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U.S. Attorney announcement on machine-gun conversion devices

"We will not tolerate the proliferation of the devices on our streets," says U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit.

IDAHO, USA — U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit issued a statement on warning people from having machine-gun conversion devices. The gun conversions are also called auto-sears or switches. 

"Glock switches and similar conversion devices are simple to manufacture and are easy to install. They turn regular firearms into machine-guns capable of inflicting a tremendous toll in a few split seconds," said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. "We will not tolerate the proliferation of the devices on our streets and will use all of our resources to hold accountable anyone who would distribute these deadly and illegal devices."

According to a news release, the attorney's office states a conversion in a semi-automatic firearm converts it to be able to fire in fully automatic capacity. Rounds can fire at a rate of 1,100 – 1,200 rounds per minute and this makes them "exceptionally lethal."

"These switches are illegal and serve no safe or useful purpose to a firearms owner," said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. "We will investigate those who possess these devices. In the past five years alone, ATF has recovered more than 31,000 of these switches."

Possession of a gun conversion device can result in a 10 year prison sentence. If anyone has information about these devices they can call 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867).

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