ghost gun

American  

[gohst guhn] / ˈgoʊst ˌgʌn /

noun

1. a gun that does not have a serial number and cannot be easily traced, especially one assembled at home from parts purchased without a background check.

---

Etymology

Origin of ghost gun

First recorded in 2010–15

Example Sentences

Hochman said the weapon Sepulveda allegedly used was a so-called “ghost gun,” which did not have a serial number.

From Los Angeles Times

Gun makers and retailers were barred in a recent court ruling from selling ghost gun kits and firearm precursor parts in California.

From Los Angeles Times

Authorities seized roughly 7,600 firearms last year, and said one out of every 10 was an unregistered “ghost gun.”

From Los Angeles Times

In addition to the ghost gun - a gun assembled from untraceable parts - and fake ID, police said they also found a passport and a handwritten document that indicated "motivation and mindset" on Mr Mangione during his arrest.

From BBC

“A ghost gun is one that effectively has no identity,” said Garen Wintemute, director of the California Firearm Violence Research Center with UC Davis and an emergency room physician.

From Los Angeles Times