Are Bump Stocks Now Legal to Own?
In the aftermath of the Las Vegas shooting in 2017, which left 58 people dead and over 800 injured, bump stocks became a topic of intense debate and controversy. The devices, which allow semi-automatic rifles to fire at a faster rate, were initially legal to own and use in the United States. However, following the shooting, the government took steps to ban them.
What are Bump Stocks?
Before we dive into the legalities, it’s essential to understand what bump stocks are. A bump stock is a device that attaches to a semi-automatic rifle, allowing the user to fire the weapon at a faster rate. It does this by harnessing the recoil energy of each shot to "bump" the trigger, which is then pulled back by the user, allowing the next shot to be fired.
Are Bump Stocks Now Legal to Own?
In short, no, bump stocks are not currently legal to own or use in the United States. In 2018, the Trump administration banned bump stocks through an executive order, effective immediately. The order was followed by a Federal Register notice, which outlined the specifics of the ban.
The Ban
The ban on bump stocks is based on the National Firearms Act (NFA) and the Gun Control Act (GCA). The NFA regulates the sale and possession of certain firearms and devices, including machine guns. The GCA regulates the sale and possession of firearms and devices, including those that are designed or intended to evade the provisions of the NFA.
Under the ban, existing bump stocks are grandfathered, meaning that individuals who already own them can continue to possess and use them. However, manufacturing, selling, and importing bump stocks are illegal. Additionally, the ban prohibits the transfer or sale of bump stocks to anyone, including law enforcement agencies.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Individuals who violate the ban by manufacturing, selling, or possessing bump stocks can face severe consequences. Civil penalties of up to $250,000 can be imposed for each violation, and criminal penalties, including imprisonment, can also be applied.
What Happens to Existing Bump Stocks?
Existing bump stocks are grandfathered, meaning that individuals who already own them can continue to possess and use them. However, owners are required to register their bump stocks with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The registration process involves submitting a Form 1, which is a special form used to register NFA items.
What About States That Have Their Own Bans?
Some states have their own bans on bump stocks, which may be more restrictive than the federal ban. California, for example, has a ban on bump stocks that is more comprehensive than the federal ban. In California, bump stocks are considered machine guns and are illegal to own or use.
Other Devices That Are Similar to Bump Stocks
While bump stocks are no longer legal to own or use, there are other devices that are similar in function and design. Trigger cranks, for example, are devices that allow users to fire semi-automatic rifles at a faster rate by harnessing the recoil energy of each shot. Trigger cranks are still legal to own and use, but their legality may be subject to change in the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bump stocks are no longer legal to own or use in the United States. The ban, which was effective immediately, prohibits the manufacture, sale, and possession of bump stocks. Existing bump stocks are grandfathered, but owners are required to register them with the ATF. While the ban has been implemented, it’s essential to note that there are other devices that are similar in function and design, and their legality may be subject to change in the future.
Table: Bump Stock Ban Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Las Vegas shooting |
| 2018 | Trump administration bans bump stocks through executive order |
| 2018 | Federal Register notice outlines specifics of the ban |
| 2018 | Existing bump stocks are grandfathered |
| 2018 | Manufacturing, selling, and importing bump stocks are illegal |
| 2018 | Registration process for existing bump stocks begins |
Bullets List: Key Points
• Bump stocks are no longer legal to own or use in the United States
• Existing bump stocks are grandfathered, but owners are required to register them with the ATF
• Manufacturing, selling, and importing bump stocks are illegal
• Civil penalties of up to $250,000 can be imposed for each violation
• Criminal penalties, including imprisonment, can be applied for non-compliance
• Some states have their own bans on bump stocks, which may be more restrictive than the federal ban
