An arbitrary ban on some of the most popular semi-automatic pistols in the country was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom last week.
Newsom, a "tough on guns" Democrat, signed California AB 1127 on Friday. The measure was sent to his desk after a 29-2 vote by the state Senate last month, having previously passed the Assembly in a 54-16 roll call, with both votes largely along party lines.
The measure targets semi-automatic pistols that can potentially be converted to full auto with a common aftermarket switch or chip, though it doesn't specify "Glock" by name. These switches are already illegal under the National Firearms Act unless registered, with individuals found with an unregistered switch risking 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, even if it is not installed in a firearm.
The ATF claims to have encountered over 30,000 such devices in the past five years.
Further, AB 1127 bars any sort of specific "California-compliant" anti-switch block molded into the rear of the frame or slide by the manufacturer. Such a facet makes the bill appear more like a ban for the sake of banning one of the most common types of semi-auto handguns than a counter-DIY machine pistol measure.
The measure goes into effect in July 2026. After that, dealers selling or offering to sell such firearms outside of military or law enforcement buyers – who are exempt – risk up to $5,000 fines and license loss.
The ban was backed at all levels by big-name national anti-gun groups.
Bloomberg-funded Everytown claimed to have sent 135,000 messages to lawmakers stumping for the law and noted that "AB 1127 was introduced by gun sense champion Asm. Jesse Gabriel and former Moms Demand Leader Asm. Catherine Stefani."
A social media post by Everytown doing a victory lap on AB 1127 has about 500 comments, with many of the organization's supporters stressing that the ban needs to be adopted by other states.
Newsom also signed SB 704, likewise championed by Stefani, which will regulate and require background checks on the purchase of firearm barrels. That ban was sponsored by the Brady Campaign, which said it "is ready to partner with other state legislators and governors so this new law can be an inspiration for how to confront the emerging threat of illegal 3D-printed ghost guns plaguing communities."
As for gun rights groups, the Firearms Policy Coalition says there are already lawsuits in the works.
"FPC and our legal team have been preparing a challenge to AB 1127 for months," said the group in a statement on Friday. "We and our allies will move swiftly to strike down this unlawful and immoral ban in federal court. The Constitution—not Gavin Newsom—defines the limits of government power, and we will make sure he once more learns that lesson."
Banner image: A Glock 21 Gen 5, one of the many models already banned from consumer purchase in California. (Photo: Chris Eger/Guns.com)
