Skip to Content

Can Glocks Easily Be Converted to Machine Guns? New Jersey Says YES.

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has launched a significant legal challenge against Glock Inc., alleging that the design of their semi-automatic pistols makes them easily convertible into illegal machine guns. The lawsuit, filed in New Jersey Superior Court, accuses the Austrian-based gun manufacturer of prioritizing profit over public safety. This case comes as part of a larger effort to hold firearm manufacturers accountable for their alleged role in gun violence across the United States.

The Core Allegation: Glock Switches

The Core Allegation Glock Switches
Image Credit: NJ Office of the Attorney General

At the heart of the lawsuit is a small device known as the “Glock switch,” which, according to the lawsuit and a press release from Attorney General Platkin, can be purchased for under $20 or even 3D-printed at home. This device can convert a Glock pistol from semi-automatic to fully automatic, enabling it to fire up to 1,200 rounds per minute. The lawsuit argues that Glock has long known about the ease of this modification but has failed to redesign its pistols to prevent such conversions.

Attorney General Platkin’s Position

Attorney General Platkin’s Position
Image Credit: NJ Spotlight News

In the official press release, the ease of converting Glock pistols into machine guns is described as “unreasonable, unlawful, and dangerous.” Platkin accused Glock of knowingly contributing to gun violence, claiming the company benefits from increased sales due to the appeal of such modifiable weapons among criminal users. At a press conference, Platkin emphasized that the lawsuit is not about infringing on Second Amendment rights but about addressing what he called “irresponsible business practices.”

A Broader Trend in Legal Action

A Broader Trend in Legal Action
Image Credit: Armed Attorneys

This lawsuit is not an isolated case. It mirrors previous legal actions, including a similar lawsuit filed by Chicago against Glock, which ultimately did not succeed. NJ.com’s Richard Cowen noted that Minnesota joined New Jersey in filing lawsuits against Glock on the same day, signaling a coordinated effort to challenge firearm manufacturers under public nuisance and product liability laws. These lawsuits aim to curtail the widespread availability of easily modifiable firearms.

The Legal Angle: Product Liability and Nuisance Claims

The Legal Angle Product Liability and Nuisance Claims
Image Credit: Armed Attorneys

The legal foundation of New Jersey’s lawsuit includes claims of nuisance and product liability. According to the gun law YouTubers Emily Taylor and Richard Hayes, better known as the Armed Attorneys, this approach seeks to bypass the protections granted to gun manufacturers under the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). This federal law generally shields firearm companies from liability for crimes committed with their products, but New Jersey is attempting to argue that Glock’s design constitutes a defect.

Criticism from Gun Rights Advocates

Criticism from Gun Rights Advocates
Image Credit: Washington Gun Law

The lawsuit has sparked strong reactions from gun rights advocates. William Kirk of the Washington Gun Law YouTube channel characterized the legal action as an attempt to hold Glock accountable for the illegal activities of third parties. Kirk pointed out that Glock switches are already illegal under federal law and argued that the lawsuit unfairly targets a manufacturer for crimes committed with aftermarket modifications.

A Historical Perspective: Glock’s Knowledge

A Historical Perspective Glock’s Knowledge
Image Credit: WBNS 10TV

Both New Jersey’s press release and William Kirk’s analysis highlight Glock’s alleged long-standing knowledge of this issue. The lawsuit claims that Glock’s founder, Gaston Glock, demonstrated a prototype of the Glock switch as early as the 1980s. NJ.com’s reporting adds that the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has repeatedly requested that Glock redesign its firearms to prevent such modifications, but the company has not complied.

An Epidemic of Glock Switches

An Epidemic of Glock Switches
Image Credit: New Jersey OAG

The proliferation of Glock switches is not just a hypothetical concern. Attorney General Platkin cited a 570% increase in the seizure of machine gun conversion parts between 2017 and 2021. In New Jersey, seizures of Glock pistols doubled between 2020 and 2023, reflecting their growing use in violent crimes. Platkin emphasized that this trend endangers not only civilians but also law enforcement officers, who frequently encounter these modified weapons in dangerous situations.

Accuracy vs. Chaos: The Problem with Machine Guns

Accuracy vs. Chaos The Problem with Machine Guns
Image Credit: WBNS 10TV

Interestingly, Glock switches do not just increase firepower – they also compromise accuracy. According to New Jersey’s lawsuit, the immense recoil from firing 1,200 rounds per minute often leads to an uncontrollable spray of bullets. This makes these converted firearms even more dangerous to bystanders and law enforcement.

The Fine Line Between Innovation and Responsibility

The Fine Line Between Innovation and Responsibility
Image Credit: New Jersey OAG

What stands out in this case is the delicate balance between technological innovation and ethical responsibility. Glock’s semi-automatic pistols are renowned for their durability and precision, qualities that have made them a favorite among law enforcement and civilian users alike.

However, the company’s alleged inaction regarding the widespread misuse of Glock switches raises questions about corporate accountability. Should manufacturers bear responsibility for misusing their products, or does the blame lie solely with the criminals exploiting these loopholes? The answer likely depends on one’s perspective on gun rights and public safety.

The Armed Attorneys Weigh In

The Armed Attorneys Weigh In
Image Credit: WBNS 10TV

Emily Taylor and Richard Hayes, hosts of the Armed Attorneys channel, argued that suing Glock for the actions of third parties sets a dangerous precedent. They compared the lawsuit to absurd hypothetical scenarios, such as suing manufacturers of legal household products used to create illegal substances. While their stance strongly favors gun rights, they did acknowledge the uptick in Glock switch use as a concerning trend that law enforcement must address.

Unintended Consequences

Unintended Consequences
Image Credit: New Jersey OAG

This case highlights the complexities of addressing gun violence in America. While it is easy to sympathize with New Jersey’s goal of reducing firearm-related crime, the method of holding manufacturers accountable for illegal modifications could have unintended consequences. If the lawsuit succeeds, it might pave the way for similar cases targeting other industries, potentially stifling innovation and creating a slippery slope of liability.

A Case to Watch

A Case to Watch
Image Credit: Survival World

As this lawsuit unfolds, it will likely serve as a critical test case for the future of firearm regulation in the United States. With strong opinions on both sides, the outcome could have far-reaching implications for Glock and the entire firearms industry. Whether this legal battle ends in stricter regulations or serves as a cautionary tale against overreach, it underscores the ongoing struggle to balance public safety with constitutional rights.