A California bill that would ban the sale of one of the most popular handguns in the United States is two steps away from becoming law.
Assembly Bill 1127 is the brainchild of Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-CA). It prohibits licensed firearms dealers from selling new Glock-brand guns or similar off-brand ones because they can be “easily converted by hand or with common household tools” into a machine gun.
The installation of a converter, or Glock switch, allows the trigger to fire multiple shots automatically. These switches can be made easily on a 3D printer and installed in minutes with a screwdriver.
More than two dozen states, including California, have banned Glock switches. If the bill is passed, it would make California the first state in the country to ban Glocks outright. A similar bill in New York has stalled in the state Senate.
Critics argue AB1127 infringes on Second Amendment rights and sets a dangerous precedent for broader gun restrictions in the future. Supporters say that the legislation focuses narrowly on a specific category of firearms increasingly linked to violent crimes.
The use of homemade switches has skyrocketed in recent years, and guns equipped with them are becoming the weapon of choice for criminals, Gabriel said.
One high-profile example was the 2022 nightclub gang shooting just blocks from the California State Capitol Building. More than 100 rounds were fired as people poured out into the streets, scattered, and ran for cover. In the end, six people were killed and a dozen were wounded.
“As parents and lawmakers, we refuse to stand idly by while our schools and communities are being threatened by illegal machine guns,” Gabriel said. “This commonsense legislation will ensure that the gun industry is held accountable and that we are doing everything possible to protect our communities from mass shootings.”
Gabriel’s bill, referred to as the “Glock ban bill,” is backed by Democrats. It passed the state assembly last month and is now in the Senate. It could be headed for Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D-CA) desk soon. While Democrats have a supermajority in the California legislature, Newsom has not indicated whether he would sign the bill. Several anti-gun groups have been campaigning to get the legislation passed.
“No one needs a pistol that can be turned into a machine gun,” Pedro Ventura, a volunteer with Moms Demand Action in California, said. “Banning Glock switches was a good start, but the threat has grown. These devices are easier to get and deadlier than ever. AB 1127 steps up by holding gun makers accountable. If they won’t modify the design, they can’t sell the gun. It’s that simple.… We urge the Senate to get this bill across the finish line.”
Alex Lopez, a gunsmith at Western Firearms, believes California should go after criminals who break the law and not the gun companies.
“For decades, Glock pistols have been a staple for law-abiding citizens, law enforcement, and military personnel,” he wrote. “They’re reliable, affordable, and trusted. Under this proposed law, models like the Glock 17 and 19—iconic firearms used nationwide—could be banned from commercial sale in California, despite no wrongdoing by manufacturers or lawful owners. What makes this bill especially frustrating is that Glock switches are already illegal under both federal and California law. Instead of cracking down on criminals using illegal devices, AB 1127 targets responsible dealers and customers who follow the rules.”
Glocks are among the most popular handguns in the state, with more than a million already in circulation. Last year, former Vice President Kamala Harris told 60 Minutes she had one and had shot it.
Newsom, who has signed some of the nation’s strongest gun control laws, was recently gifted a Sig Sauer P365-Xmacro pistol from conservative podcast host Shawn Ryan. The governor, an early 2028 Democratic presidential contender, was a guest on Ryan’s podcast.
“Everybody gets a gift,” Ryan said before presenting Newsom with the gun.
“Brother, this is fabulous,” Newsom said. “The last thing people would expect is that I respect this gift.”
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“Really?” Ryan asked.
“Yeah, man. I’m not anti-gun at all,” Newsom responded.