Auto Sears, AKA “Glock Switches” Have No Place in Our Communities
Whitney/Strong is working across party lines to keep these illegal devices out of Kentucky.
Auto sears, commonly called Glock switches, are small devices that convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons, greatly increasing the risk of mass injury and death. While they are already banned federally, states and cities need stronger tools to stop them. Whitney/Strong is bringing together survivors, law enforcement, and lawmakers to move a state ban solution forward.
Have you been impacted by a Glock switch? Please share your story here.
What Is an Auto Sear, Aka “Glock Switch” and Why Is It So Dangerous?
Auto sears are small devices that convert a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic one. They’re often called Glock switches because of their frequent use on Glock pistols. Both terms refer to a small, inexpensive part that lets a gun fire continuously with one trigger pull, dramatically increasing the risk of mass injury and death.
These devices can:
Fire dozens of bullets in seconds
Increase the chance of multiple victims in a single shooting
Put law enforcement at greater risk during routine calls
Spread fear and violence in neighborhoods
Illustration By Waller Austin
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Glock switches aren’t made by Glock. They’re produced illegally, often through 3D printing or imported from overseas, including countries like China. These devices can be printed at home or bought online, and they’re frequently mislabeled with phrases like “Glock” or “Made in Austria” to mislead buyers, but Glock does not manufacture them.
Glock supports our effort to pass a state ban on these devices in Kentucky.
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These devices are already banned under federal law, but cities in Kentucky are asking for a state ban to make enforcement easier. Federal agents are often too busy with bigger cases to charge people for having them, so a state ban would help hold illicit manufacturers and owners accountable and reduce how many of these devices end up in our communities.
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Earlier this year Alabama legislators passed a bipartisan law that makes possession of a Glock switch a Class C felony. After learning about Alabama’s victory, Whitney connected with Representative Phillip Ensler, the lead Democrat on the bill. He, in turn, connected us with Russell Bledsoe, a Republican and law enforcement officer who helped the bill gain traction across the aisle. Both joined us at A Night for Life for the keynote address on how they chose progress over politics to save lives.
“This is what common ground looks like. Leaders from both parties choosing safety over politics.”
– Whitney Austin -
On September 18, during an Interim Joint Judiciary Committee hearing, Republican Representative Jason Nemes introduced a bill to ban Glock switches in Kentucky. Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey testified, citing alarming trends in confiscations.
31 Glock switches confiscated in 2023
80 Glock switches confiscated in 2024
2025 on pace to surpass 2024
Chief Humphrey emphasized that Glock switches increase harm in shootings, endanger law enforcement during routine calls and traffic stops, and fuel fear and violence in communities.
This hearing marked a turning point, with support voiced by both rural and urban lawmakers. It was a powerful signal that Kentucky is ready to act.
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Whitney/Strong works with leaders from both parties along with survivors, community members, and law enforcement. In the fight against Glock switches we are:
Sharing best practices from other states like Alabama
Elevating survivor and law enforcement stories that illustrate real-world impact
Supporting lawmakers who are willing to work together on life-saving policies
Keeping communities informed and engaged so they can speak up