The following is a Special Extended Insight
1.Introduction
On Wednesday, 21 August 2024, the build plans for a highly anticipated 3D-printed pistol-calibre carbine were released on the largely defunct Odysee open-source video hosting platform. While recent years have seen a significant proliferation in the release of new build-plans and files for 3D-Printed Firearms (3DPF), particularly noticeable from 2019 onwards, this Special Extended Insight argues that the release of the ‘Urutau’ should be considered a potential watershed moment with important security implications for several reasons.
Notably, the Urutau is reportedly much easier to build than the FGC-9, a semi-automatic 9mm firearm primarily constructed with 3D-printed parts and simple tools. The FGC-9 has gained popularity within the 3D-printing firearm community due to its ability to be assembled without any regulated parts. Further facilitating the task, the assembly instructions for the Urutau are exceptionally well-designed. Each step is clearly numbered, accompanied by precise line drawings that illustrate the exact placement and alignment of each component. These well-constructed instructions set a new standard, potentially increasing the accessibility and proliferation of 3DPF, including among extremists and criminals.
However, arguably, the most significant impact of the Urutau may not be technical but rather symbolic or intellectual, rooted in a manifesto-like document titled ‘The New Second Amendment’ included with the build plan. This document articulates a global vision for the unrestricted right to keep and bear arms, framing it not as a legal entitlement but as a fundamental human right transcending national boundaries. It establishes a universal principle meant to resist regulation, encouraging builders to adopt a mindset of perpetual innovation and resilience against regulatory and societal constraints. Moreover, the Urutau release also includes two additional guides, detailed tips and strategies for maintaining operational security (OpSec) and employing obfuscation techniques, equipping builders with both practical know-how to construct the firearm and tactical knowledge to avoid detection.
Figure 1: STL Preview of the Urutau.
This convergence of technical accessibility, ideological motivation, and advanced OpSec guidance, if unchecked, may lead to a proliferation of unregulated firearms among extremist groups and further complicate efforts to track and counter violent activities.
2. Context and Background
The development of 3D-printed firearms has been characterised by rapid technological advancements and increased community engagement since its inception. In 2013, the release of the Liberator marked a pivotal moment as the world’s first nearly entirely 3D-printed firearm, a basic pistol primarily composed of plastic. Since then, the design and functionality of 3DPFs have evolved dramatically, transitioning from simple, single-shot models to more complex, durable, and reliable firearms. These improvements have been driven by advancements in 3D printing technology and the concerted efforts of a global community committed to refining and disseminating firearm blueprints.
3D-printed firearms can be broadly categorised into three types: fully 3D-printed (F3DP) firearms, hybrids, and Parts Kit Completions/Conversions. Fully 3D-printed firearms predominantly consist of 3D-printed components, supplemented by non-printed materials such as nails or elastic bands, and are generally less reliable and durable than traditional firearms. Hybrid firearms incorporate 3D-printed parts alongside readily available, unregulated components like metal tubing or springs, enhancing their reliability and durability to levels comparable with conventional firearms. The Urutau falls squarely within this hybrid category. PKC firearms feature a 3D-printed receiver or frame combined with standard firearm parts, making them the most reliable form of 3DPF, though they often involve components restricted in most of the world.
The community of 3DPF designers, beta testers, and builders is predominantly concentrated in the United States, where the creation of such firearms is largely permitted under the First and Second Amendments. Operating within these legal parameters, the community frequently shares designs and improvements on platforms such as Odysee, Discord, Reddit, X, Element, RocketChat and Telegram.
Despite the largely lawful operations of the 3DPF community in the United States, extremist groups and terrorists have increasingly sought to exploit 3DPF technology. A recently published study in the CTC Sentinel analysed 35 incidents involving right-wing extremist actors worldwide, revealing that these groups are motivated by various factors, including ideological symbolism, the need to supplement conventional firearms, efforts to evade legal scrutiny, and financial profit. In Myanmar, anti-junta rebels have increasingly resorted to homemade weapons, including 3D-printed firearms, produced in small workshops or bases close to the frontlines, effectively bypassing traditional supply chain restrictions. These firearms play a crucial role in training inexperienced fighters and are used in hit-and-run operations aimed at capturing more advanced weaponry from the Tatmadaw. While in Northern Ireland, a republican paramilitary group has used 3D-printed firearms in ceremonies and demonstrations on at least three occasions.
3. Development of the Urutau
According to designer “ZC” (named after a popular Brazilian parrot character created by Disney), the initial concept for the design dates back to 2019, although active development began in early 2021, prior to the release of the FGC-9 MK2. A unique aspect of the Urutau’s development was how ZC, along with the beta testing group, embraced the challenges embedded in the project. Working from Brazil, ZC was unable to personally test his designs, relying entirely on a group of testers, primarily based in the United States. While the most popular remixes and leading designs in the DIY firearm community are often produced by Americans, hybrid fully DIY variants are frequently associated with non-American creators. A prime example is the FGC-9, which not only inspired the creation of the Urutau but also influenced other hybrid variants designed by non-Americans. These include the Partisan-9 by “IR,” a European designer, and a hybrid .22LR pistol designed by “SOW”, another non-American innovator.
The Urutau stands out as the first design to fully embrace the decentralized and collaborative development model, from its inception to its continuous updates and strategic promotion. This approach was captured by the iconic slogan: “Designed in Brazil, tested in America, and made in your home.” The project not only highlighted the collaboration between international contributors but also underscored the growing trend of decentralized firearms development, where innovation crosses borders leveraging each participant’s local legal framework. This model broke traditional limitations and enabled broader participation in the DIY firearm community.
The initial testing phase of the Urutau was facilitated by members of AWCY? (Are We Cool Yet?), but delays and inactivity led to the project being migrated to Deterrence Dispensed, or The Gatalog’s RocketChat platform, administered by ZC. This shift allowed the project to take full advantage of The Gatalog’s resources.
