Gun Rights Under Attack Again in Indiana

Indiana Law Enforcement

Indianapolis-According to law enforcement officials, a little piece of plastic that converts guns or rifles into fully automatic weapons is increasingly a threat on the streets of Indianapolis.

Auto sears are sometimes referred to as Glock switches, or machine gun conversion devices. On a 3D printer, they are inexpensive to produce.

Chris Bailey, assistant chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police, stated that "The machine gun conversion devices are extreme concern for local, state and federal law enforcement. "We're seeing more and more in our city over the last two years, especially. It's a concern that we all need to have."

The Marion County Prosecutor's Office Crackdown

This handgun becomes a fully automatic weapon when the little device attached to its rear slide is activated. This customized rifle with a "Glock switch" or auto-sear device was taken from a suspect in Indianapolis.

They carry out what their name suggests. When equipped with one of these mechanisms, a handgun can discharge numerous rounds with only one pull of the trigger.

The threat was initially brought to the attention, of Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears, a few years ago when he watched surveillance footage of a shooting involving auto sear.

"And you're just like 'What was that? What weapon was involved there?'" Mears said. "Because you just see so many shots fired at such a rapid pace."
Mears claimed a misdemeanor charge of gun possession didn't seem suitable for those found in possession of these modified machine weapons.

"These weapons pose in much greater risk and threat to public safety, and so that's why we decided to file those charges as possession of a machine gun," Prosecutor Mears said.

People found in possession of these devices have been charged by Mears' office with possessing a machine gun, a felony that carries a maximum punishment of six years in jail.

Since January 2020, the prosecutor's office has filed 87 similar cases; 15 people have admitted guilt.

Machine Gun Possession

In one of those cases, Dwight King admitted to possessing a machine gun and other charges after being found in possession of handguns that had been altered to operate like one, as well as a 3D-printed weapon.

King was given a five-year jail term and four years in community corrections by a Marion County judge in October.

Although the gadgets are inexpensive to produce, federal investigators claim that modified rifles have been sold in Indianapolis for up to $3,000 each.

An Indianapolis man who was selling Glock handguns with machine-gun conversion switches included for $3,250. He was detained by ATF investigators in 2022. Glock handguns are normally $400 to $600 new.

Agents were informed by Zaiveon Perry, 24, that he had sold at least seven of the modified Glocks. In March, Perry received a two-year prison term from the federal government.

Rifles or pistols that have been modified into machine guns are not directly covered by Indiana's possession of a machine gun legislation, although this is beginning to change.

Both the Indiana Senate and House unanimously approved a bill to close this loophole. It is currently pending approval from the governor.

Gun Rights Attorney Mark Nicholson

According to Indiana Gun Rights Attorney, Mark Nicholson, the National Rifle Association (NRA) was neutral toward the legislation. Attorney Nicholson is a member of the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) and NRA. Based on conversations he's had, most members of both groups are opposed to the legislation.

"I firmly believe in the Second Amendment. Everyone who is qualified should be able to keep and bear arms," attorney Nicholson said. "This is a slippery slope to taking away people's rights!"