3D-Printed Firearm Emerges from the Remote Aland Islands in the Baltic Sea

The Aland Islands, a self-governing archipelago in the Baltic Sea, have long been known for their hunting traditions and a gun culture deeply rooted in Nordic wilderness heritage. Residents have historically hunted seals and small game using bolt-action rifles made of wood, often passed down through generations.

Inspired by American gun culture through YouTube channels and online forums, Elias Andersson, a 28-year-old islander, sought to modernize this legacy. With the Finnish government’s authorization, which oversees the islands, he designed and produced a 3D-printed firearm named the Printax 001.

Andersson devoted years to refining this unique weapon, which resembles a fusion of an AR-15 rifle and a futuristic sci-fi blaster. Its name reflects its origin, as '.AX' is the internet country code top-level domain for the Aland Islands.

The presence of a 3D-printed gun on this remote island community of approximately 30,000 people highlights the growing reach of 3D-printed firearms. Once a niche interest, these weapons have gained popularity among American enthusiasts and have surfaced in conflict zones and criminal activities across the globe, including Myanmar, Europe, and South America.

Andersson’s interest in creating the Printax intensified during the long hours of the Covid-19 pandemic, as he consumed American gun-related videos promoting a more assertive approach to firearm ownership than was typical on the islands. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a friend encouraged him to consider supporting the Ukrainian military with early versions of the Printax.