Figure 2: Discussion on the development of the Urutau project reveals early collaboration and its transition between different platforms and design collectives.
Like the FGC-9, the Urutau is composed entirely of unregulated, non-gun components, but it introduces several key improvements over the FGC-9 MK1 and MK2. While the FGC-9 MK2 already featured a weldless bolt option, the Urutau went further by replacing cylindrical metal bars with rectangular ones, requiring only JB Weld (two parts high-temperature adhesive), thereby streamlining the construction process and lowering the skill barrier for builders compared to the FGC-9. Its fully 3D-printed fire control group also eliminates the need for AR-15 trigger components. Additionally, the design includes a shortened firing pin, improved out-of-battery safety features, and reduced manufacturing costs, all of which enhance scalability and represent a significant step forward compared to the FGC-9. The entire design process was focused on making manufacturing simple, quick, and resilient against surveillance. While the process isn’t entirely foolproof, it is increasingly more secure than previous designs.
Prior to the release of the Urutau files, several videos teased the impending release. Some were quite rudimentary, featuring clips of the Urutau being fired, interspersed with a black background and red letters proclaiming that the Urutau was “Tested in America,” “Designed in Brazil,” and “Made in your home.” These messages were accompanied by the ominous Latin mottos: “si vis pacem, para bellum” (which translates to “If you want peace, prepare for war”) and “scientia potentia est” (meaning “Knowledge is power”), along with a warning to “Fear the Bird.” The designer, ZC (aka Joseph the Parrot), named the firearm Urutau, meaning “ghost bird.” in the Tupi-Guarani language spoken by Indigenous peoples in Brazil and other parts of South America.
Figures 3-6: Screenshots of Urutau Trailer #3.
In contrast, some videos were far more sophisticated in their production. One such video began with excerpts from an interview with Yuri Bezmenov, a former member of the KGB’s elite propaganda arm, the Novosti Press Agency. In this interview, conducted by G. Edward Griffin in 1984, Bezmenov spoke about the four stages of subversion, bluntly warning: “You are not living in a time of peace. You are in a state of war.” Following this chilling statement, bold red letters flashed across the screen: “They are not your friends.” The video continued with another quote from Bezmenov: “If you are not scared by now, nothing can scare you.” This was followed by another message in red letters: “They want to control you. “The video resumed with Bezmenov’s words: “They want to put a Big Brother government in place,” which were suddenly interrupted by a rapid sequence of news screenshots highlighting international seizures of 3D-printed firearms, as well as recent legislative measures introduced in the United Kingdom, United States, Brazil, Canada, and the Czech Republic aimed at countering such activities. The video returned to Bezmenov’s ominous rhetoric: “The time bomb is ticking. With every second, the disaster is coming closer and closer.” Immediately after, another message appeared in red letters, challenging the viewer: “Will you fight for what is right?” The video then transitioned to clips of JStark from the “Plastic Defence: Illegal 3D Printed Guns in Europe” documentary produced by Jake Hanrahan and his independent media platform Popular Front, accompanied by the statement: “He did [fight for what is right].” JStark himself appeared on screen, passionately declaring: “We want people to have freedom of speech and the right to bear arms. If that’s too politically extreme for you—fuck yourself.” The video concluded with powerful clips of the Urutau being fired, closing with an assertive call to action: “Do not make peace with evil.”
Figures 7 & 8: Screenshots of Urutau Trailer #2.
The inclusion of Yuri Bezmenov’s interview clips in the promotional material for the Urutau files serves to establish a narrative that draws on historical accounts of ideological subversion and coercion by state actors. Bezmenov’s warnings of gradual societal control through subversion are emblematic of the psychological processes through which authoritarian regimes erode individual autonomy, transforming free societies into controlled entities. Referencing Bezmenov arguably evokes a deep ideological struggle against what they perceive as the systematic erosion of civil liberties by governments. The use of such rhetoric embeds their movement within a larger discourse on state power, emphasizing themes of ideological warfare, loss of autonomy, and the perceived encroachment of centralised control on individual freedoms. This incorporation of Bezmenov’s narrative serves not only to underscore the legitimacy of the 3DPF community but also to highlight their belief in the inevitability of conflict between state power and individual agency, positioning their technological endeavours as a form of resistance against hegemonic state structures.
The promotion of the Urutau also sparked some controversy within the community. Tensions arose specifically around the use of logos in promotional material when AWCY? publicly demanded, during a heated exchange on X (formerly Twitter), that their logo be removed from the promotional material distributed by members of Deterrence Dispensed. Despite the disagreement, the designer acknowledged the contribution of early testers from the AWCY? group and promptly complied by removing the logo from the promotional images.
Figure 9: A heated exchange between ZC and AWCY? on X addressed the unauthorized use of AWCY?’s logo in Urutau promotional materials. ZC acknowledged their concerns and removed the logo, highlighting early collaboration but resolving the disagreement promptly.
Interestingly, in these promotional videos, the Urutau is shown with a selector switch that allows the user to toggle between three settings: “0” (weapon is safe), “30” (automatic fire), and “1” (semi-automatic fire). In at least one of the clips, the Urutau is seen firing in fully automatic mode. However, the version presented in the released build plans only includes a selector offering the user a choice between the “0” (safe) and “1” (semi-automatic) positions, omitting the “30” (automatic fire) option.
According to ZC, the decision to exclude a select-fire option for the Urutau was made for several reasons. First, the select-fire mechanism was considered unreliable due to issues with bolt bounce and auto sear timing, which compromised the consistent operation of the firearm in automatic mode. Additionally, the author of the documentation, RS, refused to include instructions for a select-fire design, citing concerns regarding compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Lastly, ZC noted that they were unable to test the select-fire design to a standard acceptable to The Gatalog.
