A new bill in New York takes on the gun industry while threatening to end the market for easily modified firearms. The state legislators are boldly targeting the Glock, a giant in the industry whose pistols have become synonymous with controversial modifications. This bill threatens to reshape gun sales in New York while igniting a national debate over firearm safety and gun control.
New York Targets Gun Modifications
New York is set to be the first state to prohibit the sale of pistols that can be transformed into machine guns. This legislative move focuses on preventing the modification of firearms into automatic weapons.
Legislation Targets Glock
Introduced by Senator Zellnor Myrie, the proposed law targets Glock for its easily modifiable pistol designs that have been in the market since the 1980s. Senator Myrie criticized the company for not altering its designs that contribute to gun violence, emphasizing the need for corporate responsibility.
Potential Legal Consequences
Under the new bill, selling these modifiable pistols could lead to felony charges for gun dealers. The definition of “convertible pistols” in the bill is specific to those that can become machine guns with just a simple modification.
Additional Regulatory Measures
Another legislative proposal requires gun manufacturers to prevent modifications that convert pistols into automatic weapons. Failure to comply could expose the companies to lawsuits under a 2021 New York law designed to combat gun violence through civil litigation.
Industry Response and Legal Battles
The gun industry has not yet responded to the proposed regulations, but a legal challenge from Glock is anticipated. The contentious nature of the bill suggests a lengthy legal dispute may be imminent.
Concerns Over Vague Language
Tom King of the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association has expressed concerns about the bill’s ambiguous terms, which could allow continuous modifications by skilled individuals. The industry argues that technological advancements will inevitably bypass new regulatory attempts.
Broad Definitions in Proposed Firearm Legislation
Mark Oliva criticizes the proposed New York bill for its broad criteria, which could categorize all striker-fired pistols as “easily modified” firearms. This definition could encompass a wide range of common handguns, beyond just Glocks.
The Unique Design of Glock Firearms
Glocks are particularly vulnerable to modifications due to their design, which includes a removable slide plate that facilitates conversion to automatic fire. When fired, the slide moves back, engaging the trigger bar to prevent continuous firing; however, with a so-called “Glock switch,” this mechanism is bypassed, allowing automatic fire.
The Prevalence of Conversion Devices
Autosears, including the infamous Glock switches, are devices that have long been used to modify firearms into machine guns. Despite their illegality under federal law, over 31,000 such devices have been recovered in the past five years, highlighting a significant black market demand.
Federal and Proposed State Regulations
The possession of autosears is already a federal felony, and Senator Myrie’s proposed legislation aims to enforce similar penalties at the state level. This move is intended to bolster public safety by curbing the accessibility and use of these conversion devices.
The Impact of Conversion Devices on Public Safety
Nick Suplina of Everytown for Gun Safety underscores the dangers posed by easily converted firearms, citing their frequent use in violent crimes, including a tragic mass shooting in Sacramento. The proposed law seeks to mitigate this threat by making firearm conversions more difficult.
Legal Actions Against Glock
Amid rising concerns over gun violence, Everytown for Gun Safety is supporting legal action against Glock. The lawsuit accuses the company of failing to prevent its firearms from being easily converted, thereby endangering public safety.
New York’s Legislative Response to Gun Violence
Following a devastating racially motivated attack in Buffalo, New York has enacted several gun control measures aimed at preventing future tragedies. These laws reflect the state’s proactive stance on gun safety under its Democratic leadership.
