California Outlaws New Glock Sales Under Governor Newsom’s Recent Legislation

October 17, 2025

California Bans Sale of New Glock Pistols Amidst Modification Concerns

Sacramento, CA – California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law a measure prohibiting the sale of new Glock pistols within the state, a move prompted by the increasing prevalence of illegal “Glock switches” that convert these firearms into fully automatic weapons. The law, Assembly Bill 1127, does not impact the possession of existing Glock pistols or the sale of used models.

The Rise of ‘Glock Switches‘ and Automatic Weapon Conversion

The central issue driving the legislation is the ease with which Glock pistols can be modified using a small, readily available component – often 3D-printed – known as a “Glock switch.” These switches bypass the firearm’s internal mechanisms, enabling continuous firing, effectively transforming it into a machine gun. Law enforcement officials have reported a surge in Glock switches seized in connection with violent crimes.

According to data released by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in September 2024, recoveries of privately made firearms (PMFs), including those modified with switches, increased by 532% between 2017 and 2023.

Legislative Action and Industry Response

California Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, the bill’s author, expressed hope that this legislation will compel Glock, the Austrian firearms manufacturer, to redesign its pistols to prevent the installation of switches. “They have known about this design flaw for a long time and could help save lives,” Gabriel stated.

Gun store owners, like Eddie Ford of Southern California, acknowledge the problem but point to the Glock’s customizable design as a key factor in its popularity and reliability. Ford also noted that newer Glock models contain a feature intended to block the use of switches, though, California’s Attorney General has not yet approved these models for sale within the state.

Feature	Original glock Design	Newer Glock Models
Switch compatibility	Easily Modified	Designed to Block
California Approval	Approved for Sale	Not Currently Approved
Modification Difficulty	Simple	More Challenging, but Possible

Did You Know? california is among the states with the most stringent gun control laws in the United States, yet illegal firearm modifications remain a persistent challenge.

A Mother’s Plea for Change

The push for stricter gun laws gained personal weight with the story of Deborah Grimes, whose son, Greg “Najee” Grimes, was tragically killed in a Sacramento nightclub shooting in 2022. The shooter utilized a Glock handgun equipped with a switch. Grimes now advocates for gun control measures through Moms Demand Action, hoping to prevent others from experiencing similar loss.

“There was just too much damage as that Glock ‘switch’ was a killing machine,” Grimes recounted, emphasizing the devastating impact of automatic weapon modifications.

Legal Challenges and Future Implications

Assembly Bill 1127 passed along party lines, with Republicans voicing concerns that the law unfairly restricts access to a popular firearm for law-abiding citizens. They argue that the focus should be on prosecuting criminals who illegally modify weapons rather than limiting the choices available to legal gun owners.

Pro Tip: Staying informed about state and local gun laws is crucial for responsible firearm ownership. reputable resources include the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and your state’s Attorney General’s office.

Understanding glock Pistols and Their Modifications

Glock pistols are known for their simplicity, reliability, and modularity, making them a favored choice among law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters. However,this modularity also presents a vulnerability – the ease with which they can be modified to circumvent legal restrictions.

“Glock switches” exploit a design characteristic allowing the firearm to cycle continuously, mimicking automatic fire. While possessing or using these switches is already illegal under federal law, their accessibility and affordability contribute to the problem. The ongoing growth of 3D printing technology further complicates matters, allowing individuals to produce these illegal components at home.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Glock Ban

• what is a “Glock switch”? A small device, frequently enough 3D-printed, that can be installed in a Glock pistol to make it fire automatically.
• Does this law ban people from owning glocks in California? No,it only prohibits the sale of new Glock pistols. Existing owners can still legally possess their firearms, and used Glocks can still be sold.
• Why are Glock pistols targeted specifically? due to their design, Glock pistols are particularly susceptible to modification with readily available switches.
• Will this law reduce gun violence in California? Advocates believe it will,by making it harder for criminals to obtain weapons capable of rapid,automatic fire.
• What is California doing to address existing illegal modifications? law enforcement is focused on identifying and prosecuting individuals who possess or use illegal Glock switches and other modifications.