Figure 10: ZC explains the decision to omit the select-fire option from the Urutau release.
In fact, the release of the Urutau itself was partially delayed and postponed by The Gatalog. The beta test manager, DD, was unable to review the extensive documentation in time to meet the planned release date of 20 August. Instead, the files were initially released on 21 August, followed by a re-release by The Gatalog on Odysee on 25 August (and publicly announced on the 27th).
4. Analysis of the File Drop
The Urutau file drop is a 392 MB zip file meticulously structured into various directories, including comprehensive guides, detailed blueprints, and supporting resources for builders at every skill level.
Figure 11: Directory structure of the 392 MB Urutau file drop.
At the root level, it includes “The New Second Amendment” document (1,186 KB).
Within this main directory, there are six primary folders, each dedicated to a specific aspect of the firearm creation process. The comprehensive build-guide, titled “Urutau Documentation.pdf” can be found in the “Documentation” folder.
The “ECM Barrel” folder focuses on the Electrochemical Machining process, a non-traditional machining process used to create rifling grooves inside a hydraulic pipe without the need for mechanical cutting tools to create a rifled barrel. This involves passing a high current between the barrel (which acts as the anode) and a shaped tool (the cathode) submerged in an electrolytic solution.
The “Mods & Extras” folder includes several subfolders and PDFs with instructions for further modifications or personalizations of the Urutau, which differ from the instructions in the “Urutau Documentation.pdf”. This folder also includes a Spanish version of “The New Second Amendment” document and two documents related to good operational security practices.
The “PGP Keys & Contact Info” folder provides an introduction to PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) encryption—a method used to secure email communications by encrypting messages and verifying the sender’s identity—along with instructions on how to contact ZC or RS.
Finally, the “STEP” folder provides precise CAD (Computer-Aided Design) models for various parts, while the “STL” folder offers ready-to-print models sorted into functional categories, such as magazines and sights.
4.1. The New Second Amendment Document
This 9-page document serves as a manifesto outlining the philosophy and goals behind privately manufacturable firearms. It begins by tracing the intellectual lineage of the FGC-9, Partisan 9, and Urutau firearms and establishes three primary design objectives for these firearms:
- Practicality of Manufacturing: The design must be accessible in terms of materials, costs, space, and technical knowledge required for production.
- Invulnerability to State Intervention: The design should make it difficult or impossible for governments to regulate or prohibit the weapon’s manufacture and use.
- Competitiveness with Modern Standards: The weapon must be capable of competing with professionally manufactured firearms in terms of performance and reliability.
The authors note that no current privately manufacturable firearm design fully meets all three objectives. The FGC-9, Partisan 9, Urutau, and their derivatives are the closest attempts, facing the “triple constraint” where achieving all three goals simultaneously proves challenging. They categorise firearms into three subcategories based on which two objectives they fulfil and which one they compromise. For example, firearms made using mills and lathes are invulnerable to state intervention and competitive with modern standards but are impractical for most people to manufacture due to high costs and technical requirements. Conversely, crude firearms, like the one used in the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, are practical to manufacture and invulnerable to state intervention but fail to meet modern standards of competitiveness.
The document strongly asserts that the right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental human right that should be globally recognised, not limited to specific countries or territories. The authors express sympathy for individuals in regions where these rights are restricted or revoked and aim to restore them worldwide. They highlight that while Americans currently enjoy more relaxed laws regarding privately manufactured firearms, this privilege is not guaranteed to last due to potential changes in US gun laws.
The authors further express concerns about the future of gun rights in the United States, citing a history of increasing restrictions and a lack of reversals on such policies. They argue that ongoing political polarisation, economic instability, and potential regime changes could further threaten these rights. They stress that no government, especially in times of turmoil, would prioritise upholding individual gun rights.
To advance the “New Second Amendment,” which they present as a global principle rather than a mere constitutional right, the authors call on readers to actively participate in the creation, testing, and improvement of privately manufacturable firearms. They encourage individuals to gain hands-on experience by building firearms like the Urutau, engage in beta testing, learn CAD software for designing and modifying weapons, and explore new manufacturing techniques beyond 3D printing, such as molten material casting, electrochemical machining, and drones and robotics.
The document also advises maintaining a global perspective in design, emphasising the importance of free and open-source principles to ensure that firearms and their designs remain accessible and modifiable worldwide.
4.2. The Build Guide
The 105-page document begins with a foreword thanking beta testers from AWCY? and The Gatalog, and features a picture of JStark1809, the designer of the FGC-9, highlighting his contributions not only to the development of the Urutau but also to the broader 3DPF movement. This is followed by a page prominently displaying the slogan, “Knowledge is Power!” reflecting the document’s commitment to empowerment through information and featuring a QR code linked to a Monero (XMR) address, encouraging donations to support ongoing development and efforts against global firearm restrictions.
The document itself is divided into 20 subsections. The first two sections are related to safety advisors and American legal warning. Section 3 is OpSec & Obfuscation; the section is also included as a standalone document in the “MOD & Extras” folder. The following “Machines & Tools” and “Materials” sections provide detailed instructions on the equipment needed to build the Urutau. They emphasise the importance of having a well-calibrated 3D printer, recommending models such as the Creality Ender 3 or Bambu CoreXY, and advise keeping the Bambu printer offline for privacy reasons. The necessary tools include a bench vice, handheld drill, soldering iron, pliers, hacksaw, sandpaper, file, and drill bits. All the tools listed in the “Machines & Tools” section are easily accessible and relatively inexpensive, making them suitable for builders with basic home workshop setups.
