No, Glock switches are not legal in Texas. These devices convert a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic machine gun, and under federal law they’re classified as “machine guns” making possession, manufacture, or sale of them illegal unless very strictly regulated. Texas authorities actively enforce this via federal partnerships.
What Is a “Glock Switch”?
A “Glock switch” (also called an auto-sear or machine-gun conversion device) is a small component — often metal or plastic — that attaches to the rear of a pistol (commonly a Glock model). Once installed, it allows the gun to fire multiple rounds automatically with a single trigger pull instead of one round per pull.
Because it changes the firearm’s operation into fully automatic, the conversion device itself is treated as a machine-gun under federal law.
Federal Law That Applies
Under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and other federal statutes, machine guns — and devices that convert a firearm into a machine gun are highly regulated. Possession or manufacture of an unregistered machine gun (or conversion device) by civilians is illegal.
In Texas, federal agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are actively enforcing these laws. For example, under Operation Texas Kill Switch, federal prosecutors announced a crackdown on such conversion devices.
Texas State Law and Enforcement
While the primary prohibition comes from federal law, Texas state law also prohibits the conversion or use of firearms as machine guns. One legal commentary notes: possessing devices that turn a pistol into a machine gun is a felony in Texas (third-degree felony) under some circumstances.
Therefore, even though the device might seem small and trivial, legally it carries serious consequences both federally and under Texas law.
What Happens If You Possess One?
- Federal charges: Possession/manufacture of a machine gun or conversion device can lead to up to 10 years federal prison in many cases.
- Texas state charges: Texas can pursue state felony charges, plus fines and prison time, especially when the device is used to convert a weapon or facilitate criminal conduct.
- Increased risk: Because these devices are often linked with gun violence, law enforcement treats them as high-priority contraband. The ATF states seizures have surged in recent years.
Why These Are Targeted So Strongly
- Public safety: The conversion devices turn legal pistols into machine guns capable of firing many rounds in seconds. That dramatically increases lethality and risks to civilians and law enforcement.
- Ease of manufacture: Many of these devices can be 3D printed, made from inexpensive materials, and distributed online making them harder to track and a growing threat.
- Legal clarity under federal law: Because the switch is classified as an automatic weapon or conversion device under the NFA, there’s little ambiguity about its illegality.
What This Means for Gun Owners in Texas
If you legally own a Glock or other semi-automatic pistol in Texas, you must not add or acquire a switch or device that converts it into full auto. Even possession of the device alone — without installing it or using it — can constitute a violation.
Having a semi-automatic pistol with no conversion device remains lawful (subject to your firearm rights). But once a conversion device (like a Glock switch) is involved, it’s illegal.
If you’re unsure whether certain accessories you’re purchasing or attempting to install might constitute an illegal conversion device, it is wise to consult a qualified firearms attorney or law enforcement before proceeding.
In conclusion
No, Glock switches are not legal in Texas. Under federal law the device is treated as a machine gun conversion, and both federal and Texas enforcement treat possession/manufacture/sale of these devices as a serious felony.