What impact do you believe this new legislation will have on gun violence in California? Do you think other states will follow suit with similar restrictions?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What legal arguments are being used to challenge the constitutionality of California’s handgun roster and microstamping requirement?

California residents face important changes in their ability to purchase handguns, specifically Glock pistols, following the enactment of recent legislation signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. This article details the specifics of the ban, its implications for gun owners, and potential avenues for legal challenge. We’ll cover the details of the “roster” changes, microstamping requirements, and what this means for Glock models like the 17, 19, 34, and others.

Understanding the New California Gun Laws

The core of the issue revolves around California’s “Handgun Roster for Sale.” This roster dictates which handguns are legally permitted to be sold within the state. Recent amendments, effective October 2025, significantly tighten the requirements, effectively removing many popular Glock models.

here’s a breakdown of the key changes:

* Microstamping Technology: The legislation mandates that all new handguns sold in California must incorporate microstamping technology. This technology imprints unique identifying marks on cartridge casings, theoretically aiding law enforcement in tracing firearms used in crimes. Currently, very few handguns meet this requirement.

* roster Removal: Because most current Glock models do not feature microstamping, they have been removed from the Handgun roster. This means retailers can no longer legally sell new Glock pistols to California consumers.

* “Safe Handgun” Definition: The law redefines what constitutes a “safe handgun,” further restricting the types of firearms allowed for sale. This definition is intrinsically linked to the microstamping requirement.

Which Glock Models Are Affected?

The ban impacts a wide range of popular Glock models. While older, roster-compliant Glocks may still be legally transferred through private party sales (with proper DROS – Department of Justice Record of Sale), acquiring new models is now prohibited.

Here’s a list of commonly affected models:

* Glock 17: A full-size 9mm, widely used by law enforcement and popular among civilian shooters.

* Glock 19: A compact 9mm, known for its versatility and concealability.

* Glock 22: A .40 S&W model, favored for its stopping power.

* Glock 23: A compact .40 S&W option.

* Glock 34: A longer-slide 9mm, often used in competitive shooting (as of 2010, there were 4th and 5th generation models – see details below).

* Glock 45: A 9mm model designed for concealed carry and duty use.

* Glock 47: A full-size 9mm, similar to the 17 but with updated features.

Glock Generations and California Compliance: It’s critically important to note the distinction between Glock generations. According to sources like Zhihu https://www.zhihu.com/question/356274811, Glock 34 models have evolved through 4th and 5th generations. Though, regardless of generation, current models lack the required microstamping.

Implications for California Gun Owners

This legislation has several significant implications:

* Reduced Availability: California residents will have significantly fewer handgun options available for purchase.

* Increased Demand for Existing Inventory: Expect a surge in demand – and possibly inflated prices – for roster-compliant Glocks and other handguns currently available for sale.

* impact on Private Party Transfers: While private party transfers of roster-compliant firearms remain legal, the pool of available firearms will shrink over time.

* Potential for Legal Challenges: The law is already facing legal challenges from gun rights organizations, arguing that the microstamping requirement is unconstitutional and technologically infeasible.

Legal Challenges and Potential Outcomes

Several lawsuits have been filed challenging the constitutionality of California’s handgun roster and the microstamping requirement. Arguments center on:

* Second Amendment Rights: Plaintiffs argue the law infringes upon the Second Amendment right to bear arms.

* Technological Feasibility: Critics contend that microstamping technology is unreliable and easily circumvented.

* Interstate Commerce: Some argue the law places an undue burden on interstate commerce.

The outcome of these legal challenges remains uncertain. A accomplished challenge coudl overturn the ban, while a loss would solidify california’s restrictions on handgun sales.

Alternatives for California Residents

Despite the Glock ban, California residents still have options for legally acquiring handguns:

* Roster-Compliant Handguns: Explore other handgun models that currently meet California’s