The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office recently showcased a demonstration highlighting the potential dangers of using switches to convert certain firearms into illegal machine guns.
Law enforcement officers frequently encounter these automatic conversion devices on the streets, as demonstrated today at the D.T. Marshall Firearms Training Center.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms showcased several modified weapons to highlight the potential risks associated with these uncomplicated plastic switches. According to investigators, these switches can be easily fabricated at home within an hour and can be swiftly installed in just 60 seconds, effectively transforming a semi-automatic handgun into an illicit machine gun.
Huey Hossmack, executive director of the Alabama Sheriffs Association, expressed concerns about the potential consequences of allowing young individuals to have access to weapons. He emphasized the dangers associated with teenagers possessing firearms, stating that if even trained agents struggle to control these weapons, the risks are amplified in the hands of inexperienced youths.
Hossmack highlighted the unfortunate incidents that have occurred across the state, including children being shot in their own beds, grandmothers being targeted in their own homes, and innocent bystanders becoming victims at concerts and festivals. These instances serve as stark reminders of the devastating impact that such weapons can have in the wrong hands.
Montgomery County Sheriff Derrick Cunningham expressed concern about the lack of control over weapons and the potential consequences for communities. He highlighted the need for assistance from the legislature to prevent these issues from resurfacing in neighborhoods.
A new state bill has been pre-filed for the upcoming legislative session, aiming to criminalize the possession of pistols that have been modified using trigger activators.
The federal law already prohibits it.
