Wes Moore Approves Bill to Prohibit Glocks—But Quickly Encounters Legal Opposition from Gun Advocacy Organizations

Maryland Governor’s Glock Handgun Ban Sparks Immediate Legal Challenge

Shortly after Democratic Governor Wes Moore of Maryland signed a bill on Tuesday prohibiting the sale of Glock handguns, various Second Amendment advocacy groups announced plans to initiate a lawsuit against the legislation.

Moore’s action makes him the second governor to enact such a ban, following California Governor Gavin Newsom, who implemented a similar prohibition on “machine gun convertible pistols” in October 2025. A comparable bill is currently under consideration in Connecticut. The National Rifle Association (NRA) expressed its intent to legally challenge the new Maryland law on the same day.

“With the stroke of a pen, Governor Wes Moore banned one of America’s most popular handguns,” stated John Comerford, Executive Director of NRA-ILA, in a press release. “Instead of targeting criminals and enforcing existing laws, he opted to disarm law-abiding Marylanders and infringe upon their constitutional rights. The NRA is committed to mounting an immediate legal challenge to this unconstitutional breach of the Second Amendment, pursuing every viable option to overturn this law.”

Both Moore and Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown have not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the impending lawsuit. The Second Amendment Foundation also indicated its intention to support the NRA in this legal action, alongside the Firearms Policy Coalition.

Adam Kraut, Director General of the Second Amendment Foundation, pointed out that these handguns are highly favored by the public for legitimate purposes like self-defense. “Maryland’s effort to outlaw these firearms stems from the actions of a few criminals who are illegally modifying weapons, not from the lawful behavior of citizens,” he added.

Kraut also criticized the bill, suggesting that banning handguns is as illogical as prohibiting hops and barley to combat drunk driving. “These firearms are protected by the Second Amendment, and any restrictions should not be on the table,” he noted.

Glock pistols have consistently ranked as one of the top-selling firearms in the U.S., frequently making appearances on sales lists from various publications. A report from 2018 indicated that over 100,000 units of the Glock 19X were sold within six months of its release.

The legal complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for Maryland, argues that Glocks and similar pistols are similar to standard semi-automatic handguns, regardless of any illegal modifications that may occur. If the bill goes into effect, it could leave many Maryland residents unable to legally acquire these widely recognized and constitutionally protected firearms.

Beyond civilian use, Glock handguns are also utilized by numerous law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, which has provided versions of this weapon to its agents since 1997. Additionally, former Vice President Kamala Harris has publicly mentioned owning a Glock for personal safety.