Machine Gun Conversion Devices Now Illegal in 25 States/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ At least 25 states have now outlawed Glock switches—small devices that convert pistols into machine guns. With bipartisan support, both red and blue states are passing laws to curb the use of these increasingly common and dangerous firearm modifications.
States Crack Down on Glock Switch Devices – Quick Look
- Bipartisan Push: States from both political parties are outlawing pistol-to-machine-gun conversion devices.
- Federal Law Already Bans Them: Devices like auto sears are illegal under U.S. law if manufactured after 1986.
- ATF Seizures Rising: More than 12,000 suspected conversion devices recovered between 2022–2024.
- New State Laws: Alabama and New Mexico most recently passed bans.
- Gun Debate Rages On: Gun rights groups oppose the bans, citing Second Amendment concerns.
Over Half of U.S. States Now Ban Glock Switch Devices That Turn Pistols Into Machine Guns
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A growing number of states are joining the federal government in banning small but powerful firearm modifications known as Glock switches, with at least 25 states now prohibiting the devices that convert semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons.
The shift comes as law enforcement agencies across the country report rising encounters with these easily accessible and deadly attachments. This year alone, states as politically diverse as New Mexico and Alabama have passed new laws banning the possession of the devices.
What Are Glock Switches?
A Glock switch is a coin-sized metal or plastic piece that attaches to the back of a Glock pistol, enabling the weapon to fire continuously with a single trigger pull—effectively transforming it into a machine gun.
“These devices turn everyday pistols into weapons of war,” said one ATF official. Other similar devices—like auto sears, selector switches, and trigger activators—can convert other handguns and even rifles into automatic firearms.
A modified Glock can empty an entire magazine in just seconds, raising serious safety concerns for both civilians and law enforcement.
Federal Law vs. State Action
Federal law has banned most machine guns since 1986, including parts designed to convert firearms into automatic weapons. Under U.S. Code, simply possessing such a conversion device can carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
But state-level laws are gaining ground as a way to support federal enforcement or allow for quicker prosecution. In many cases, state charges are easier to pursue than federal ones, especially in areas overwhelmed with gun violence.
Alabama and New Mexico Lead Recent Crackdowns
- Alabama passed a bipartisan bill this month making Glock switches and similar devices a felony, with sentences of up to 10 years in prison. Gov. Kay Ivey prioritized the legislation following a mass shooting in Birmingham tied to a converted weapon.
- In New Mexico, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a similar bill in February, making possession of a conversion device punishable by up to three years in prison.
- New Jersey advanced a bill through its state assembly last week, and similar proposals are being considered in Maryland, California, and New York.
The Data: Spike in Seizures and 3D Printing Concerns
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has seen a sharp rise in confiscated devices:
- From 2012–2016, fewer than 1,000 conversion parts were seized.
- From 2017–2021, over 5,400 were recovered.
- From 2022–late 2024, more than 12,360 suspected devices were seized across the U.S.
Officials say part of the problem is that these devices are cheap and easy to produce using 3D printers, making enforcement more difficult.
Five states — Florida, Texas, Illinois, Montana, and North Dakota — accounted for nearly half of all seizures.
Gun Control Advocates Push for More Action
Advocacy groups like Everytown for Gun Safety say state bans are helpful but want even stricter laws. They are backing bills that would make it illegal to sell pistols that are easily convertible into machine guns.
“That really puts pressure where it belongs — on the manufacturers,” said Nick Suplina, Everytown’s senior vice president for law and policy. “Companies shouldn’t profit from guns they know can be turned into machine guns.”
Several states and cities — including Chicago, Baltimore, Minnesota, and New Jersey — have filed lawsuits against Glock, accusing the manufacturer of failing to prevent misuse of its weapons.
Gun Rights Advocates Push Back
Gun rights groups like Gun Owners of America and the National Rifle Association (NRA) argue that new state laws are redundant and infringe on Second Amendment rights.
“There’s already federal law in place,” said Aidan Johnston, federal affairs director for Gun Owners of America. “These state bans are nothing more than virtue signaling.”
Johnston added that automatic weapons have practical uses, such as dealing with feral hog populations on rural farmland.
“Just because someone owns a converted weapon doesn’t make them a criminal,” he said.
What’s Next?
As more states introduce or pass legislation banning these devices, the debate is likely to intensify. The legal challenges against manufacturers, paired with ongoing efforts to limit the availability of easily modifiable firearms, will be closely watched by gun advocates, policymakers, and law enforcement alike.
With public safety and gun rights once again at odds, expect this issue to remain a front-line topic in both statehouses and the 2026 midterm elections.
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