The materials required are similarly listed, accompanied by pictures and short descriptions. Interestingly, for items that may be difficult to purchase due to country-specific regulations—such as an AR-15 hammer spring—instructions for home manufacturing these parts are provided. Moreover, several items are flagged with warnings that, while they might have “many plausible, legal uses,” their purchase could alert authorities to the builder’s activities. These warnings are in red, bold typeface, underscoring the manual’s emphasis on operational security.
Figure 12: Extracted from the manual, the Driver Shaft, used to manufacture the firing pin, is accompanied by a cautionary note.
The manual then describes the 41 3D-printed pieces required to assemble the Urutau, along with 8 optional pieces for the front and rear sights. These descriptions provide advice on how to print each part effectively. The following 42 pages meticulously detail the 99 steps required to assemble the Urutau, as well as the steps to assemble a 30-round magazine, aided by technical line drawings.
The rest of the document is dedicated to function testing, both in dry firing and subsequently in live firing. It also includes instructions on how to maintain an Urutau, noting that the fire control group is likely to survive well beyond 300 rounds if printed correctly. Additionally, there are troubleshooting instructions for resolving issues and a 4-page essay that provides contextual information explaining the rationale behind the design choices made for the Urutau.
4.3. OpSec & Obfuscation documentations
The file drop contains two documents related to operational security.
The first document appears both in the build manual and as a standalone file in the “Mods and Extras” folder under the title “OpSec & Obfuscation.” It emphasises the importance of maintaining silence and warns against sharing any details about firearm production with others—whether in person or online—to avoid incrimination. It also advises against involvement in other illegal activities, reducing the risk of drawing unwanted attention.
The document categorises evidence into three types: physical, inward-facing computer systems, and outward-facing systems, and provides strategies for managing each. These include tips on how to handle 3D-printed parts and firearm components, obfuscate DNA and fingerprints, and properly dispose of documents related to firearm manufacturing. Recommendations for digital security include encrypting hard drives, securely deleting files, using Linux distributions, avoiding cloud services, and disconnecting computers from the internet to protect sensitive information. It also cautions against using public chat rooms or unencrypted communications, suggesting secure methods like PGP encryption and using ProtonMail over Tor for contacting firearm designers.
Finally, the document suggests engaging in innocuous activities such as DIY projects, Airsoft or paintball sports, and even pursuing legal firearm ownership where possible to divert attention and provide plausible deniability.
The second document titled “John Smith Practices Good OpSec!” serves as a guide to operational security practices, using a fictional narrative to teach strategies for avoiding legal scrutiny when engaging in illicit activities, particularly the illegal manufacturing of firearms. Through the allegorical tale of John Smith, the document provides practical advice on minimizing risks when making “potentially concerning purchases,” such as firearm components, in legally restrictive environments.
Figure 13: An excerpt from ‘John Smith Practices Good OpSec!’
The story employs a whimsical, fairy-tale style, with terms like “invisibility cloak” and “magical ingredients” serving as metaphors for real-world security measures, such as encrypting communications and using disposable online identities. The narrative follows John Smith as he acquires firearm components, highlighting key OpSec techniques, including untraceable payments and safeguarding digital footprints to avoid detection by authorities.
Throughout, the document emphasises essential OpSec principles, such as concealing physical evidence, maintaining operational silence, and managing behaviour to avoid suspicion. These strategies are intended to reduce the risk of detection, particularly in jurisdictions with strict firearm regulations. The story features AI-generated images of a young boy with bright red hair and expressive green eyes on his “quest” to build an Urutau. These images are credited to a prominent member of the 3DPF community known for his prolific creation of AI-generated artwork that blends elements of anime with 3DPF themes.
5. Implications
The release of the Urutau carries implications that extend beyond technical innovation, shaping the broader landscape of 3DPF manufacturing. While the design itself introduces several advancements aimed at simplifying and reducing production costs, it also impacts legal, cultural, and security dimensions. These elements deepen the understanding of how the Urutau could influence the future of 3DPF. By streamlining the construction process and reducing dependency on firearm-specific components, the Urutau not only increases accessibility but also embeds a strong ideological message through its accompanying manifesto. This design shift may impact scalability, accessibility, and operational security in various contexts, raising questions about the technical, legal, and operational advancements of the Urutau, its potential use by diverse groups, and the cultural and ideological influences it represents within the 3DPF movement.
5.1. Technical Innovations
The primary implication of the Urutau file release is technical. The improvements in the Urutau’s design are said by its creators to directly address the cost, complexity, and material sourcing issues that have historically limited access to 3DPF manufacturing. Compared to the FGC-9, the Urutau eliminates key manufacturing complexities. The bolt, (the part of the firearm responsible for chambering rounds and housing the firing pin), which is pinned and glued using square or rectangular bars instead of welded components, removes the need for a welding machine—an essential but restrictive tool in previous designs. This innovation addresses one of the most technical and error-prone steps in the FGC-9 build process: welding and drilling precision metal components. Additionally, the Urutau further reduces technical barriers by minimizing the need for metal drilling. The firing pin channel has been shortened due to the innovative use of printed plastic in the design, making the process significantly easier.
5.2. Overcoming Legal and Material Constraints
The Urutau also overcomes a key limitation of earlier designs like the FGC-9 and Partisan 9, which relied on firearm-specific components such as AR-15 fire control group springs. In contrast, the Urutau uses non-firearm-related components, improving supply chain resilience and reducing legal risks in restrictive jurisdictions. The only significant regulated materials required are the thick-wall hydraulic pipe for the barrel and ammunition or ammunition components.
5.3. Enhanced Durability and Simplified Construction
Urutau’s implementation of dual steel guide rods (components that guide the bolt’s movement during firing) not only increases the firearm’s durability but also eliminates the need for a buffer tube (a part typically used to house the recoil spring), further simplifying construction and maintenance. This feature, along with the telescoping bolt design (a bolt that adjusts its length for better weight balance), optimizes weight distribution and reduces recoil, enhancing both performance and longevity, making the Urutau not only easier to produce but also more efficient in operation.
