Legislation Targeting “Glock Switches” Gains Support

Some politicians are advocating for legislation aimed at “Glock switches.” Interestingly, since 2021, incidents of murder involving these devices have proven to be less common than deaths caused by lightning strikes.

Advocates for the bill, which has already been enacted in four states, argue that “Glock switches” facilitate the illegal modification of Glock pistols into automatic firearms, suggesting that a ban could enhance public safety. However, a study from the Crime Prevention Research Center (CPRC) indicates that such killings are rarer than fatalities due to lightning. The CPRC found that there have been only 40 murders linked to modified Glocks across 17 incidents.

In contrast, the National Weather Service has reported that 2021 alone saw 81 fatal lightning strikes, with an additional 40 recorded just in 2016.

The CPRC points out that the low incidence of homicides involving modified pistols might stem from the dangers associated with these illegal alterations. For instance, a malfunction known as a “dead battery” can occur, where the firearm discharges even when improperly positioned, often due to the modification.

States like Connecticut, Maryland, California, and New York have enacted laws banning Glocks related to these “Glock switches,” despite their minimal use in violent crime. Possessing a machine gun conversion device without proper registration can lead to severe penalties, including up to ten years in federal prison and hefty fines.

Glock pistols enjoy popularity among both civilians and law enforcement in the U.S., often appearing in best-seller lists from various firearms publications. Notably, the Glock 19X sold over 100,000 units within its first six months of release back in 2018.

Interestingly, Former Vice President Kamala Harris has publicly acknowledged her ownership of a Glock for personal protection, despite her ongoing advocacy for stricter gun control measures.