Felons-Glock Switches- Legal Firearm Owners- Fully Automatic Firearms...Let's Take a LOOK
By Gregory Kielma
Why Felons, Glock Switches, and Full Automatic Weapons Aren’t Worth the Risk for Law Abiding Citizens
Gregg Kielma
Why Felons, Glock Switches, and Full Automatic Weapons Aren’t Worth the Risk for Law Abiding Citizens
By Gregory Kielma, Tactical K Training and Firearms
4/3/2026
As a firearms instructor, an FFL, and someone who works every day to promote responsible gun ownership, I see a lot of confusion about felons, Glock switches, and fully automatic weapons. Some of that confusion comes from social media, some from misinformation, and some from people simply not understanding how serious federal firearms laws really are.
Kielma continues, let me be clear:for a law-abiding citizen, getting involved with illegal conversion devices or prohibited possession is never worth the risk. The consequences are life changing, and not in a good way.
Felons and Firearms: The Law Is Absolute
Under federal law, a convicted felon cannot possess, own, purchase, or have access to a firearm or ammunition. There are no shortcuts, no “loopholes,” and no exceptions for “just holding it for a friend.”
If a prohibited person is caught with a firearm:
• They face federal prison time, not county jail
• They lose any chance of restoring their rights
• Anyone who knowingly provides them access can also be charged
For law abiding gun owners, the takeaway is simple: Never hand a firearm to someone who is prohibited. Even innocent intentions can turn into a felony charge.
Glock Switches: A One Way Ticket to Federal Prison
A Glock switch—also called an auto sear—is a tiny device that converts a semi-automatic Glock into a fully automatic machine gun. Because of that function, the ATF classifies the switch itself as a machine gun, even when it’s not installed.
That means:
• Possessing the device alone is a felony
• Buying, selling, printing, or installing one is a felony
• There is no legal civilian pathway to own one
People see these devices online and think they’re “just a part.” They’re not. They’re a federal machine gun charge waiting to happen.
For a responsible gun owner, the risk is enormous and the benefit is zero.
Full Automatic Weapons: Legal, But Not the Way People Think
Full auto firearms can be legally owned by civilians—but only if they were manufactured and registered before May 19, 1986. These are called transferable machine guns.
Here’s the reality:
• They cost tens of thousands of dollars
• They require a deep background check and ATF approval
• They must remain properly registered
• Any mistake in storage, transfer, or paperwork can lead to serious charges
For most people, the cost and responsibility make them impractical. For anyone thinking about “making” one or “converting” one—don’t. That’s a guaranteed felony.
Why Law Abiding Citizens Should Stay Far Away from Illegal Modifications
Responsible gun owners already have enough challenges—public perception, political pressure, and the constant need to demonstrate safety and professionalism. Illegal devices like Glock switches only make things worse for everyone.
Here’s what you risk by getting involved with illegal conversions:
• Federal felony charges
• Loss of gun rights for life
• Loss of career opportunities
• Financial ruin from legal fees
• Damage to the firearms community as a whole
Nothing about a Glock switch or an unregistered full auto is worth sacrificing your freedom, your rights, or your reputation.
Kielma’s Parting Shot: Responsible Path Forward
At Tactical K Training and Firearms,
I teach people how to be safe, skilled, and confident gun owners. That means understanding the law, respecting the law, and staying far away from anything that puts you—or the firearms community—at risk.
If you want to shoot full auto, do it the right way:
• Visit a licensed range that offers legal machine guns
• Train with qualified instructors
• Learn how these systems work safely and legally
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying firearms. There’s everything wrong with risking your freedom for a device that turns a good person into a felon in seconds.
Gregg Kielma