In the “Technical Aspects and Design Choices” section of the build guide, it is noted that the Urutau can be manufactured in less than a week if all necessary machines, tools, and materials are available, and the project is treated as a full-time job. With additional printers, skilled volunteers or employees, and a reliable supply chain, the manufacturing process can be easily scaled up, making the production of the Urutau both efficient and adaptable to larger-scale efforts. This scalability has significant implications, particularly for criminal organizations or insurgents looking to produce firearms on a large scale. Authorities in several countries, such as Finland, Sweden, Netherlands, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, have uncovered large-scale criminal firearm manufacturing operations. In a notable 2021 case, Finnish police arrested over 100 individuals after discovering a production facility in a warehouse in Tampere, southwestern Finland. This facility was equipped with manufacturing equipment, partially completed firearms, and even a firing range for testing the weapons. According to Armament Research Services, such operations can be incredibly lucrative:
“The investment in this Finnish case—around $1,000 USD for six printers, and perhaps half as much again for the various other required tools and materials—would allow the printing of parts for 12 FGC-9 firearms in only two weeks. With each being reportedly sold via telegram groups for around 2,500 EUR (approximately $3,030 USD) each, the manufacture and supply obviously presents a highly attractive criminal venture considering the low risk and minimal cost compared to trafficking or manufacturing conventional firearms.”
5.4. Potential Uses by Extremists, Terrorists, and Insurgent Groups
The notion of scalability also has profound implications for insurgents and terrorist organizations that may seek to manufacture Urutau rifles as a means of supplementing existing stockpiles of firearms. This potential use case is not overlooked by the designers of the Urutau. For instance, the “Technical Aspects and Design Choices” section of the build guide explicitly states that the Urutau is designed with urban combat and guerrilla warfare in mind. The guide specifies that the firearm’s form factor should support easy concealment, use inside vehicles, manoeuvrability within buildings and close-quarters environments, and an effective range of 25 to 100 meters.
Moreover, the potential for the Urutau to be used by insurgents fighting the military junta in Myanmar has sparked discussion among firearms enthusiasts. Following the release of a promotional video for the Urutau, a user on X asked ZC if he thought the Urutau design might be adopted by resistance movements in Myanmar and how it compares to the FGC-9 regarding construction, accessibility of parts, ease of assembly, and performance. ZC responded that while he had not personally assembled an FGC-9, feedback from those who have built both firearms indicates that the Urutau is easier to assemble and use, does not require welding, and has a smoother recoil. This suggests that the Urutau could potentially be adopted as a practical battlefield weapon by resistance fighters in Myanmar.
In fact, since the onset of the Myanmar civil war in 2021, the 3DPF community has often celebrated the use of 3D-printed firearms by rebel groups, viewing it as a powerful demonstration of how this technology can be leveraged to resist repressive regimes. For many within the community, the success of the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force in producing firearms with 3D printers has become symbolic of the potential for decentralised manufacturing to empower those fighting against authoritarian forces.
Figure 14: Meme, shared within the 3DPF community, celebrates the use of 3D-printed firearms by Myanmar’s anti-junta resistance forces.
While there is no evidence that insurgent groups in Myanmar have adopted the Urutau instead of the FGC-9, this is likely due to their established proficiency in fabricating the FGC-9. This familiarity may lead to reluctance to transition to a new production model like the Urutau, at least for now. However, the Urutau—or at least a beta version of it—has been involved in at least one case of a right-wing extremist manufacturing 3D-printed firearms.
In November 2021, Swedish police arrested Jim Holmgren, a 25-year-old white nationalist, at his farm in Falköping, Sweden. They discovered 50 tonnes of explosive precursors on the property, some of which belonged to a neighbour. Holmgren’s farm also contained far-right paraphernalia and a manifesto allegedly paying tribute to Anders Breivik. According to his indictment, Holmgren purchased a 3D printer in January 2021 and attempted to manufacture several 3D-printed firearms, including the ZBC-21 (a beta version of the Urutau), FGC-9, and FGC-22. He was an active participant in an online 3D-printed gun community, frequently posting in RocketChat rooms about 3D-printed firearms and explosives.
5.5. Cultural Influence and Design Aesthetics
The aesthetics of the Urutau are heavily influenced by the distinctive bullpup designs (FN P90 and F2000, Steyr AUG, Magpul PDR-C), characterised by its rearward placement of the action and magazine behind the trigger. This configuration has become synonymous with futuristic weaponry in science fiction and has been prominently featured in various sci-fi franchises, such as “Stargate SG-1”, where it became the standard-issue weapon for the protagonists, as well as in video games like Counter-Strike and Call of Duty. While practical considerations often guide the development of conventional firearms, the importance of aesthetics within 3DPF design choices cannot be overstated.
The 3DPF community is defined not only by its commitment to innovation, open-source sharing, and a DIY ethos, but also by distinct cultural influences drawn from gaming and digital subcultures. Many community members have been shaped by video games such as “Cyberpunk 2077,” where themes of resistance against oppressive systems and the use of advanced technology to subvert control closely align with the community’s own ideals. This influence is evident in the aesthetics of some 3DPF designs, such as the bullpup styling of the Urutau, which reflects a distinct Cyberpunk motif. In fact, a significant number of the promotional and propaganda videos for the Urutau feature 1980s-inspired and early cyberpunk themes, both visually and in their audio. JStark himself was an active member of a Cyberpunk 2077-themed subreddit, where he promoted his design and encouraged members to explore the possibility of building a real firearm.
Additionally, the Urutau’s ability to be printed in different colors and customised further through various design modifications adds to its appeal, allowing builders to personalise the firearm while enhancing its visual impact. This level of customisation, combined with its futuristic aesthetics and cultural resonance, is likely to make the Urutau an iconic design within the 3DPF community.
