Gun Rights Groups Sue New York Over Glock-Style Ban

The National Rifle Association, the Second Amendment Foundation, and the Firearms Policy Coalition have filed a federal lawsuit in Buffalo to block a New York state law banning the sale, transfer, manufacture, and importation of convertible pistols. The legislation, which takes effect May 31, 2027, targets semi-automatic pistols that can be illegally modified into fully automatic weapons using tools such as 3D-printed Glock switches. While the law does not explicitly name the brand, officials and advocates state that Glock pistols are uniquely vulnerable due to their cruciform trigger bar design.

Governor Kathy Hochul defended the measure as a necessary step to protect citizens from weapons capable of firing 20 rounds per second. Conversely, plaintiffs argue the ban is unconstitutional under the Supreme Court's Bruen ruling, asserting that these handguns are in common use for lawful purposes. They contend the state is unfairly targeting factory-stock firearms rather than the criminals who perform illegal conversions.

New York's law is more severe than similar restrictions in California, Maryland, and Connecticut, as violations are punishable by up to seven years in prison. The law allows current owners to keep their firearms and permits police departments to continue purchasing them, but restricts retail sales of models determined to be convertible by the New York State Police.