and energy independence. His writing empowers everyday people to take small steps toward greater self-reliance without feeling overwhelmed.