5.6. Operational Security (OpSec) and Obfuscation Techniques
In addition to the technical and aesthetic significance of the Urutau release, the efforts to obscure activities related to the manufacturing and use of 3D-printed firearms, as detailed in the “OpSec & Obfuscation” documentation, represent another important development.
According to its authors, this documentation was inspired by two key sources. The first is the BBC’s show “Forensics: The Real CSI,” particularly the episode titled “Untraceable” (S04E03), which is credited with “inspiring or confirming the contents of this document,” and has since become an instant classic. This episode attracted significant attention within the 3D-printed firearm community, prompting some members to organize a watching party that was live-streamed on YouTube and featured prominent figures from the community. After the documentary aired, it became a popular source of internet memes and mockery. However, it also served as a critical educational resource, providing the community with insights into forensic and investigative techniques employed to counteract 3D-printed firearms. These insights were subsequently integrated into the operational security guidelines within the document. In fact, in a tweet, ZC mentioned: “thanks for the info, we’ll use it to elaborate a better opsec guide,” acknowledging the practical value of the information gained from the episode.
Figure 15: ZC reacts to a BBC segment, criticizing its tone while acknowledging its utility in refining operational security practices.
The second source of inspiration appears to be the arrest of David Biddell-Portman, to whom the document is dedicated and described as “an English man who did absolutely nothing wrong!” In reality, Biddell-Portman was arrested in 2020 and later sentenced to five years in prison for manufacturing two 3D-printed firearms, including an FGC-9. Biddell-Portman is featured in the BBC documentary, which concludes with him pleading guilty to manufacturing lethal weapons. However, he maintains that he never intended to create a viable lethal weapon; his motivation was driven by inquisitiveness and fascination.
The guide offers a nuanced approach to operational security, prioritizing practical procedures over the simplistic recommendation of specific tools, which sets it apart from conventional tech-based, plug-and-play advice. It assumes users possess a certain level of pre-existing knowledge. This is evident in its advanced advice, such as specifying certain Linux distributions without offering introductory context, reflecting an expectation that users are already familiar with these systems. But what is truly fascinating and, in many ways, notable is the emphasis on behavioural aspects. The guide goes beyond technical steps, integrating behavioural guidance to ensure users minimize risks in their everyday activities. Whether advising users to avoid discussing firearm-related activities with anyone or to obscure their behaviour by engaging in innocuous DIY projects, the focus on maintaining a low profile through personal conduct is a key differentiator.
According to Michael Loadenthal, who has written extensively on the OpSec practices of far-right and clandestine networks, there are striking similarities between the Urutau OpSec documents and the normative OPSEC practices used by far-right activists, as outlined in sources like the “Privacy Checklist: A privacy & security goys™ checklist.“* The Privacy Checklist is a 54-page guide created and distributed by a far-right cybersecurity group, providing detailed recommendations on digital and operational security practices tailored specifically for far-right, neo-Nazi, and fascist accelerationist groups. The checklist includes strategies such as using alternatives to mainstream operating systems (such as Unix/Linux variants), employing encryption techniques for secure communication, adopting privacy-conscious browsing practices, removing metadata from media, and spoofing device identifiers to prevent tracking. It also emphasizes secure communication channels, including PGP encryption and privacy-focused services like ProtonMail, with the goal of maintaining anonymity and protecting sensitive information from authorities. Similarly, the Urutau OpSec documents emphasize managing physical components—such as obfuscating DNA and fingerprints or properly disposing of documents—which aligns with the far-right OpSec community’s broader efforts to eliminate identifiable traces. This includes recommendations for using disposable (“burner”) devices to avoid surveillance. The practices for securing inward-facing systems, such as encrypting hard drives, securely deleting files, and using privacy-focused operating systems like Linux, also mirror the typical far-right protocols aimed at minimizing digital vulnerabilities. Finally, the recommended practices for managing outward-facing systems, which discourage the use of public chat rooms and instead advocate for secure communication via methods like PGP encryption or ProtonMail over Tor, highlight the importance of maintaining anonymity and using secure contact channels.
It is also worth noting that the combination of whimsy, toughness, and sarcasm in the storytelling of “John Smith Practices Good OpSec!”—featuring AI-generated images of a young boy with bright red hair and expressive green eyes on his “quest” to build an Urutau—not only draws readers in with engaging, almost fantastical language, but also establishes an emotional narrative of strength against adversity and embeds subversive messaging through irony and humour. This style also shares notable similarities with accelerationist propaganda, which often employs sarcasm and irony to mask underlying calls to action. The playful and whimsical language, while seemingly innocent, serves to cloak a more serious narrative of subversion, making it accessible and appealing while minimising the perceived risk of engaging in illegal activities.
The inclusion of two sections on operational security and obfuscation can most likely be attributed to two emerging trends in efforts to counter the production of privately made firearms. In recent years, several jurisdictions, in addition to existing legislation prohibiting the manufacturing of firearms by private individuals, have introduced laws criminalising the possession or distribution of files and instructions for manufacturing such firearms.
The second trend involves journalists, activists, and researchers doxing (such as publicly revealing private or personal information about an individual without their consent) prominent individuals within the 3DPF community. Two of the most notable cases include a report by Rajan Basra at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence, which identified Jacob Duygu as “JStark1809,” the infamous designer of the FGC-9. More recently, an investigation by The New York Times revealed the identity of “Ivan the Troll,” one of the most significant designers and figureheads within the community, as 26-year-old John Elik from Illinois, nephew of Republican state representative Amy Elik. Amy Elik is a staunch supporter of gun rights and voted against Illinois’ ban on homemade firearms.
