What is a Switch on a Gun? Full Guide & Legal Implications
A “switch” on a gun refers to a small device, often used illegally, that converts a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic weapon. When installed, this device allows the firearm to fire continuously as long as the trigger is held down, effectively turning it into a machine gun. While some gun enthusiasts might see it as an exciting modification, using a switch is heavily regulated and, in most cases, illegal without the proper licenses. The concept is mostly associated with Glock handguns, where it is commonly called a “Glock switch” or “auto sear.”
This article delves into how gun switches work, their legal status, safety risks, and their rise in popularity, especially in criminal activities. We’ll also explore legal alternatives for increasing the firing rate and how law enforcement agencies are tackling the growing issue of gun switches.
What Does a Switch on a Gun Do?
The Basics of Gun Switches
A switch on a gun, often referred to as a “Glock switch” or “auto sear,” is a device that modifies the internal mechanism of a firearm. In its standard form, a semi-automatic firearm requires one trigger pull for each bullet fired. A switch modifies this action so that the gun continues to fire bullets automatically with just one trigger pull, stopping only when the trigger is released or when the magazine is empty.
This rapid-firing capability transforms a typical handgun into what is legally defined as a machine gun. For example, a standard Glock pistol fires one round with each trigger pull, but a switch can make it fire up to 1,200 rounds per minute—on par with some military-grade weapons.
Glock Switches: The Most Common Example
Among all types of switches, Glock switches are the most well-known. These small, simple devices are often sold online, sometimes illegally, and can be easily installed on Glock pistols. The term “Glock switch” became widely recognized due to its frequent use in criminal activity and the availability of 3D-printed versions.
The first patent for the auto-sear device, which functions similarly to today’s Glock switches, was filed in 1996. While initially intended for military or law enforcement use, illegal modifications of these devices began spreading in the U.S. around 2002, and since then, they’ve been involved in various crimes.
How Does a Gun Switch Work?
Internal Mechanism and Design
The switch works by altering the firearm’s fire-control group—the internal components responsible for how bullets are fired. In a semi-automatic firearm, the gun’s firing mechanism resets after each shot, requiring a new trigger pull to fire another bullet. A switch disrupts this mechanism, allowing continuous fire.
The device usually includes an auto sear, which engages the hammer (or striker) of the gun repeatedly without needing the trigger to be released. It bypasses the reset of the firing pin, causing bullets to be fired rapidly, one after the other.
These switches can be mass-produced using CNC machining or even 3D printing, making them accessible for as little as $20. Despite their small size, their impact on the gun’s functionality is significant, effectively turning a handgun into a fully automatic machine gun.
The Firing Rate Increase
Once installed, the switch drastically increases the firearm’s rate of fire. A standard Glock might fire at a rate of about 15 rounds per minute when firing one shot at a time, but with a switch installed, this jumps to as much as 1,200 rounds per minute. This makes the gun fire as fast as military weapons like the MG 42 machine gun, which also has a high rate of fire.
This modification, while enhancing the gun’s firepower, poses several practical issues. For example, standard magazines may not be able to keep up with the rapid firing, leading to frequent jams or misfires. Moreover, the gun heats up quickly when firing at this rate, which can lead to malfunction or even damage to the firearm.
Legality and Regulation of Gun Switches
U.S. Federal Law and ATF Regulations
Under U.S. federal law, a switch that converts a semi-automatic firearm into fully automatic mode is classified as a “machine gun.” The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) treats the device itself as a machine gun, meaning its possession, manufacturing, and transfer are subject to the same regulations as fully automatic firearms. These regulations were established under the National Firearms Act (NFA), which requires machine guns to be registered with the federal government.
If someone is caught in possession of an unregistered switch, they face severe penalties, including up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The 1986 Firearm Owners Protection Act also made it illegal for civilians to own newly manufactured machine guns, making it nearly impossible for average citizens to legally possess a gun equipped with a switch.
1986 Firearm Owners Protection Act
The Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986 introduced a ban on the civilian ownership of machine guns manufactured after May 19, 1986. This includes both fully automatic weapons and the parts needed to convert a semi-automatic firearm into one. Since most Glock switches are produced after this date, they fall under this ban.
While there are exceptions for certain federally licensed individuals and organizations, most people caught with these devices face significant legal consequences.
Exceptions for Legal Ownership
There are very few circumstances where owning a Glock switch is legal. In general, only those with a Federal Firearms License (FFL) are permitted to possess or manufacture a gun switch. Specifically, a Type 07 FFL, which allows for the manufacturing of firearms and ammunition, can legally produce these devices, but even they must register the device with the ATF.
