ATF Launches Raids on 3D Printing Enthusiasts for Making NFA Items

Last Wednesday, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted multiple raids across the country, targeting members of the 3D printing community.

The raids targeted individuals for producing National Firearms Act (NFA) items. Last week, rumors online started circulating that the raids were due to 3D-printed firearms equipped with pistol braces. AmmoLand News reached out to our contacts inside the ATF, where we were told the items the ATF was after were machine gun conversion devices (MCDs) and 3D-printed suppressors. Braces were not the focus of the raids, although it is possible several rifles with barrels less than 16 inches were recovered with stocks.

The ATF received a tip about non-registered NFA items being printed. It is unclear who the source of the tip was or where the person spotted the items, but anything on the internet can be reported. Some assume that, through the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), they can remain anonymous while online, but the government has been able to identify multiple subjects who tried to hide their identity by using a VPN. Although VPNs are marketed as keeping you anonymous while on the web, that is more of a marketing ploy than reality. The level of protection offered by VPNs often falls short of what is needed to be clear of the prying eyes of the federal government.

AmmoLand News spoke to several of those raided from several different states who were not arrested on the condition of anonymity. According to these sources, the ATF seized multiple 3D-printed firearms, 3D printers, computers, and cell phones. The guns will most likely be shipped to the ATF offices in Martinsburg, VA, for testing to determine whether they are illegal. The electronics will be thoroughly searched for evidence of any crimes and then returned if no evidence is found.

Even though not everyone who was raided was arrested, some suspects were found with unregistered NFA items. The proliferation of MCDs has been a focus of the ATF for several years. In 2021, a West Virginia man was arrested for selling what he called “portable wall hangers.” He claimed these 3D-printed items were used to hang up keys and other household things. The ATF claimed that wall hangers use was a ruse, and these items were 3D-printed “Yankee Boogles.” A Yankee Boogle is a 3D-printed swift link that can be made on any 3D printer with only a few dollars of filament. A user can drop it into certain AR-15-style rifles to make them fully automatic.

In October of 2024, the ATF arrested Peter Celentano of Bergen, New York, who went by the online moniker Freeman, for NFA violations, including the illegal possession of a machine gun. Federal authorities recovered two 3D printers, unserialized pistol frames, a jig used to finish 80% AR-15 receivers, and various other tools that could be used for gunsmithing. In a bathroom closet, the agents found what they claimed to be two 3D-printed machinegun conversion devices from the man’s home. The ATF also determined that he stored items away from his home by placing a GPS tracker on his vehicle. Allegedly, the ATF found multiple AR-15 lower receivers with the third hole drilled. The ATF considers these receivers to be machine guns.

The ATF has also been cracking down on 3D-printed suppressors. In January of this year, federal authorities arrested seven Pennsylvania men and one woman for making 3D-printed suppressors and installing Glock switches on firearms. The media have demonized 3D-printed suppressors since one was used to kill United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. It is perfectly legal to print a suppressor as long as you file an ATF Form 1, pay the tax stamp fee of $200, and add metal to the tube to allow serialization.

One item that is getting a lot of attention in the media is Glock switches, which can be purchased from Chinese websites. These items pose more of a risk to the public than 3D-printed auto sears. These MCDs have been used more frequently on the inter-city streets compared to 3D-printed auto sears. Most members of the 3D printing community who are making NFA items are not using their devices to commit crimes. They are trying to push the limits of technology. Sometimes, their pursuit of development causes them to cross the line.

About John Crump

Mr. Crump is an NRA instructor and a constitutional activist. John has written about firearms, interviewed people from all walks of life, and on the Constitution. John lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and sons, follow him on X at @crumpyss, or at www.crumpy.com.