The penny-sized device can transform a semi-automatic weapon into one capable of firing up to 1,100 bullets per minute with just the pull of the trigger.
SLIDELL, La. — They’re illegal, deadly, and federal agents are finding them on the streets of New Orleans and Jefferson Parish.
According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, criminals turn ordinary guns into machine guns, simply by attaching a small switch to the gun.
The penny-sized device can transform a semi-automatic weapon into one capable of firing up to 1,100 bullets per minute with just the pull of the trigger.
On Thursday, ATF agent Tony Pierce demonstrated the machine gun conversion device, commonly known as the Glock switch, at a firing range in Slidell.
“With the standard Glock setup, in semi-automatic mode, it’s much easier to control shots because you have time to let the gun cycle and you can control your recoil,” Pierce said.
The weapon is more difficult to handle when fully automatic, using the illegal switch.
“A lot of times on the street guys are shooting with one hand and trying to control that with one hand would be next to impossible,” Pierce said. “You’re going to have innocent bystanders in the background and in the foreground who could also be affected by this.”
Agent Pierce fired 17 rounds, first using an unmodified pistol.
It took him about 8 seconds to unload the clip.
Then he used a gun with the switch installed.
This time it emptied the extended magazine in just over 2 seconds.
ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Carroll said Glock switches were found in the New Orleans area.
“They were used in shootings in New Orleans and all over Louisiana,” Carroll said.
He did not identify the shots involving the device.
According to the ATF, machine gun conversion devices are hitting the streets in record numbers. In 2017, the ATF recovered less than 100. Then, last year, that number jumped to more than 1,500, nationwide.
“It gets into the hands of gang members and criminals who can’t own guns and they end up using them indiscriminately,” Carroll said.
Criminals order Glock switches online or through social media.
Some even make their own device using a 3D printer.
Simply possessing the switch is a felony, which could land you in jail for up to 10 years.
Under the law, the weapon would be considered “fully automatic”, which is illegal.
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