NRA Files Lawsuit Against California Over Glock-Style Firearms Ban

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has initiated a lawsuit against the state of California in response to a new law banning Glock-style firearms. This legislation, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on March 29, 2024, prohibits the sale and transfer of handguns that can be converted into fully automatic weapons using a device known as a switch. The ban has drawn significant attention and opposition from gun rights groups, who argue it infringes upon the rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment.

The NRA, along with the Firearms Policy Coalition, Second Amendment Foundation, and Poway Weapons & Gear, is challenging the legality of Assembly Bill 1127. Their lawsuit asserts that California’s prohibition violates the Second Amendment and contradicts established U.S. Supreme Court rulings regarding gun ownership rights.

According to the lawsuit, “A law that bans the sale of—and correspondingly prevents citizens from acquiring—a weapon in common use violates the Second Amendment.” It further claims that semiautomatic handguns featuring cruciform trigger bars are not significantly different from other types of semiautomatic handguns in terms of constitutional relevance.

Governor Newsom‘s bill specifically targets semiautomatic pistols that can be easily modified into machine guns. The legislation states that licensed firearms dealers “shall not sell, offer for sale, exchange, give, transfer, or deliver any semiautomatic machinegun-convertible pistol.” This definition encompasses any semiautomatic handgun that can be readily converted by hand or with common household tools into a machinegun through the installation of a pistol converter.

The law does not apply to hammer-fired semiautomatic pistols or striker-fired models lacking a cruciform trigger bar. Furthermore, law enforcement officers are exempt from these restrictions. The law is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives reported a striking 570% increase in the number of converted devices seized by law enforcement agencies between 2017 and 2021, highlighting concerns about the proliferation of modified firearms.

The lawsuit has sparked heated discussions among gun owners and advocates. One individual expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the ban, questioning, “You can make a switch with a 3D printer, you going to outlaw those too?” This sentiment reflects a broader concern among gun rights supporters that such legislation is merely a precursor to more extensive restrictions on firearm ownership.

As the legal battle unfolds, the implications of this lawsuit will likely resonate beyond California. It raises significant questions about the interpretation of the Second Amendment and the extent to which states can regulate firearms in a manner that aligns with constitutional rights.