MNPD sees increase in small device that can change handgun into automatic weapon

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) —The Metro Nashville Police Department says they're seeing more illegal devices that turn handguns into automatic weapons.

The conversion devices, also known as Glock switches, are on the streets of Nashville.

"They're in our community and we have to do something about it," said Robert McGuire, the Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.

McGuire explained to News 2 why the devices are so dangerous and how the firepower puts innocent bystanders at risk.

"You could be firing 14 bullets in less than a second," he explained. "It makes the pistol extraordinary hard to control."

According to the MNPD, over the last few years there's been a steady increase of Glock switches recovered by the department. So far, in 2025, they've recovered 25.