Justice Department tells California to end Glock-style pistol rules

The Department of Justice warned California on Wednesday that it will file a federal lawsuit if state officials enforce a law restricting sales of certain semi-automatic pistols. In a letter to the governor and attorney general, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon said California residents have the constitutional right to acquire and use state-of-the-art handguns.

She wrote that residents should not be forced to settle for decade-old models.

The measure, signed into law last fall, prohibits licensed firearms dealers from selling or transferring any machinegun-convertible pistol. It reclassifies Glocks as machinegun-convertible because state officials say their trigger mechanisms can be modified with illegal aftermarket devices. Current owners may keep their firearms. Sales to law enforcement agencies or the military remain exempt.

Dhillon approved the filing of a complaint in federal district court but said she would defer if the state agrees to pre-suit negotiations. m. Tuesday for California to enter talks. The letter stated that any resolution must require the state to cease enforcement, acknowledge the laws' unconstitutionality, and agree to a court-enforceable consent decree.

Fox News Digital reached out to the governor's and attorney general's offices for comment.