January 2026
SB334 Introduced
Sen. Sara Love introduces the bill to ban “machine gun convertible pistols” in the Maryland Senate.
Maryland Just Banned Glocks.
SB334 redefines “machine gun convertible pistols” to ban every Glock and cruciform trigger bar handgun from sale in the state. It passed both chambers and awaits the Governor’s signature.
265
days until sales ban takes effect
January 1, 2027
At a Glance
28–16
Senate Vote
92–39
House Vote
Oct 1, 2026
Effective Date
Jan 1, 2027
Sales Ban Begins
What the Law Says
Bill Language vs. Plain English
SB334 — Actual Bill Language
“MACHINE GUN CONVERTIBLE PISTOL” MEANS A SEMIAUTOMATIC PISTOL THAT CAN BE READILY CONVERTED TO SHOOT AUTOMATICALLY MORE THAN ONE SHOT, WITHOUT MANUAL RELOADING, BY A SINGLE FUNCTION OF THE TRIGGER USING A DEVICE THAT ATTACHES TO, IS INSERTED INTO, OR REPLACES A COMPONENT OF THE PISTOL, INCLUDING A CRUCIFORM TRIGGER BAR, TO COMPLETE THE CONVERSION.
What This Actually Means
Any semiautomatic pistol that could theoretically be converted to fire automatically using an aftermarket device — specifically any pistol with a cruciform trigger bar — is now classified as a “machine gun convertible pistol.”
This covers every Glock ever made, plus Glock-pattern clones like Polymer80 builds and Shadow Systems pistols — any firearm with a Glock-style cruciform trigger bar.
“They didn’t ban machine guns. They banned the pistols that could theoretically become one.”
— Bearing Freedom
Which Guns Are Affected?
The Hit List
| Firearm | Trigger Type | Status Under SB334 |
|---|---|---|
| Glock Gen 5 (all models) | Cruciform trigger bar | Banned from Sale |
| Glock V Series | Cruciform trigger bar | Banned from Sale |
| Shadow Systems (all models) | Cruciform trigger bar | Banned from Sale |
| Polymer80 / Clone builds | Cruciform trigger bar | Banned from Sale |
| Currently owned (all above) | — | Grandfathered |
| Revolvers | Hammer/sear (non-cruciform) | Exempt |
| Sig Sauer P320 | Pivoting sear (non-cruciform) | Exempt |
| S&W M&P Series | Pivoting sear (non-cruciform) | Exempt |
| 1911-pattern pistols | Hammer-fired (non-cruciform) | Exempt |
#1
Glock is the best-selling handgun brand in America — carried
by the majority of U.S. law enforcement agencies
Timeline
How We Got Here
February 2026
Senate Committee Hearing
Judicial Proceedings Committee hears testimony. Gun rights groups testify against the bill; law enforcement groups divided.
March 2026
Senate Passes SB334
The Senate approves the bill 28–16, largely along party lines. Sent to the House.
April 8, 2026
House Passes SB334
Final House vote: 92–39. The bill heads to Governor Wes Moore’s desk.
April 2026
Awaiting Governor’s Signature
Governor Moore is expected to sign. He has 30 days to act once the bill reaches his desk.
October 1, 2026
Law Takes Effect
The definition of “machine gun convertible pistol” enters Maryland law.
January 1, 2027
Sales Ban Begins
No new sales of affected pistols. Existing owners grandfathered. Transfer restrictions take effect.
Want to stay ahead of bills like this?
Join thousands of gun owners who get the breakdown before it’s too late.
Subscribe to Bearing Freedom
The Real Numbers
ATF Conversion Device Recoveries
Proponents cite the rise in “Glock switches” and auto sears. Here’s the actual ATF recovery data:
0%
increase in conversion device recoveries, 2019–2023 —
per ATF NFCTA Volume IV (Jan 2025)
The core problem with SB334’s logic
Conversion devices (auto sears, “Glock switches”) are already illegal under federal and Maryland law. SB334 doesn’t ban the devices — it bans the pistols that a criminal could theoretically modify. That’s like banning cars because someone could remove the speed limiter.
Claims vs. Reality
What Proponents Claim
“This targets machine guns”
“Only affects convertible weapons”
“Law enforcement supports this”
“Existing owners aren’t affected”
What Actually Happens
It bans semiautomatic pistols — not
machine guns, which are already banned
It bans Glocks — the best-selling handgun in the country
— plus all Glock-pattern clones
Many Maryland law enforcement agencies testified against SB334
Owners can’t sell or transfer affected pistols after Jan
2027 — assets lose all resale value
The Vote
How They Voted
Maryland Senate
Yes
(28)
No
(16)
Not Voting (3)
Maryland House of Delegates
Yes
(92)
No
(39)
Not Voting (10)
Lead Sponsors
SL
Sen. Sara Love
D — District 16, Montgomery Co.
WS
Sen. William C. Smith Jr.
D — District 20, Montgomery Co.
JW
Sen. Jeff Waldstreicher
D — District 18, Montgomery Co.
What Happens Now
Legal Challenges & Penalties
Legal Challenge Expected
Mark Pennak, president of Maryland Shall Issue (MSI), has stated he “fully intends to sue” if Governor Moore signs SB334 into law. MSI submitted 51 pages of opposition testimony, arguing the ban raises serious Second Amendment concerns under Bruen.
Penalties for Violation — Post Jan 1, 2027
Offense
Sale or transfer of banned pistol
Classification
Misdemeanor
Max Prison
3 Years
Max Fine
$5,000
Firearm
Subject to forfeiture
Every Maryland gun owner needs to see this.
Share this breakdown before the Governor signs it into law.
The Bigger Picture
This Is Not Just About Maryland.
Maryland’s approach — redefining common firearms as “convertible machine guns” — creates a template other states can copy. If the legal framework holds, expect similar bills nationwide.
Maryland (SB334)
Bans sale of all pistols with cruciform trigger bars —
primarily Glocks and Glock-pattern clones. Takes effect Jan
2027.
California (Handgun Roster)
Restricts handgun sales through “safe handgun”
roster requiring microstamping. No new Glock models added since
2013. Different mechanism, same result.
The pattern is clear
When outright bans face constitutional challenges, legislators redefine categories. “Assault weapon” became a legal term of art. Now “machine gun convertible pistol” joins it. Each redefinition captures more common firearms under existing ban frameworks.
Stay Armed with Information.
Bearing Freedom breaks down every gun bill so you don’t have to read the legalese. Subscribe and share.