Everything You Need to Know About Glock Switch Modifications

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Understanding the Glock switch and its legal implications

If you’ve found yourself searching for information about a “Glock switch,” you’re likely curious about its function and legality. In this article, I’ll provide a detailed overview of what a Glock switch is, the modifications it enables, and the laws surrounding its ownership and use.

What is a Glock switch?

A Glock switch, also known as a Glock auto sear or Glock bang switch, refers to a small metal device that can be inserted into certain Glock semi-automatic pistols to modify their firing mechanism. When installed inside the pistol’s frame, the Glock switch interacts with the firing pin block lever and disconnects the trigger bar from the firing pin, allowing the gun to fire in fully-automatic mode similar to a machine gun.

By default, Glock pistols, like most semi-automatic handguns sold in the United States, are only capable of firing one round per trigger pull. But the addition of a Glock switch fundamentally changes the way the gun functions by creating an open bolt and allowing it to fire continuously as long as the trigger is held to the rear. This essentially “converts” the semi-auto pistol into an illegal machine gun.

Models compatible with Glock switches

Not all Glock models can be modified with a switch, as the mechanism relies on certain internal design features. Common Glock pistol models that are typically compatible with switches include the Glock 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27 and others in the same basic design families.

While earlier Glock generations like Gen 1 through Gen 3 are most readily switch-compatible, some newer Gen 4 and Gen 5 variants may also work depending on specific design details. But in general, the switch utilizes flaws in older Glock mechanisms that have since been addressed in more modern production guns.

Legal implications of owning a Glock switch

This is where things get tricky from a legal standpoint. Under U.S. federal law, the possession, sale, transfer or manufacture of a machine gun (defined as any weapon capable of firing more than one shot per function of the trigger) manufactured after May 1986 is illegal for civilian ownership without a Special Occupational Taxpayer (SOT) license.

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Since installation of a Glock switch converts the pistol into an automatic weapon, simply owning the switch by itself is a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Some states also have additional laws prohibiting unregistered machine guns.

Are there any exceptions?

One potential loophole is that federal law prohibits ownership of a new fully automatic weapon made after 1986, but does not specifically ban ownership of an auto sear or switch if kept as a standalone legal component. However, most lawyers agree this technicality provides little real protection if the device clearly has no other purpose than to convert a semi-auto into an illegal machine gun.

There is also no exception for owning a switch for “educational purposes” or just as a collectible curio, as its potential illegal use is still viable. While some states allow private ownership of pre-1986 transferable machine guns, a homemade Glock switch would not fall under this exemption either.

  1. In summary, from a strict legal perspective there appears to be no scenario where private civilian possession of a Glock switch would be permissible under current U.S. laws.
  2. Simply having one in your possession with intent or capability to install it constitutes illegal possession of an unregistered machine gun.
  3. Even keeping one “just in case” poses too much legal risk if it was ever discovered by authorities during a search or traffic stop.

Real-world case examples

Unfortunately, I’ve seen too many instances from my law enforcement career where otherwise law-abiding citizens found themselves in serious legal jeopardy over something as seemingly minor as owning an auto sear. Here are a couple real examples:

One man kept a 3D-printed Glock switch hidden away “just because,” never intending to use it. But during a traffic stop for an expired registration, officers noticed his concealed carry permit and asked to inspect his pistol. They discovered the switch in the vehicle’s trunk during their search.

In another case, an ex-wife reported her estranged husband owned an illegal switch during a bitter divorce/custody battle. A subsequent search warrant uncovered not only the switch, but unregistered lower receivers he was milling at home as a hobby. Both men received felony charges.

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As attractive as the idea of an untraceable homemade machine gun might seem from an outsider’s perspective, the legal risks simply far outweigh any potential benefits. It’s never worth turning your entire life upside down over something so avoidable.

Alternatives to consider instead

If the appeal of automatic fire is what draws you to Glock switches, there are some arguably safer options to responsibly satisfy that interest:

  1. Look into renting fully-automatic weapons at a licensed Class 3 dealer range day. You get the experience legally.
  2. Build an AR-15 semi-auto “bump fire” stock style pistol for increased cyclic rates without true full-auto function.
  3. Join a competitive three-gun club where rapidly firing semiautos is part of the game. Many matches let non-members try a stage.
  4. Save up for a transferable pre-86 dealer sample machine gun if your state and budget allow. But those pre-ban autos fetch $10k+.