Without the proper licensing, any possession or use of a gun switch is illegal under federal law, regardless of state regulations.
The Growing Problem: Gun Switches in Crime
Glock Switches in the Media
In recent years, Glock switches have become a fixture in the media, often associated with criminal activity. Several high-profile cases have drawn attention to the devices, including incidents involving rappers and social media influencers who have flaunted their use of illegal switches in videos. This has been particularly prevalent on platforms like TikTok, where users have uploaded videos showing off their modified firearms, often in the context of gang activity or street violence.
Gun switches have been linked to several violent crimes in major cities like Chicago, New York, and Detroit. In one such case, a rapper left a modified Glock with a switch in a New York City Uber, resulting in his arrest. Another example saw the ATF recover thousands of gun switches that had been smuggled into the country from China, further contributing to their widespread use.
International Spread of Gun Switches
The problem isn’t limited to the United States. Glock switches have also been found in countries like Canada, the Philippines, and Australia, where their use is similarly illegal. Law enforcement agencies around the world are increasingly encountering these devices, often imported through online marketplaces or produced locally using 3D printers.
In 2019, the ATF seized thousands of these devices that had been illegally imported from China, where many are produced. This international dimension has made it difficult for authorities to fully crack down on the distribution of gun switches.
Safety Concerns and Misuse
Difficulty in Controlling Fully Automatic Fire
One of the most significant concerns with gun switches is the difficulty in controlling fully automatic fire. While movies and video games often portray machine guns as precise and effective, the reality is that they are incredibly hard to control, especially when attached to lightweight handguns like Glocks.
When firing in fully automatic mode, the recoil forces the gun off-target almost immediately after the first shot. Without a stock or other stabilizing mechanism, it’s nearly impossible to keep a full-auto Glock on target, making it a danger not only to the intended target but also to bystanders.
Real-World Examples of Dangers
Several real-world incidents highlight the dangers of using gun switches. In one case in Puerto Rico, a group of men used modified Glock pistols in a gang-related shootout. The video footage showed that most of the rounds fired missed their intended targets, instead spraying bullets wildly across the area, endangering innocent bystanders.
The risk of accidental injury or death is much higher when using a fully automatic firearm, especially in a chaotic environment like a street fight or gang confrontation. This has led many law enforcement agencies to view gun switches as a significant public safety threat.
Alternatives to Illegal Gun Switches
Binary Triggers and Legal Modifications
For gun enthusiasts looking to increase their rate of fire without breaking the law, there are legal alternatives available. One of the most popular options is the binary trigger. Unlike a fully automatic switch, a binary trigger fires a round when the trigger is pulled and another when it is released, effectively doubling the rate of fire.
While binary triggers don’t match the speed of fully automatic fire, they still provide an increased rate of fire that many gun owners find satisfying, without running afoul of the law.
The Future of Gun Switch Regulation
Increasing Law Enforcement Focus
With the rise in popularity of gun switches, law enforcement agencies have ramped up efforts to track and seize these devices. The ATF, in particular, has been working to monitor online marketplaces and investigate shipments from overseas manufacturers.
Advancements in 3D printing technology have made the situation even more complicated. As 3D printers become more accessible, individuals are now able to produce gun switches at home, making it harder for authorities to control the spread of these devices.
Technological Innovations and Challenges
The rise of 3D printing and the global nature of internet commerce have created significant challenges for law enforcement. Even as authorities crack down on illegal gun switches, new methods of manufacturing and distribution continue to emerge. This ongoing game of cat and mouseof producing and distributing illegal gun switches continues. With the ability to share designs and information freely across the internet, law enforcement agencies are in a constant battle to stay ahead of the curve.
While technology can sometimes benefit public safety, it has also introduced new challenges that lawmakers and regulators must address. In the future, we can expect to see more advanced detection methods, as well as stricter penalties and regulations for those caught making, distributing, or using gun switches.
Conclusion
A gun switch is a dangerous device that turns a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic one, dramatically increasing the rate of fire and posing significant safety risks. While some gun enthusiasts may be drawn to the power of fully automatic weapons, it’s important to remember that the vast majority of gun switches are illegal without a proper license. The legal consequences are severe, and the risks to public safety cannot be overstated.
The use of gun switches has risen in criminal activities, with social media platforms playing a role in popularizing their use. Law enforcement agencies are actively working to combat the rise of gun switches, particularly as the technology for creating and distributing them becomes more accessible.
For those seeking to increase the rate of fire legally, options like binary triggers offer a solution without the legal risks. However, with the growing sophistication of both criminals and law enforcement, the issue of gun switches is likely to remain a pressing concern for the foreseeable future.
