Gun-control groups are again trying to ban one of the best-selling and most iconic semi-automatic pistols ever—yes, most Glocks. They are also after, with some temporary success, any other semi-automatic pistols they can accuse of being “machine-gun convertible.”
A few states have now enacted bans on so-called “machine gun convertible pistols,” a term primarily referring to semi-automatic handguns that can theoretically be illegally modified by criminals into machine guns via—again, illegal—devices like “switches” or auto sears.
Federally, these “switches” and similar devices are classified as machine guns under the National Firearms Act (NFA), making their possession, manufacture and transfer illegal for civilians (with rare exceptions for pre-1986 registered items). Many states already reinforce this with their own bans on conversion devices. However, some state legislators have seized on this opportunity to ban as many popular handguns as they can.
In this episode of The Armed Citizen Podcast, Mark A. Keefe, IV, editorial director for NRA Media, explains what these so-called “switches” are and why this is all about gun-control politics.
After stripping down a Glock 17 to show the elegant engineering that made Glocks both simple and almost indestructible, Keefe said that a few “unscrupulous people are manufacturing [illegal “switches”] or trying to import them. The best way to discourage this behavior is to enforce the law. No plea time, no bargaining away the harsh penalties.”
Keefe then noted that, instead of focusing the legal system on going after the bad guys, anti-gun legislators in several states are passing laws to ban what is perhaps the most-popular pistol type ever in order to disarm law-abiding citizens.
California led the way as the first state to enact a specific ban on so-called “machine gun-convertible pistols.” Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed AB 1127 in 2025, prohibiting gun dealers from selling these semi-automatic pistols.
Maryland soon followed California. In 2026, the state passed SB 334, banning the manufacture, sale, purchase, or transfer of “machine gun convertible pistols” starting January 1, 2027 (with some exceptions). The Maryland State Police, according to this law, must publish a list of prohibited models, which is expected to heavily impact Glocks and similar striker-fired pistols.
New York has taken related action. Legislation incorporated into the 2026-27 state budget bans the sale of so-called convertible-style handguns—of course, any gun sold can theoretically be illegally modified, so this is really just a foot in the door from anti-gun legislators.
Next, Connecticut joined in 2026 with HB 5043, signed by Gov. Ned Lamont (D). It mirrors Maryland’s approach by prohibiting sales of “machine gun-convertible pistols.”
Of course, it must be said that the Glocks and other pistols such legislation is banning—notably, not because these gun manufacturers have broken any laws—are in common use; in fact, Glocks are and have long been extremely popular with American gun owners, as well as law-enforcement agencies. These pistols clearly have constitutional protections. They are commonly owned and very popular designs that millions of citizens use for sport and self-defense.
“And so, this is really an attack on the most-popular gun in America,” said Keefe.
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