The government is cracking down on 3D printed machine gun conversion devices in Arizona

PHOENIX (AZFamily) – Machine gun conversion devices, commonly known as “Glock switches,” are increasingly appearing at crime scenes around the Valley, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

With the coin-sized accessory, criminals convert handguns and rifles into machine guns and fire up to 30 rounds in a matter of seconds.

“I’ve seen quite an uptick simply because they’re so easy to make and buy,” said Brendan Iber, an ATF special agent.

The device is illegal and is often made using a 3D printer or purchased abroad. Iber says there has been a concerted effort across the country and in Arizona to remove the dangerous and unpredictable devices from the streets.

Back in August, an Avondale man was arrested for reportedly selling Glock switches and drugs to an undercover ATF agent.

“It opens the path to destruction for you. When drive-by shootings and things like that happen, you have no control over them. It simply drops a large amount of bullets. It’s very difficult to control,” Iber said.

Iber said the ATF Phoenix Field Division sent out new training videos to Valley law enforcement in September explaining how to better identify these devices.

The ATF is also working with some unusual partners to educate the community about the dangers of 3D printers, helping to make this deadly device more accessible.

“We also went to our libraries in the Valley that have 3D printers. We will also be working with some local schools,” Iber said. “Anyone who has access to a 3D printer, either at home or elsewhere, can simply grab a file from the internet and print these things.”

Anyone caught in possession of a Glock switch could face up to ten years in prison.

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