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DNA recovery from 3D printed firearms.

Flynn Thomas Oltrogger¹, Greg Howe², Dennis McNevin¹

¹Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical & Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.

Science & Justice : Journal of the Forensic Science Society

|April 3, 2026

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Forensic investigators can recover assembler DNA from internal surfaces of 3D printed firearms, particularly grip pieces. Test firing does not significantly affect DNA recovery from internal firearm components.

Area of Science:

Forensic Science
Additive Manufacturing
Biometrics

Background:

Additive manufacturing (AM), specifically fused deposition modeling 3D printing, offers accessible firearm production.
3D printed firearms pose challenges for law enforcement and forensic investigations due to decentralized manufacturing.
Biometric identification of firearm handlers and manufacturers is valuable but complicated by evidence collection needs.

Purpose of the Study:

Investigate DNA transfer and recovery on 3D printed firearms (Harlot pistols and FGC-9).
Identify probative regions for DNA recovery from firearm assemblers and handlers.
Determine the effect of test firing on DNA recovery and relocation.

Main Methods:

Casework-inspired handling scenarios were used to examine DNA transfer.

Keywords:

3D-Printed Firearms Individual shedding propensity Secondary Transfer Trace DNA Recovery

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DNA recovery was assessed from internal and external surfaces of 3D printed firearms.

The impact of repeated test firing (up to 25 times) on DNA was evaluated.

Main Results:

Assembler DNA was recovered from internal firearm surfaces, with higher yields from grip pieces than triggers.
Internal surfaces yielded significantly higher proportions of assembler DNA compared to external surfaces.
Test firing up to 25 times did not result in detectable DNA relocation onto internal surfaces.

Conclusions:

Internal firearm components, especially grips, are valuable for recovering assembler DNA from 3D printed firearms.
Forensic strategies should prioritize internal surfaces for DNA evidence collection from 3D printed firearms.
Test firing does not appear to significantly compromise internal DNA evidence in these scenarios.