UPDATE: California Bans Glock Pistols & Clones

Some Glock pistols are now effectively banned in the state of California after California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill targeting Glocks and their clones.  

Newsom put ink to paper on AB1127, which doesn’t specifically invoke the name of Glock but does prevent FFLs from selling semi-autos that can be “machine-gun convertible” and possess a cruciform trigger bar.

Cruciform trigger bars are essential components in Glock pistols and clones, meaning the pistols will no longer be sold in the state. (Military and law enforcement will be exempt.)

The law is set to go into effect on July 1, 2026, and will only apply to new sales.

Under the law, dealers who violate the provision will see penalties ranging from a $1,000 fine to a misdemeanor and license revocation.

Manufacturers do have the option of modifying guns already on the state’s handgun roster. If gun makers remove components that make their firearms convertible before January 1, 2027, they will not have to undergo testing requirements to stay on the roster.  

In a 2024 report, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms stated it had encountered over 30,000 machine gun conversion devices since 2019.

What This Means for California Glock Owners

Current Glock and Glock clone owners will be able to keep guns they already own, so long as they are purchased prior to January 1, 2026.

That said, gun owners cannot install or possess a “pistol converter,” a.k.a. Glock switch. Possession of a switch will net you a felony.

While this largely impacts gun deals in the state, if you do not own a Glock or clone but have been on the fence, we recommend you go ahead and buy now. After 2026, you will not be able to buy them from a dealer.

(We have recommendations on the best models in the Best Glocks, Best 9mm Glocks, and Best Glock Clones - just make sure to get the California-compliant models.)

Pro-Gun & Anti-Gun Groups React

Though the ban does not take effect until next year, gun advocacy groups are already mounting a defense.

“Gavin Newsom just signed AB1127, banning the most popular handgun in America, and the same one Kamala Harris bragged about carrying. You couldn’t make this hypocrisy up if you tried. Lawsuit Time, again,” Gun Owners of California posted on social media.

Firearms Policy Coalition said they have already been prepping to fight AB1127 in court in the event the measure made its way to Newsom’s desk.

"FPC and our legal team have been preparing a challenge to AB 1127 for months," FPC said in a statement. "We and our allies will move swiftly to strike down this unlawful and immoral ban in federal court. The Constitution—not Gavin Newsom—defines the limits of government power, and we will make sure he once more learns that lesson."

Everytown for Gun Safety quickly commended Newsom for signing the bill while admonishing gun companies.

“Governor Newsom, state lawmakers, and California volunteers continue to prove that the days of putting gun industry profits over our lives are long gone,” said Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action.

“DIY machine guns should never have had a pathway onto our streets, and today, we’re taking a big step to get them out of our communities. Our movement will keep fighting to hold reckless gun manufacturers accountable — because they shouldn’t get to profit off our tragedies.”

It’s worth noting that unregistered switches are already illegal under the National Firearms Act, and Glock has never endorsed the switches.

What do you think of the Glock Ban? Let us know in the comments below. For more news, check out the News Section.

Additional Resources

• AB1127
• ATF Report
• Gun Owners of California X Statement
• Firearm Police Coalition Statement
• Everytown for Gun Safety Statement

Latest Updates

October 2025: Rewritten after the proposal was signed by Gavin Newsom.