“Glock switches,” small devices capable of turning almost any handgun into a machine gun, are increasingly being found among seized firearms in the Phoenix area, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
“Our proactive cases, whether undercover, historical, or other types of investigations, are increasingly uncovering these machine gun conversion devices,” said Special Agent in Charge Brendan Iber.
Iber explained that these switches, roughly the size of a quarter and made from metal or plastic, have become easier to acquire due to the rise of 3-D printing and widespread online ordering.
“Especially in the last five years, these devices have become readily and easily available,” Iber said. “Depending on your 3D printer’s speed, it takes an average of 40 minutes to print one of these machine gun conversion devices.”
Iber noted that these devices have become more common among juveniles in recent years.
“It’s concerning because we’re seeing younger and younger juveniles involved in violent crimes,” Iber said.
In addition to collaborating with local police departments to trace the sources of Glock switches, the bureau is partnering with libraries and schools to raise awareness about the potential misuse of 3D printers to produce these devices.
Under Arizona law, the devices are illegal when attached to a firearm, while federal law criminalizes possession of the device even when unattached, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 3D printing making ‘Glock switches’ easier to get in Arizona, ATF says
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