5.7. The Ideological Framework of the “New Second Amendment”
The release of the Urutau files and the accompanying “The New Second Amendment” serve as a manifesto accompanying the Urutau build, outlining a global vision for unrestricted access to privately manufactured firearms worldwide. The importance of this document lies in its convergence of ideological motivation and technical innovation. By framing the right to bear arms as a fundamental human right that should be globally recognised, it advocates for the decentralisation of firearm production as a method of resistance against government restrictions. It also stresses that technological advancements in privately manufacturable firearms, like the Urutau, are key to undermining efforts to regulate or prohibit firearm ownership. This, in turn, complicates efforts by governments and law enforcement to control the proliferation of unregulated firearms. In doing so, the “New Second Amendment” not only sets forth a roadmap for advancing the capabilities of 3D-printed firearms but also solidifies the ideological framework that underpins the movement.
Within the community, the “New Second Amendment” document acts both as a catalyst and a source of division. On one hand, it seeks to galvanize the community around the shared goal of securing the right to bear arms, providing a framework for action through guiding principles and strategies to navigate anticipated challenges. The document aims to build a sustainable movement that transcends geographical boundaries and legal constraints by encouraging collaboration, innovation, and resilience.
However, it also signals an attempt to diverge from the previously dominant American voices within the movement, particularly in the aftermath of JStark’s death. While the community was once relatively homogeneous, it has since evolved into a more diverse group, comprising individuals with varying political ideologies, motivations, and technical expertise. This evolution has been accompanied by emerging rivalries and divisions within the community. One notable source of tension arises from differing perspectives on open-source versus proprietary designs. Some advocates in the 3DPF community support open-source sharing, making designs freely available to anyone with access to 3D printing technology, as they believe in democratizing knowledge. Conversely, others prefer to maintain proprietary control over their designs, often charging for access, driven by commercial interests or a heightened concern for security.
Further divisions exist between those who view 3D printing as a platform for constant experimentation and technological innovation—such as through the use of novel materials or the creation of unique, complex designs—and those who prioritize the refinement of existing models for reliability, safety, and practical use. While the experimentalists emphasize innovation for its own sake, the functionalists focus on ensuring that firearms created through 3D printing can reliably operate in real-world conditions.
Lastly, there is a division between those who favour the development of part-kit completion (PKC) remixes and those who advocate for new hybrid 3D-printed firearms. PKC firearms generally feature a 3D-printed receiver or frame combined with standard firearm parts, providing a balance of reliability and ease of assembly. According to a recent study, PKCs dominate the landscape of 3D-printed firearms, with popular models like the Glock 19 frame (FMDA 19.2) inspiring nearly 150 “remixes” — minor variations that mostly modify aesthetics without changing functionality. The popularity of PKCs, however, is largely a US-specific phenomenon. This trend is supported by the ready availability of firearm part kits, which include all components necessary to complete a gun except for the serialized lower receiver or frame. Under current US law only the receiver or frame is legally classified as a firearm, allowing private firearm builders to legally purchase and assemble remaining parts without needing to create or adapt them. Consequently, builders in the US face fewer supply limitations and manufacturing barriers compared to those in other regions. Outside the US, however, PKCs are far less feasible due to stricter regulations on gun parts and the difficulty of sourcing these standardized components. This has driven part of the global 3D-printed firearm community to advocate for hybrid firearms that rely more heavily on 3D-printed parts, reducing dependence on regulated components and making them more viable in restrictive environments. This frustration among non-American developers is illustrated in an exchange on X (formerly Twitter) between Ivan the Troll and ZC.
Figure 16: ZC criticizes the reliance on parts kits in the American DIY firearm community, arguing that it stifles innovation and full DIY development.
Illustrating the pervasive nature of this divide, the “The New Second Amendment”’s central call to action is to make firearms accessible to all people, regardless of local legal restrictions. Acknowledging those affected by restrictive gun laws, the document states: “If you live in a location where your government limits or strips you of your right to keep and bear arms, we sympathize, and it is our intention to return your right to you.” To achieve this goal, it emphasizes the importance of manufacturable firearms that are “practical, difficult for governments to prohibit, and comparable to professionally made weapons.” Moving away from part-kit completion (PKC) firearms, the document argues that PKC firearms are vulnerable to state intervention since governments could restrict access to the necessary part kits. The authors also express concern that “Americans are especially vulnerable to this distraction, as they are currently able to depend on outside entities to manufacture and sell parts that are not practical to privately manufacture.” This reliance on parts from external sources, they argue, hinders the development of firearms accessible worldwide. Instead, the document champions hybrid firearms “such as the FGC-9, Partisan 9, and Urutau” that “utilize steel alloys and manufacturing techniques like drilling, sawing, welding, electrochemical machining (ECM), and creative use of other basic machines, tools, and materials.”
5.8. Remix Culture and the Future of 3DPF Development
One of the defining features of the 3DPF (3D-Printed Firearms) community is its relentless drive for innovation and improvement. Members constantly experiment with new designs and components to refine functionality, adapt to resource constraints, or meet legal challenges.
Since its release in August, numerous remixed components of the Urutau have emerged online, achieving varying degrees of success. The most notable remix is the Glock magazine variant, known as the “Urutau-GL,” which replaces the Scorpion Evo magazine originally designed by ZC, who declined to develop a Glock-compatible version despite the magazine’s popularity. Other circulating remixes include handguards, charging handles, butt pads, braces, muzzle devices, or suppressors, and brass catchers for spent cartridges—a critical addition for users testing firearms discreetly, as spent casings could otherwise draw unwanted attention, potentially leading to raids or criminal charges.