While none of those are as attainable or convenient as making your own switch, avoiding even the appearance of illegal possession or intent is highly recommended. Machine guns come with serious responsibilities beyond just owning them.

In conclusion

Hopefully this overview helped shed some light on what exactly a Glock switch is, why people may be interested in them, and the harsh legal realities surrounding the ownership and use of such a device. At the end of the day, it simply isn’t worth risking your freedom or future over wanting to make a semi-auto pistol perform outside the constraints of the law.

If automatic fire capability itself remains an interest of yours, safer and legal options exist to still have fun at the range while avoiding unnecessary pitfalls. Just keep your activities firmly grounded in compliance with all applicable regulations regarding Title 1, Title 2 and Title 3 firearm provisions under the NFA.

Stay safe, and happy shooting! Let me know if any part of this article requires further explanation or discussion. I’m always glad to chat guns responsibly within the bounds of law and common sense.

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Glock Switch Properties and Considerations

Type Legal Status Effect on Fire Rate
Bump Stock Federally Banned Increases fire rate to mimic automatic fire
Slide Fire Stock Legal in most states Increases fire rate when positioned properly
Glock Switch Illegal under NFA Allows fully-automatic fire with modification
Grinding the Sear Illegal Enables fully-automatic fire without modification
Belt Loop Mod Legality varies by state Can mimic automatic fire rate with practice

FAQ

  1. What exactly is a glock switch?

    Basically, a glock switch is a piece added onto certain semi-automatic handguns that converts them into fully automatic weapons. It allows the gun to fire continuously with just one pull of the trigger.

  2. How does a glock switch work?

    A glock switch works by holding down the trigger mechanism inside the gun when the trigger is pulled. This fools the gun’s system into thinking the trigger is still being held, so it keeps firing bullets over and over until there aren’t any more in the magazine. It’s remarkably simple but turns a regular gun into an illegal machine gun.

  3. Are glock switches legal?

    No, glock switches are absolutely not legal. Federal law prohibits the possession or use of any device that converts a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic weapon. So just having one of these could get you thrown in jail. Perhaps some believe they find a loophole, but many experts agree such devices have no legitimate purpose outside of illegal actions.

  4. Where can you buy a glock switch?

    Due to their illegality, these modification devices cannot be openly bought or sold through normal gun stores or online retailers. Despite this, investigators have found them advertised on suspicious websites and sold through shady networks. However, attempting to obtain one through such means sounds like an awful and dangerous idea. Is that risk truly worth transforming your gun into something much more deadly?

  1. How might a glock switch be used?

    Sadly, some likely see a glock switch as enabling horrifying violence by allowing rapid, continuous fire. Nonetheless, such a device serves no sporting purpose and only increases harm. Perhaps it appears to fulfill some fantasy of power, yet empowerment does not stem from intimidating others or lack of safety. At the same time, many lawful gun owners feel unfairly criticized by devices meant for harm. Is there a better path forward than fear or aggression?

  2. What are the legal consequences of possessing a glock switch?

    Getting caught with one of these illegal select-fire devices could land someone in deep trouble. Federal law sets a minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment just for possession of a machine gun. Some jurisdictions may punish it even more severely. So the potential downside is much greater than any fleeting sense of excitement. Isn’t it better to find empowerment through ethical means than risking one’s freedom or harming others? Food for thought.

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  3. Should these devices be legalized?

    There are reasonable arguments on both sides of this debate. Many feel these go too far and enable harm, while others think banning them infringes on rights. But do we have the right to modify guns in any way imaginable without concern for safety? As the NRA says, “Rights demand responsibility.” Perhaps the solution lies not in extremes of “ban” or “legalize” but a balanced approach that respects law-abiding citizens and promotes security for all. But what do the experts say?

  4. “Do I want to convert my gun into an automatic weapon and risk major legal consequences just for fun?”

    In the end, each individual must look inside and thoughtfully consider this question. As with many issues, there are valid viewpoints on more than one side. But we’d all be wise to avoid harmful, high-risk acts – especially those endangering others – just for momentary pleasure or thrills. Might focusing our energies on more positive goals lead to greater fulfillment long-term instead? You seem a sensible reader – I’m interested to know your perspective!