The decentralized nature of 3d printing technology has long interested everything between hobbyists and survivalists. When the first plans for a 3d printed plastic gun went available online last year, more than 100,000 people downloaded it within 2 days.
Solid Concepts was the first company to take on the quest of creating a 3d printed metal gun, which they successfully did near the end of 2013 (which they call the 1911).
The 1911, much like their new and improved gun they call Reason, is made out of lasered metal powder. The new gun, featuring an excerpt from the Declaration of Independence on its barrel, appears to be a proof-of-concept and demonstration of high-resolution metal printing techniques.
Although not quite as much within our reach as 3d printed guns, Solid Concepts has now twice demonstrated that 3d printing useable metal guns is not just a dream. It is totally possible that similar designs, and technology, could easily become available within the next 5 years.