Are Bump Stocks Now Legal?
Since the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, there has been an ongoing debate and controversy surrounding the use and legality of bump stocks in the United States. So, the question on many people’s minds is: Are bump stocks now legal? The answer is a bit complicated.
The History of Bump Stocks
Bump stocks are legal accessories that can be attached to semi-automatic rifles. They work by using a spring-loaded attachment to tap the trigger of the weapon, causing it to rapid-fire multiple times in rapid succession. This accessory has been available to consumers for many years and has a long history dating back to the 2000s.
The Obama Administration and the Bump Stock Loophole
Prior to the Las Vegas shooting, the Obama administration issued an ATF ruling in 2010 stating that bump stocks were not regulated by federal law, and therefore did not require registration or other legal restrictions. This loophole allowed individuals to legally use bump stocks, but still raised concerns about the weapons’ potential use in crimes.
The Trump Administration and the 2017 Las Vegas Shooting
After the Las Vegas shooting in 2017, President Trump expressed frustration and disbelief at the ability of bump stocks to function. Following the shooting, there were renewed calls to ban the devices. In 2018, the Trump administration issued a rule proposing the ban of bump stocks as a bump-stock-mindful-of-future-legislation " devices".
The Current Legal Situation
As of October 2019, the regulation of bump stocks changed in the United States. Here are the current laws regulating bump stocks in different parts of the country:
| Country/Region | Status of Bump Stocks |
|---|---|
| California, Connecticut, New York | Banned |
| Aura and federal territories | Limited usage allowed with federal permission only |
| Nevada | Bump stocks still allowed with background check |
Current Status: Are Bump Stocks Legal?
The current situation is complex. Some areas have banned bump stocks completely, while others still allow their use under specific regulations. However, since October 2019, a federal court in California upheld the ban on bump stocks, ruling that they can be regulated under federal gun laws. Additionally, since the court decision, federal authorities have implemented the previously proposed ban, effective December 26, 2020. The law made it illegal for civilians to own, buy, or sell bump stocks. These devices can no longer be used legally, with fines and potential prison time facing those who disobey this law.
In a Nutshell
Here is a summary of the answer to the question Are bump stocks now legal?:
• Prior to 2017, bump stocks were not regulated at the federal level.
• After the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, calls for a ban increased and the Trump administration issued a rule proposing a ban on bump stocks.
• October 2019 saw federal regulations on bump stocks become more stringent, leading some states to implement bans themselves.
• By December 26, 2020, a federal court ruling effectively banned bump stocks for the entire country.
• Federal authorities implemented the ban as of that date, rendering bump stocks illegal for individuals to own, buy, or sell.
In summary, bump stocks are not legal for individual ownership in the United States as of December 26, 2020. However, their illegal status and history will have a lasting impact on debates surrounding gun laws and national security in the future.
What Next?
The legal debate over bump stocks will continue. Congress and federal agencies are set to consider stricter regulations, and legal challenges are expected to ensue. While legal battles play out, discussions about the efficacy and limitations of bump stocks are just beginning.
Here are the key points from the current situation:
- Federal agencies have implemented a ban on bump stocks as of December 26, 2020.
- Civilian possession, purchase, and sales of bump stocks are prohibited.
- Existing owners were given until then to hand over their bump stocks for destruction.
- Certain gun owners are seeking relief or exemptions, including law enforcement and hunters, arguing these devices serve important purposes that cannot be substituted by regular firearms.
- A political debate over the implications, effectiveness, and legitimacy of bump stocks as legal options will likely persist, drawing attention to national gun legislation and control in the USA.
Remember: Stay aware of current gun laws in your region, and check the most recent federal guidelines or updates to your specific legislation.
