Maryland residents may soon find their options at the gun store limited, as a new bill aims to ban several popular handguns, including Glocks.
SB 334/HB 0577 cleared both the Maryland House & Senate. The combo bills attempt to cap the use of auto sears — also known as Glock switches. These conversion kits, which are already illegal, allow for certain semi-auto handguns to fire multiple shots with a single pull of the trigger.
Under the legislation, any pistol with the capability of being “machine gun convertible” will be prohibited from manufacture, sell, purchase, or transfer in the state.
Even though the bill does not specifically list brands, it does classify convertible handguns as those with a “cruciform trigger bar” or pistols with a “sear incorporated into a cross-shaped surface,” meaning Glocks and Glock-type clones are on the chopping block.
A similar ban on Glocks and clones has already passed in California, but it was quickly met with backlash and a subsequent federal lawsuit.
Maryland’s own bill faced harsh criticisms from gun rights advocates who pointed to the fact that Glock switches are already illegal; therefore, lawful gun owners are the ones under fire.
“The Glock is the most popular handgun in our state. It’s the most popular tool that people use for self defense in our state. And the fact of the matter is that this legislation goes after the law-abiding citizens only,” House Republican Whip Jesse Pippy (R-Frederick County) said.
Despite pushback from gun owners, advocates for the bill say the legislation will keep residents safe.
“By passing this legislation, Maryland is taking an innovative step to stop the sale of ‘convertible’ pistols that are easily transformed into weapons of war. This bill focuses on prevention by stopping these convertible weapons at the source before they can devastate our communities. We applaud the House for prioritizing the safety of Maryland families over the profits of negligent manufacturers,” Monisha Henley, senior Vice President for Government Affairs at Everytown for Gun Safety, an advocacy group, said in a statement.
The bill now sits on Gov. Wes Moore’s desk awaiting a signature. If signed, the law would take effect starting Jan. 1, 2027.
What do you think of a Glock ban? Let us know in the comments below. In need of a Glock now? Check out our article on the Best Glock Models.
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