These developments reflect a broader trend in the 3D-printed firearms community, where the decentralized, collaborative “hivemind” approach drives continuous, rapid innovation and iteration. This approach prioritizes accessible materials and construction methods requiring minimal specialized tools, enabling fast-paced prototyping and design evolution. Such efforts extend beyond the Urutau to include other projects incorporating these core elements. For instance, one recent release is the Nutty9, an FGC-9 variant featuring a weld-less bolt system made from nuts and bolts inserted into a 3D-printed bolt carrier. Another highly anticipated design is the Decker 380, formerly known as the UpperDecker, a pistol-caliber carbine chambered in .380. Inspired by the aesthetics of the Owen gun and the functionality of firearms like the FN FAL, the Decker380 is a fully DIY carbine with select-fire capabilities. It features support-free printing and easy assembly, using an ECM homemade barrel, allowing it to be built almost anywhere in the world.
Figure 17: Decker 380
A standout newcomer, the Not-a-Glock, a .22LR fully DIY, mostly 3D-printed hybrid handgun, has generated significant attention within the 3D-printed firearms community and beyond. Arguably even more than the FGC-9 and the Urutau, this design represents a major step forward in accessibility, with nearly all parts crafted from PLA+ filament and requiring minimal regulated components. The Urutau brought new design improvements and operational security guidance, backed by a manifesto that framed DIY firearms as a means to resist state control and pushed a “fresh” perspective on the Second Amendment. Although technically limited to a 9mm carbine, the Urutau helped shift attention to ergonomics, fabrication, and the philosophy behind the designs pf the 3DPF community. But while the Urutau filled a niche for pistol-calibre carbines, a gap remained: the demand for an easy-to-manufacture, small-calibre handgun. The firearm is inexpensive to produce, costing under $50, and with its comprehensive build instructions, even featuring an 11-round magazine, it has captured wide interest among newcomers to DIY firearms as well as more seasoned makers.
Figure 18: Not-a-Glock
The Not-a-Glock’s creator has refined the design to include a pre-positioned .STL file setup, ensuring correct print orientation and detailed settings from speed to support angles, making assembly straightforward even for those with limited 3D-printing experience. Following the initial release, the creator added OBJ files and updated the accompanying documentation, leading to nearly 2,000 downloads within the first 24 hours. The design also incorporates an Easter egg with the magwell featuring the logo of the 90s industrial metal band Static-X, showing a personal homage by the designer—likely a fan of the band and its vocalist, Wayne Static—highlighting once again the influence of cultural elements within the broader designs of the community.
The design’s adoption has been swift and widespread, with users across various subreddits sharing builds and test-firing videos. Many in the community see the Not-a-Glock as potentially following in the FGC-9’s footsteps to become a widely recognised symbol of DIY firearms, albeit in a smaller calibre. While less powerful, the .22LR chambering remains lethal, and with its semi-automatic function, the Not-a-Glock meets the standards of a viable firearm. Despite the technical innovation of the Not-a-Glock, its file drop and release were relatively unsophisticated. While the Urutau set a new benchmark for presentation by offering a technically advanced design along with a comprehensive package—including OpSec documents, a manifesto, and a detailed build guide complete with line graphics—the Not-a-Glock opted for a more stripped-down approach, providing a brief document riddled with spelling mistakes and a basic tutorial video. Subsequently, a more sophisticated build guide was released, addressing some of the initial documentation’s shortcomings. Nonetheless, it clearly prioritized accessibility and ease of construction over presentation, emphasizing technical advancements over instructional polish.
6. Conclusion
The release of the Urutau marks a potentially significant moment in the ongoing evolution of 3D-printed firearms. Technically, the design represents a leap forward in terms of ease of construction, reduced cost, and scalability, addressing key limitations faced by earlier models like the FGC-9. Its reliance on non-firearm-specific components and the elimination of complex manufacturing steps, such as welding, make the Urutau more accessible to a broader audience, including individuals in regions with strict firearm regulations. Moreover, its customisable features and distinct aesthetics—heavily influenced by digital subcultures—further contribute to its likely adoption as a standout design within the 3DPF community.
This convergence of technical accessibility, ideological motivation, and advanced OpSec guidance is likely to result in a proliferation of unregulated firearms among groups with extremist ideologies, thereby complicating efforts to track and counter violent activities. The release of the Urutau files introduces a less-studied form of violent extremism that focuses not only on radical content but also on the dissemination of physical tools for violence. These developments pose complex challenges, as algorithmic detection measures and traditional regulatory frameworks are often ill-equipped to handle the physical and decentralised nature of this movement.
Effectively addressing these challenges will require more than improved regulations; it will demand enhanced cooperation and data-sharing between academics and practitioners to better understand the evolving dynamics of this movement. Practitioners must closely examine the technical aspects of the Urutau’s design, such as its reduced complexity, reliance on non-regulated components, and the scalability that allows for broader dissemination. Understanding these elements is crucial for developing countermeasures that address not only the technical innovation but also the cultural and ideological resonance the Urutau holds within extremist subcultures.
In sum, the Urutau is not just a new firearm—it is emblematic of a broader, global movement that fuses technological innovation with resistance to regulation. As the 3DPF community continues to push the boundaries of decentralised firearm production, the challenges associated with detecting, regulating, and countering the spread of these firearms will intensify, requiring a more nuanced and coordinated response.
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*Based on a conversation between Loadenthal and the authors.
Names and pseudonyms mentioned in this Insight have been abbreviated to avoid amplifying the identities of individuals involved in the 3DPF community. This practice aligns with GNET’s policy of not publicising such identities to maintain the focus on the broader issues discussed while preventing undue amplification.
Yannick Veilleux-Lepage, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science and Economics at the Royal Military College of Canada. His research focuses on the intersection of technology, terrorism, and the evolution of terrorist tactics. He is also the Scientific Director of Pier Point Consulting, a firm specializing in providing analysis and threat assessment related to the misuse of emerging technology.
Zoltán Füredi, is an aviation security professional focusing on the evolving landscape of 3D-printed firearms development, investigating methods, strategies, and countermeasures to mitigate security threats, currently based in Switzerland.