Factors affecting a homemade firearm:
(1) workmanship of the maker
(2) quality of the materials, including use of manufactured components
(3) quality of the design
Some homemade firearms may involve:
(1) modifications of an existing commercial gun
(2) modification of a component, such as a noise suppressor (silencer)
Advantages to a buyer:
(1) It can be less expensive than a commercial firearm.
(2) It may be available when a commercial firearm is not (for example, to a person who cannot legally own a firearm).
(3) It can be modified for an individual need or disguised
(4) There is no record of its existence.
(5) It may be viewed as disposable.
Hazards:
(1) A gun made of inferior materials or unsafe design is more likely to explode or fail.
(2) It tends to leave unique markings on any bullets that are fired.
People who have a homemade firearm may be:
(1) poor
(2) engaged in a criminal or terrorist activity
(3) a gun enthusiast
(4) suicidal
