The Democrat-controlled California state legislature approved a measure that puts Glocks and straightforward Glock clones into regulatory crosshairs.
California AB 1127 was approved 29-2 by the state Senate last Friday, sending it to a rare Saturday session in the state Assembly, where it passed in a 54-16 roll call largely along party lines. The bill now heads to the desk of Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who has consistently supported gun control measures at all levels.
Although the measure doesn't mention "Glock" by name, its language targets semi-automatic "machine gun-convertible pistols" with an extremely specific definition: one that can accept a common aftermarket full-auto switch or "chip" insert. Not endorsed by Glock, these unregistered switches are already illegal under the National Firearms Act. Dealers who sell such a firearm to anyone besides military and law enforcement – groups that have a carveout – can be punished by a fine of up to $5,000 per offense and lose their license.
Further, AB 1127 bars any sort of specific "California-compliant" anti-switch block molded into the rear of the frame by the manufacturer. Such a facet makes the bill appear more like a ban for the sake of banning one of the most popular types of semi-auto handguns than a counter-DIY machine pistol measure.
The bill has been a top priority for national gun control groups, many of which have been involved in controversial litigation against Glock.
"DIY machine guns are just as scary as they sound, and we applaud California legislators for taking action to prevent gun makers from selling handguns that can easily be converted to fully automatic weapons,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown. "Time is of the essence, and we urge Governor Newsom to sign this bill and continue to lead the nation on gun safety."
Gun Owners of California, representing the 13 million Californians who own firearms, argues the ban is but another rung on the ladder towards the removal of all Second Amendment rights in the state.
"AB 1127 operates as a veiled ban on Glock handguns and dozens of its clones, one of the most widely used and trusted firearm brands in the world," says the group. "By specifically targeting the potential for modification, this bill disproportionately affects potential Glock purchasers and restricts access to one of the most popular handguns available, further demonstrating that this legislation is not about safety but about incremental firearm prohibition."
Banner image: A Glock 48 COA, one of the many models already banned from consumer purchase in California. (Photo: Chris Eger/Guns.com)
