Poway Retailer Challenges California’s Glock Ban in Federal Court

In a significant legal move, a gun retailer based in Poway, California, has joined a lawsuit challenging the state’s recent ban on Glock-style firearms. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1127 (AB 1127) into law, which prohibits the sale of firearms that can be easily converted into automatic weapons using common household tools. This legislation specifically targets popular handguns, including Glocks, which are widely used by civilians, law enforcement, and the military.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in San Diego, includes the National Rifle Association (NRA), the Firearms Policy Coalition, and the Second Amendment Foundation, alongside local plaintiffs such as Poway Weapons and Gear. Bill Sack, the director of legal operations at the Second Amendment Foundation, argues that the law is unconstitutional. “The argument is that it’s too easy to turn them into illegal machine guns, and therefore the guns themselves in their semi-automatic form need to be banned,” he stated. “That’s what he did, and he did so unconstitutionally.”

Legal Background and Implications

The lawsuit emphasizes that Glocks are among the most popular handguns in the United States, with a reported 8% of all pistols sold in the country being manufactured by Glock. Additionally, a survey by PubMed Central indicates that over 23% of gun owners possess at least one Glock. According to the plaintiffs, the vague criteria set by AB 1127 reclassifies standard semi-automatic Glock pistols as “machine guns,” which they argue is unwarranted.

Michael Schwartz, Executive Director of the San Diego County Gun Owners PAC, reiterated the importance of Glocks for self-defense, noting their widespread adoption across various sectors. He expressed concern that the law could set a precedent for further restrictions on widely accepted firearms.

Support for Gun Control Measures

On the other side of the debate, groups advocating for stricter gun regulations, such as San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention, have praised the governor’s decision to sign AB 1127. Ron Marcus, Vice President of Communications for the group, stated, “The Second Amendment was never intended to be a blank check that allowed unregulated use of guns.” He emphasized that the legislation aims to address public safety concerns rather than to infringe upon lawful gun ownership.

As the legal battle unfolds, California Attorney General Rob Bonta affirmed the state’s commitment to defending its gun laws. In an email, his office stated, “The California Department of Justice will continue to defend California’s commonsense gun laws.” The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, with all sales of the affected firearms prohibited by July 1, 2026, according to the lawsuit.

The outcome of this legal challenge could have significant implications for gun laws not only in California but potentially across the United States, as it raises questions about the balance between public safety and Second Amendment rights. As both sides prepare for court, the discussion surrounding firearm regulations continues to ignite strong opinions among the public and lawmakers alike.