Industry Watch
Chicago Sues Glock and Milwaukee-area Business Over 'Gun Switches'
Chicago Sues Glock and Local Stores Over 'Gun Switches'
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Chicago, IL
Chicago has filed a lawsuit against Glock, a well-known firearms manufacturer, and two gun stores in the Milwaukee area over their alleged role in the spread of firearms that can be easily converted into fully automatic weapons. The lawsuit claims that Glock knowingly sold firearms that could be modified into automatic weapons, which are capable of firing continuously with a single pull of the trigger. These modifications, known as gun switches, are claimed to be responsible for a surge in illegal automatic gunfire in Chicago and surrounding areas. The two stores named in the lawsuit are Midwest Sporting Goods, located in Illinois, and Eagle Sports Range, based in Cudahy, Wisconsin. The city of Chicago claims that these stores were aware of the ease with which Glock firearms could be modified and that they facilitated this process, thus violating both public safety laws and consumer protection standards. According to the lawsuit, these stores marketed modified firearms, allowing customers to test fire them in range facilities, thereby promoting illegal modifications. The legal complaint alleges that Glock failed to take appropriate steps to address the issue, despite being aware of the risk that their firearms could be easily converted into automatic guns. The case gained attention when Cook County Circuit Court Judge Allen Walker denied a motion by the defendants to dismiss the case on September 18, 2025. This ruling allows the lawsuit to proceed, further intensifying scrutiny on Glock and its role in the firearm modification controversy. A major concern raised in the lawsuit is the proliferation of gun switches, which are devices that can be attached to semiautomatic pistols, effectively converting them into machine guns. These devices are relatively inexpensive and can be easily obtained, sometimes through 3D printing, leading to concerns that criminals are gaining access to highly dangerous modified weapons. Chicagos Police Department reported over 1,300 recovered Glock pistols that had been converted into fully automatic firearms. These weapons were linked to various violent crimes in the city, including homicides, aggravated assaults, and carjackings. This increase in gun violence, attributed in part to the rise in automatic gunfire, is becoming a growing concern for cities across the U.S. Law enforcement agencies, including the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), have documented a sharp rise in the use of gun switches. From 2017 to 2021, the ATF recorded a 570% increase in the number of recovered gun switches. This alarming trend has prompted increased pressure on both lawmakers and gun manufacturers to take stronger action to prevent the spread of these dangerous modifications. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson echoed these concerns, stressing the need for stricter regulation and accountability from gun manufacturers and retailers. The sale and distribution of modified firearms are creating a public safety crisis, Mayor Johnson stated. We must ensure that manufacturers and retailers are held accountable for their role in spreading these deadly weapons across our communities. While the lawsuit focuses on Glock and the two named stores, it also raises broader questions about the regulation of firearms and the responsibility of gun manufacturers in preventing the illegal use of their products. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the entire gun industry, particularly in how firearms are marketed, sold, and regulated. In recent years, the rise of modified firearms has sparked debates about the effectiveness of current gun laws and the ability of authorities to keep up with rapidly evolving technologies. Gun control advocates argue that tougher regulations are necessary to curb the spread of these modified weapons, while opponents of such measures caution that they could infringe on the rights of law-abiding gun owners. The lawsuit marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle over gun control and public safety, with many eyes now on the courts decision as it will likely set a legal precedent in holding firearm manufacturers and retailers accountable for the consequences of their actions. Early reports suggest that other cities with similar problems might follow Chicagos lead, potentially bringing more lawsuits against gun manufacturers and stores involved in the sale of easily modified firearms. The lawsuit filed by Chicago is a significant step toward holding gun manufacturers and retailers accountable for their role in the spread of dangerous, modified firearms. While the outcome remains uncertain, this case could set a precedent for how the legal system addresses the proliferation of 'gun switches' and other easily modifiable weapons. As more cities grapple with the consequences of illegal gun modifications, this case may trigger greater scrutiny and tighter regulations across the nation. The firearms industry is likely to face increasing pressure to address these issues, and the potential for similar legal challenges could lead to broader changes in the way firearms are designed, sold, and modified.