NRA Sues California Over Glock-Style Gun Ban
The National Rifle Association, along with several firearms organizations, has filed a lawsuit against California regarding its prohibition on Glock-style firearms. This specific type of gun features a mechanism, known as a switch, that can enable it to operate as a fully automatic weapon.
This legal challenge sees the NRA collaborating with the Firearms Policy Coalition, the Second Amendment Foundation, Poway Weapons & Gear, and two individual NRA members. They argue that the state’s ban infringes upon the Second Amendment and goes against established U.S. Supreme Court rulings.
The suit maintains, “Laws that limit access to commonly owned weapons effectively violate the Second Amendment.” It raises questions about the legality of preventing public access to certain firearms.
Notably, on the issue of firearms regulation, a federal appeals court has ruled previously that California’s requirements for ammunition background checks are unconstitutional.
An excerpt from the lawsuit contends, “A semiautomatic handgun with a cross-shaped trigger bar is functionally similar to other semiautomatic handguns, especially regarding constitutional considerations.”
Recently, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1127, banning the sale and transfer of handguns that resemble Glock models. Under this law, licensed dealers are prohibited from selling or transferring any pistol considered a “semi-automatic machine gun convertible pistol.” This is specifically defined as a gun that includes a cross-shaped trigger bar, easily convertible into a machine gun with minimal tools.
The law, however, exempts certain types of pistols, like hammer-fired and striker-fired models lacking a cross-shaped trigger bar, as well as law enforcement officers. It is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
In the context of firearm modifications, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives reported a significant rise (570%) in modified devices seized by law enforcement from 2017 to 2021.
Lastly, a concern raised by a gun owner highlights the potential implications of this legislation: “If creating a switch with a 3D printer can be deemed illegal, does this mean we might face bans on all firearms in the future?” This sentiment points to fears over a broader crackdown on gun ownership.
