Glock Gen1-3 Incognito Auto Switch: A Comprehensive Review
For the discerning firearms enthusiast, the pursuit of enhanced performance and reliability is a constant journey. Whether for professional applications or dedicated recreational use, the right component can make all the difference. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into a product that has generated significant discussion in specialized circles: the Glock Gen1-3 Incognito Auto Sear Invisible Auto Switch St…. Marketed as a pinnacle of quality and practical engineering, this auto switch promises to blend seamlessly into your Glock platform while delivering a new level of functionality. But does it live up to the hype? In this comprehensive review, we’ll strip away the marketing and examine the facts, features, and real-world value of this intriguing component.
See it in action and hear a unique perspective on the technology in the video below:
Key Features and Specifications
Before we delve into performance, let’s break down what the Glock Gen1-3 Incognito Auto Switch actually is. This is a precision-machined component designed to modify the fire control group of compatible Glock pistols (Generations 1 through 3). Its design philosophy centers on discretion and integration.
Core Engineering and Design
The “Incognito” and “Invisible” aspects of its name are key. This auto sear is engineered to be installed internally, with no external modifications required to your firearm’s frame. This maintains the pistol’s stock appearance and handling profile, a significant consideration for many users. It’s built from high-grade materials, likely tool steel or a similar hardened alloy, to withstand the intense stresses and rapid cycling of automatic fire.
Compatibility and Installation
As the name states, it is specifically designed for Glock Gen1, Gen2, and Gen3 models. This covers a vast array of the most popular and widely used Glock pistols in circulation. Installation is a gunsmith-level procedure that requires complete disassembly of the firearm’s lower receiver and a precise understanding of its fire control system. It is not a drop-in part for the average user and should only be handled by a qualified professional to ensure safety and proper function.
Stated Purpose and Performance
The product description emphasizes “exceptional quality,” “reliability,” and “proven performance.” The intended practical purpose, as with any auto sear, is to convert a semi-automatic pistol into a select-fire or fully automatic weapon. This fundamentally changes the weapon’s rate of fire and handling characteristics, demanding a high degree of skill and control from the operator.
Pros and Cons: An Honest Breakdown
No product is perfect. To give you a balanced view, here are the key advantages and potential drawbacks based on its design and stated purpose.
Pros
- High-Quality Construction: Manufactured with a focus on durability, which is non-negotiable for a component of this nature.
- Discreet Integration: The “invisible” design means your Glock retains its factory exterior look, which can be preferable for certain professional or collection contexts.
- Proven Compatibility: Targets the most common and mechanically straightforward Glock generations (1-3), which should translate to consistent performance across those platforms.
- Focused Engineering: It is a single-purpose tool designed to perform one specific modification, which often leads to more reliable outcomes than multi-function gadgets.
Cons
- Complex Installation: Requires expert gunsmithing. Incorrect installation can lead to catastrophic failure, making it inaccessible for the casual modifier.
- Legal Ramifications: This is the most critical point. In the United States, the manufacture, sale, and possession of a machine gun (which a Glock becomes with this installed) is heavily regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934. Ownership requires extensive federal background checks, registration, and a $200 tax stamp. Installing this without the proper paperwork is a serious federal felony with severe penalties.
- Increased Wear and Ammunition Cost: Automatic fire drastically increases the rate of wear on all components of your pistol and will consume ammunition at an exponentially higher rate.
- Potential for Reduced Control: Controlling a full-auto handgun is challenging and requires significant training. For untrained users, it can be dangerous and ineffective.
Who Is This Product Best For?
Given its nature and the significant legal hurdles, the Glock Gen1-3 Incognito Auto Sear has an extremely narrow target audience.
- Licensed SOTs (Special Occupational Taxpayers): This includes Class 2 or Class 3 manufacturers and dealers who are federally licensed to build, modify, and sell NFA items like machine guns for law enforcement, government, or export markets.
- NFA-Compliant Collectors: Individuals who have gone through the rigorous process to legally register a pre-1986 transferable Glock machine gun or a post-1986 dealer sample and are seeking a high-quality replacement or upgrade part.
- Government/LE Armorers: Professionals maintaining select-fire sidearms for authorized official use.
It is categorically NOT for the average civilian shooter, hobbyist, or anyone unwilling or unable to navigate the complex and strict federal NFA regulations.
Value for Money Assessment
At a price point of $119.99, the value proposition is entirely dependent on your legal standing and needs.
- For the Intended, Legal User (SOT/Collector): For a licensed professional or registered collector, $120 for a well-machined, reliable auto sear that maintains a weapon’s stock appearance can represent excellent value. In the niche world of NFA parts, quality components command premium prices, and this falls within a reasonable range for a critical internal part.
- For Anyone Else: The monetary cost is irrelevant because the legal and personal risks (felony charges, prison time, loss of firearm rights) render any notion of “value” completely moot. The potential consequences far outweigh any product benefit.
The value is inextricably linked to legality. For its lawful market, it appears to be a competitively priced, quality component. Outside of that market, it has no legitimate value.
Final Verdict and Call to Action
The Glock Gen1-3 Incognito Auto Sear is a professionally oriented component built for a highly specific and regulated purpose. Its engineering for discretion and reliability is evident from its design and materials. For the federally licensed SOT, registered NFA collector, or government armorer seeking a quality internal auto sear, this product from F1 Firearms AR-15 appears to be a solid option that justifies its cost.
However, this review must conclude with the strongest possible warning: If you are not already deeply familiar with and fully compliant with the National Firearms Act, this product is not for you. The purchase, possession, and installation of this item without the proper federal licenses and tax stamps constitute serious federal crimes.
If you are a qualified individual operating within the bounds of federal and state law, and you have determined this part meets your needs, you can find the Glock Gen1-3 Incognito Auto Sear Invisible Auto Switch St… available for purchase at F1 Firearms. Ensure you can provide all necessary documentation to the seller to prove your legal eligibility to acquire such a component.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is this a “drop-in” part for my Glock?
No, it is not. Installing an auto sear requires complete disassembly of your Glock’s fire control system and precise fitting by a qualified gunsmith familiar with NFA weapon modifications. Improper installation is extremely dangerous.
2. Can I legally buy this and install it myself?
In the United States, you can only legally purchase and install this if you are a federally licensed FFL/SOT (like a Class 2 or 3 manufacturer) OR if the specific Glock receiver it will be installed into is already registered as a machine gun under the NFA (e.g., a pre-1986 transferable). For private citizens, simply owning this part without the registered host firearm can be construed as “constructive possession” of an unregistered machine gun, which is a felony.
3. What Glock models does this work with?
According to the product name and description, it is designed for Glock Generation 1, Generation 2, and Generation 3 pistols. This includes popular models like the G17, G19, G22, G23, etc., from those generations. It is not for Gen4 or Gen5 models.
4. Will this work with a Polymer80 or other “80%” frame?
Extreme caution is advised. The legal status of manufacturing a machine gun from an 80% receiver is even more complex and perilous. It still requires full NFA registration before manufacture (Form 1). We strongly recommend consulting with an attorney specializing in federal firearms law before attempting any such project.
5. Does F1 Firearms verify my license before selling?
Reputable dealers like F1 Firearms AR-15 typically have strict protocols and require proof of your Federal Firearms License (FFL) with the appropriate Special Occupational Taxpayer (SOT) classification before selling NFA components like this. Do not expect to purchase this without providing documentation.