In a significant move to address gun safety, California Governor Gavin Newsom has enacted legislation that prohibits the sale of new Glock handguns within the state. This measure, driven by concerns over the firearm’s design, aims to curtail the potential for these weapons to be modified into fully automatic firearms.
Background on Glock and the New Legislation
Glock handguns are among California’s most sought-after firearms. The new law responds to the use of a plastic component known as a “Glock Switch.” This device, easily fabricated through 3D printing, can convert Glock handguns into automatic weapons. While the switches themselves are illegal, the legislation now bans the sales of any new Glock-like firearms.
California Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel introduced Assembly Bill 1127. He stated that the law aims to compel Glock to reform its design to negate the effectiveness of such switches. Gabriel highlighted that Glock has been aware of these design vulnerabilities, expressing hope that changes could save lives.
Details of the Law
- The law prohibits the sale of new Glock firearms in California.
- It maintains legal possession of existing Glocks.
- Used Glocks can still be bought and sold within California.
Market Impact and Gun Store Reactions
California represents the third-largest market for gun sales in the United States. Eddie Ford, a local gun store owner, noted that Glocks are popular due to their customizable nature and reliability. Although newer Glock models include a design feature meant to block the switch, they have not received approval from the state attorney general for sale, leaving existing models prone to modification.
Ford expressed skepticism about the new law’s effectiveness in reducing incidents involving Glock switches, stating, “There are still millions of Glocks on the streets.” He maintained that criminals would find ways to obtain modified firearms regardless of the legislation.
A Personal Tragedy and Advocacy for Change
The issue highlighted in this new law is deeply personal for Deborah Grimes. She lost her son, Greg “Najee” Grimes, who was shot multiple times in a nightclub shooting in Sacramento in 2022. The weapon used was a modified Glock handgun equipped with a Glock Switch. Grimes now works with Moms Demand Action, advocating for reforms to prevent such tragedies.
Her son’s death was one of 55 mass shootings reported in California that year. Grimes’ advocacy aims to ensure that Glock revisits its design and contributes positively to gun safety efforts. “I hope that Glock moves forward to make the design change,” she remarked.
Political Response
Assembly Bill 1127 received bipartisan attention but ultimately passed along party lines, with all Republican members opposing the bill. Critics argue that the law unfairly targets potential Glock purchasers, limiting access to a popular firearm.
As the situation unfolds, Glock has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding its design and the implications of the new law. The future of Glock’s presence in California will depend largely on whether the company decides to revise its handgun design to comply with state regulations.
