Albany, NY – New York officials are moving to address what they describe as a critical firearm design flaw that could allow certain pistols to be illegally converted into fully automatic weapons using small, inexpensive devices.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a proposal aimed at requiring all firearms sold in New York to be designed in a way that prevents conversion into automatic weapons, a move state leaders say is intended to strengthen public safety and close what officials describe as a dangerous engineering loophole.
According to the New York State Police, the concern centers on small plastic conversion devices commonly referred to as “auto sears,” which can allegedly be attached to certain semi-automatic pistols. Authorities say the devices can allegedly alter the firearm’s function so that it fires continuously with a single trigger pull rather than one round at a time.
State Police officials said the urgency of the proposal was highlighted during a demonstration conducted earlier this month. During the event, a trained trooper reportedly modified a pistol with the small device to illustrate how quickly the weapon’s firing capability could allegedly change.
According to officials, once converted, the pistol allegedly functions similarly to a machine gun capable of firing roughly 20 rounds per second. In the demonstration, the trooper reportedly discharged about 100 rounds, including two magazine changes, in under 20 seconds to illustrate the potential danger.
Law enforcement officials said the small devices can allegedly be produced using 3D printers or purchased illegally online, raising concerns about accessibility and enforcement challenges.
Hochul’s proposal, included in the state’s budget framework, would require manufacturers to ensure firearms sold in New York cannot be converted using such devices. State leaders say redesigning the firearms would allegedly render the small conversion parts ineffective.
Officials say the legislation is intended to address emerging firearm modification trends while preventing weapons from being easily altered into automatic firearms.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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