Connecticut Bans Glock Handguns

Connecticut’s Governor Ned Lamont has officially signed a bill that prohibits the sale of Glock handguns, making it the third state to implement such a ban.

In a statement, Lamont pointed out that while machine guns are banned nationwide, they still find their way into cities, often due to easily modifiable handguns. “You can convert these pistols into fully automatic weapons with simple modifications,” he expressed in a release earlier in March.

Opponents like the NRA and the Second Amendment Foundation criticized the new law. They argue it undermines the rights of responsible gun owners. John Comerford, Executive Director of the NRA-ILA, remarked that this move is part of a broader trend where progressive politicians are not addressing crime directly but are instead targeting law-abiding citizens by restricting access to commonly used firearms. “This ban directly attacks one of America’s most commonly owned handguns,” he stated.

In a related context, the NRA and SAF quickly filed a lawsuit against Maryland after its governor enacted a similar “Glock Ban,” and similar legislation is set to take effect in California in October 2025.

Supporters of the legislation argue that certain modifications, known as “Glock switches,” are utilized to illegally transform Glock pistols into machine guns. The law officially categorizes these as “machine gun convertible pistols.” Current federal law prohibits the possession or creation of fully automatic weapons unless registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Glock pistols enjoy substantial popularity in the U.S. and frequently appear in lists of top-selling firearms. For instance, the company’s Glock 19X model sold over 100,000 units within its first six months on the market, according to a 2018 press release.