Man from Stalybridge sentenced for 3D-printing his own firearms

Today (Wednesday 30 September) a man has been sentenced at Manchester Crown Court for using a 3D-Printer to manufacture two firearms.

Jacob Naylor, 34, of Huddersfield Road, Stalybridge has been jailed for 5 years after pleading guilty to the production of two firearms, possession of a Class B drug cannabis, and possession of indecent images.

In November 2023, Officers from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit executed a search warrant at Naylor’s home address. They uncovered significant evidence connected to the construction of firearms.

Officer seized two black and white 3D printed firearms, plastic and metal firearms parts, 9mm rounds, a 3D printer with a SD card inside, and a bag of cannabis.

Naylor was found at his workplace and subsequently arrested. On his person, officers seized his mobile phone and more metal parts.

With the support of the Metropolitan Police’s Forensic Firearms Unit, the two 3D-printed firearms were tested and confirmed to be an FGC-9 and a ‘DIY’ AR9. Both were a mixture of plastic and metal pressured parts.

Both firearms were thoroughly examined and tested, the results revealed a terrifying reality that the FGC-9 could fire bullets and be used as a firearm. The AR9 was missing some components to become a usable firearm.

Through forensics, Naylor’s DNA was found on both the printer and the firearms.

A digital examination of Naylor's mobile phone and the SD card recovered from the 3D printer revealed further evidence of his intentions. Investigators discovered G-code files for firearm components, along with documents detailing how to assemble a 3D-printed firearm. G-code is the programming language used by 3D printers, providing the instructions required to manufacture items layer by layer.

The 9mm rounds were discovered to not be live rounds.

Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Wild from the NWROCU Operations Teams said:

“Naylor’s fascination with manufacturing firearms using 3D printing posed a significant threat and, if left unchecked, could have led to the widespread production of illegal firearms reaching our streets.

“We take the manufacture of any firearm extremely seriously and will take robust action against anyone seeking to endanger our communities through the production of dangerous weapons.

“We would like to thank the Metropolitan Police for their support and collaboration in bringing Naylor to justice.”