Glock switches, also called auto sears or “Glock auto switches,” are small mechanical devices that can be installed on Glock handguns to convert them from semi-automatic to totally automatic firearms. In a standard semi-automatic Glock, one pull of the trigger results in a single shot. However, when fitted with a change, the firearm can fire continuously with an individual trigger pull, effectively functioning as a device gun. These switches are usually installed at a corner of the slide and in many cases are deceptively simple in design, sometimes even 3D-printed or imported illegally. Despite their small size, Glock switches drastically alter the firepower and mechanics of a handgun.

The legality of Glock switches is just a significant concern. Under federal law, they are classified as machine gun conversion devices, and possessing or installing one without the appropriate licensing is a serious felony. The National Firearms Act (NFA) and the Gun Control Act strictly regulate such modifications. Even running a switch without having it attached with a gun is known as illegal under federal law. This is because the switch, by itself, is legally treated as a device gun. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has been actively cracking down on the manufacturing, distribution, and possession of these units, citing safety and legal concerns.

The rise in popularity of Glock switches among criminal organizations has raised alarm among law enforcement and policymakers. Their power to drastically increase a weapon's rate of fire makes them particularly dangerous in civilian settings. Police departments across the United States have reported a noticeable uptick in shootings involving Glock switches, which are generally acquired through the black market or social media platforms. Because these devices are relatively cheap and easy to obtain, especially with 3D printing technology, they pose an important threat to public safety. Officers are worried not only about increased lethality but also concerning the accuracy and control conditions that arise when handguns are changed into automatic firing modes Glock Switch Keychain.

From a technical and safety standpoint, Glock switches also introduce major reliability and performance issues. Glock pistols are not designed to take care of sustained automatic fire, and the modifications can lead to overheating, jamming, or mechanical failure. Furthermore, most users of they lack working out to control fully automatic fire, which increases the risk of unintended injuries or property damage. The combination of increased firepower, not enough control, and easy access makes Glock switches a controversial and pressing issue in discussions about gun regulation, firearm safety, and crime prevention