From the people I've met that make them I'd say there is significant overlap between model enthusiasts and people who make their own firearms. From 80% kits all the way to keltec employees. Also the article significantly underestimates the difficulty involved in a proper model. More so that they all own 3d printers and even knock off warhammer can get pretty involved.

Yeah, because people are killed and wounded every day by 1/35th tanks, and 1/48 airplanes.