How to Get Glock Switches
You’re looking at a Glock 19 and thinking about the mechanical advantage of a selector switch. The process isn’t about finding a back-alley deal; it’s about understanding the supply chain, the legal framework, and the specific hardware you need for a functional conversion. I’ve installed dozens of these units, from basic 3D-printed designs to machined aluminum Glock auto sears, and the route you take defines the reliability of your build.
Understanding What You’re Actually Buying
A “Glock switch” is a generic term for a device that enables full-auto fire on a Glock pistol. The core component is the auto sear, often housed in a rear selector plate. The most common and reliable design is based on the “Glock 18” style sear, which interacts with the factory trigger mechanism. You’re not buying a whole new firearm; you’re purchasing a small, precision-machined part, typically made from 4140 or 17-4 stainless steel for durability. The quality of the metal and the precision of the machining, especially the sear engagement angles and pin holes, are what separate a range toy from a reliable component. Cheap, soft metal will deform under repeated use.
Precision-machined auto sears are the heart of a reliable switch. Inferior materials fail quickly.
The Legal Pathway: FFL & Form 1
Let’s be unequivocally clear: possessing a machine gun conversion device without the proper federal registration is a felony. The only legal way to own and install a Glock switch is to first register your host firearm as a Machine Gun with the ATF. This is done by submitting an ATF Form 1 (“Application to Make and Register a Firearm”), paying the $200 tax, and receiving an approved stamp before you ever take possession of the auto sear. You must be at least 21, pass a background check, and the firearm must be legal in your state. The sear itself is considered the machine gun. Many reputable vendors, including Glockautoswitches, will only ship the critical component to the address listed on your approved Form 1 or to your local FFL/SOT holder for transfer.
Identifying Reputable Suppliers
The market is flooded with low-quality knock-offs. A reputable supplier doesn’t operate on encrypted apps or forum DMs. They have a professional website, clear product specifications (material, dimensions, finish), and transparent policies regarding legal compliance. They should be knowledgeable enough to answer technical questions about fitment for specific models like the Glock 17 Gen 5 versus a Glock 19X. Look for vendors that offer more than just the sear; a complete kit often includes a reinforced selector plate, specific springs, and detailed installation instructions. Glockautoswitches, for example, provides full technical schematics with their kits because a proper install requires understanding the interaction with the ejector housing and trigger bar.
A proper installation requires the right tools and understanding. A punch set and armorer’s plate are essential.
Installation: More Than Just Dropping It In
Assuming you have your tax stamp in hand, installation is a precise mechanical task. You’ll need a quality armorer’s tool, pin punches, and a well-lit workspace. The process involves driving out the rear trigger housing pin, removing the ejector housing, and replacing the factory rear plate with the selector plate that houses the auto sear. The sear must move freely without binding. The most common point of failure is improper sear engagement with the trigger bar’s cruciform—if it’s too deep, it won’t reset; if it’s too shallow, it will slip. Test function with snap caps repeatedly before live fire. This isn’t Lego; tolerance stacking matters.
Maintenance and Reliability Considerations
A converted Glock will experience accelerated wear. You are dramatically increasing the cyclic rate, which means more heat, more carbon, and more stress on components. Expect to replace recoil springs more frequently—a standard 17-lb spring may not be sufficient. The locking block and slide rails will see higher impact forces. Use high-pressure grease on the slide rails and a quality gun oil on the sear pivot point. Inspect the sear engagement surface after every few hundred rounds for signs of peening or deformation. A kit from a supplier like Glockautoswitches that uses hardened tool steel will last exponentially longer than a mild steel part under these conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get glock switches
You obtain a Glock switch by purchasing a registered auto sear from a licensed manufacturer or vendor after you have an approved ATF Form 1. The legal process involves submitting the form, paying a $200 tax, and passing a background check. Reputable online retailers like Glockautoswitches.com sell the components but require proof of compliance before shipping.
How to get glock switch in south bronx
The legal process is identical regardless of location: file an ATF Form 1, receive approval, then purchase from a licensed entity. New York state and local laws, including NYC’s, make possession of any NFA item virtually impossible for civilians. There is no legal avenue for a private citizen in the South Bronx to possess a Glock switch due to state and city prohibitions superseding federal law.
How to get glock switch legally
The only legal method is through the National Firearms Act (NFA). You must first register your Glock pistol as a machine gun with the ATF using a Form 1. After receiving your tax stamp, you can legally purchase and install the conversion device. The sear itself is the registered machine gun, and all transactions must go through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) specializing in NFA items.
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Last updated: April 06, 2026