Are Bump Stocks Legal in Arizona?
The legal status of bump stocks in Arizona has been a topic of controversy and debate in recent years. Bump stocks are devices that modify the rate of fire of a semi-automatic weapon, allowing it to shoot more rapidly than usual. While some argue that bump stocks are a legitimate exercise of Second Amendment rights, others claim that they pose a significant threat to public safety. In this article, we will explore the legal status of bump stocks in Arizona and provide an overview of the current laws and regulations.
What are Bump Stocks?
Bump stocks are devices that attach to the stock or handguard of a semi-automatic rifle, allowing the user to fire the weapon in a rapid, burst-like manner. They achieve this by harnessing the recoil energy of the weapon, which causes the bolt carrier group to move backwards and forth, cycling the action and firing the weapon rapidly. Bump stocks can be attached to any semi-automatic rifle, regardless of its original intended use.
Are Bump Stocks Legal in Arizona?
As of the time of writing, bump stocks are legal in Arizona, but their legality is subject to change. The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) originally ruled that bump stocks were legal in 2008, citing a provision in the Gun Control Act that defines "machine gun" as a firearm that fires more than one shot automatically without the trigger being pulled.
Arizona State Law
In Arizona, the regulation of firearms is primarily handled by the state legislature, rather than the federal government. Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 13-3101 defines a "machine gun" as a firearm that fires more than one shot without being manually pulled, excluding rifles that fire "single shot" or " semi-automatic".
Federal Law
Federal law, on the other hand, is governed by the National Firearms Act (NFA), which was passed in 1934. The NFA defines a "machine gun" as any firearm that can fire more than one shot with a single pull of the trigger, excluding semiautomatic rifles and shotguns.
What Changed in 2018?
In 2018, the ATF re-examined its definition of a "machine gun" in response to the October 1, 2017, mass shooting in Las Vegas, which was committed using a bump stock-equipped rifle. The agency determined that bump stocks should be regulated as machine guns, subjecting them to stricter regulations and increased legal scrutiny.
The 2018 Omnibus Spending Bill
As part of the 2018 Omnibus Spending Bill, Congress passed the "Bump Stock Ban Act", which banned the manufacture, sale, and possession of bump stocks. However, the law exempted bump stocks that were lawfully possessed before March 23, 2018.
Where Do Things Stand Today?
As of the time of writing, bump stocks are still legal in Arizona, but their sale, manufacture, and importation are banned at the federal level. Those who possessed bump stocks legally before March 23, 2018, may still possess and use them, but may face legal consequences if they manufacture, sell, or export them.
Important Takeaways
- Bump stocks are legal in Arizona, but their sale, manufacture, and importation are banned at the federal level.
- Bump stocks are regulated by the ATF, which considers them to be machine guns subject to stricter regulations and increased legal scrutiny.
- The 2018 Omnibus Spending Bill banned the manufacture, sale, and possession of bump stocks, with exemptions for those lawfully possessed before March 23, 2018.
- Those who possessed bump stocks legally before March 23, 2018, may still possess and use them, but may face legal consequences if they manufacture, sell, or export them.
Table: Summary of Laws and Regulations
| Category | Arizona Law | Federal Law |
|---|---|---|
| Definition of Machine Gun | ARS § 13-3101 (does not include semi-automatic rifles and shotguns) | NFA (defines a "machine gun" as a firearm that can fire more than one shot with a single pull of the trigger, excluding semiautomatic rifles and shotguns) |
| Legal Status of Bump Stocks | Legal | Banned |
| Sale, Manufacture, and Importation | Banned | Banned |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the legal status of bump stocks in Arizona is complex and subject to change. While they are currently legal in the state, their sale, manufacture, and importation are banned at the federal level. It is essential for those who possess bump stocks legally to understand the current laws and regulations and to follow them carefully to avoid legal consequences.
