Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1127 into law, effectively banning the sale of most Glock pistols in California starting July 1, 2026. The bill focuses on design features like the cruciform trigger bar and the potential for illegal conversion to automatic fire, sparking criticism from Second Amendment advocates who argue it punishes law-abiding gun owners more than criminals.
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SACRAMENTO, CA (3-minute read) — California has taken another firm step in reshaping its gun control landscape with Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent signing of Assembly Bill 1127. Starting July 1, 2026, this law will ban the sale of a wide range of semiautomatic pistols, particularly targeting those built with a “cruciform trigger bar” mechanism. While the bill doesn’t name specific manufacturers, the technical criteria clearly take aim at Glock pistols, including popular models like the G17 and G19.
The rationale behind AB 1127 is the concern that certain striker-fired pistols are “readily convertible” into fully automatic firearms through illegal devices like Glock switches. Though such conversion tools are already prohibited at both federal and state levels, the new legislation goes much further: restricting the sale of entire platforms due to their theoretical potential for modification.
Glock pistols are among the most widely owned firearms in the U.S., prized for their reliability, simplicity, and ease of use. But under AB 1127, law-abiding Californians will no longer be able to purchase many Glock models simply because their internal mechanics align with the bill’s criteria. Ironically, one of the very pistols now banned, the Glock 19, was carried by Kamala Harris during her time as California’s Attorney General.
New California Gun Laws: More Than Just AB 1127
AB 1127 is just one piece of a broader gun control package Newsom signed this week:
- AB 1078 now requires concealed carry applicants to list the specific make, model, and serial number of each firearm they intend to carry.
- SB 704 mandates that all firearm barrels be sold through licensed dealers with full background checks, in an effort to clamp down on the parts used in ghost guns.
Supporters say these laws close dangerous loopholes and prevent illegal modifications. However, critics argue that California continues to place more burdens on responsible gun owners rather than addressing criminal misuse directly. Many also believe these laws will face constitutional challenges, especially in light of recent federal court rulings strengthening Second Amendment protections.
For residents outside California, AB 1127 serves as a reminder of how aggressively some states are moving to regulate not just criminal activity, but the lawful possession of firearms.
Safety Tip: Always stay informed on your state’s firearm laws, including proposed changes. Knowing what is legal, and what’s not, is essential for responsible gun ownership and could help you avoid serious legal trouble.
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