Unfinished Frame

UNFINISHED FRAME "IMPROPER STORAGE" CASE

On March 11, 2026 authorities at the Western New England University conducted an inspection of a student’s room and found several items that caused them to notify law enforcement. Among these items was, what the authorities described as, a 3D printed Glock frame. After a subsequent arrest the suspect was charged with:

MGL Ch. 269 Sec. 11 C – Manufacture Untraceable Firearm
MGL Ch. 140 Sec. 131L – Improper Storage of a Firearm
MGL Ch. 140 Sec. 121D – Use of 3D Printer to Manufacture Firearm without a license
MGL Ch. 269 Sec. 10H Possess Firearm without an FID Card

https://www.wcvb.com/article/western-new-england-student-dorm-weapons/70742093

Setting aside everything else involved in the case, what got GOAL’s attention was the “Improper storage” charge. There are already cases around the country dealing with the manufacturing/3D printing aspect, but we are not aware of any storage cases regarding an unfinished frame.

From the information obtained through police reports there seems to be no other firearm parts or ammunition found in the suspects possession. The new definition of “Firearm” under the Chapter 135 laws includes both frames and unfinished frames. Our concern has been how far the authorities would take this. It appears we have our answer.

GOAL will be keeping a close eye on how the court handles these charges.

Chapter 140 Section 121 (Definitions):

''Firearm'', a stun gun, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, sawed-off shotgun, large capacity firearm, assault-style firearm and machine gun, loaded or unloaded, which is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a shot or bullet; the frame or receiver of any such firearm or the unfinished frame or receiver of any such firearm; provided, however, that ''firearm'' shall not include any antique firearm or permanently inoperable firearm.

''Frame'', the part of a pistol or revolver that provides housing or a structure for the component designed to hold back the hammer, striker, bolt or similar primary energized component prior to initiation of the firing sequence, even if pins or other attachments are required to connect such component to the housing or structure. Any such part that is identified with an importer or manufacturer serial number shall be presumed, absent an official determination by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in the United States Department of Justice or other reliable evidence to the contrary, to be the frame of the firearm.

'Unfinished frame or receiver'', a forging, casting, printing, extrusion, machined body or similar item that: (i) has reached a stage in manufacture when it may readily be completed or assembled to function as a frame or receiver; or (ii) is marketed or sold to the public to become or be used as the frame or receiver of a functional firearm once completed or assembled; provided, however, that ''unfinished frame or receiver'' shall not include a component designed and intended for use in an antique firearm.

''Untraceable firearm'', a firearm that has not been serialized or a firearm whose serial or other identification number has been removed, defaced, altered, obliterated or mutilated in any manner.

Storage:

Chapter 140 Section 131L. (a) It shall be unlawful to store or keep any firearm in any place unless such firearm is secured in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device, properly engaged so as to render such firearm inoperable by any person other than the owner or other lawfully authorized user. It shall be unlawful to store or keep any stun gun in any place unless such firearm is secured in a locked container accessible only to the owner or other lawfully authorized user. For purposes of this section, such firearm shall not be deemed stored or kept if carried by or under the control of the owner or other lawfully authorized user.

(b) A violation of this section shall be punished, in the case of a that is not a large capacity firearm or machine gun, by a fine of not less than $1000 nor more than $7,500 or by imprisonment for not more than 11/2 years or by both such fine and imprisonment and, in the case of a large capacity or semiautomatic weapon or machine gun, by a fine of not less than $2,000 nor more than $15,000 or by imprisonment for not less than 11/2 years nor more than 12 years or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(c) A violation of this section shall be punished, in the case of a that is not a large capacity firearm or machine gun and the firearm was stored or kept in a place where a person younger than 18 years of age who does not possess a valid firearm identification card issued under section 129B may have access without committing an unforeseeable trespass, by a fine of not less than $2,500 nor more than $15,000 or by imprisonment for not less than 11/2 years nor more than 12 years or by both such fine and imprisonment.

GOAL Privacy Policy

GOAL Shipping Policy

GOAL Return Policy

Student Re-booking and Cancellation Policy

Terms

Share by: