Will Bump Stocks be Sold Again?
In the aftermath of the Las Vegas shooting in 2017, bump stocks became a topic of controversy and debate. Bump stocks are devices that can be attached to semi-automatic rifles, allowing the weapon to fire at a rate similar to a fully automatic weapon. In response to the shooting, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a ruling in December 2018 that reclassified bump stocks as machine guns, making them illegal to manufacture, sell, and possess.
What Happened to Bump Stocks?
Prior to the DOJ’s ruling, bump stocks were widely available for purchase online and in stores. However, after the ruling, many manufacturers and retailers stopped selling bump stocks, and online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay removed them from their platforms. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also issued a notice stating that bump stocks would no longer be considered legal to possess or transfer.
Current Legal Status of Bump Stocks
As of now, bump stocks are illegal to manufacture, sell, and possess in the United States. The ATF has stated that anyone who owns a bump stock before the December 2018 ruling can continue to own and possess it, but they cannot transfer it to anyone else. Additionally, the ATF has issued a notice stating that any new bump stocks manufactured or acquired after the ruling are illegal and cannot be possessed.
Will Bump Stocks be Sold Again?
Despite the current legal ban on bump stocks, there are still some who argue that they should be legal and available for purchase. Some argue that bump stocks are not inherently dangerous and that the ban is an overreach of government power. Others argue that the ban has not been effective in reducing gun violence and that it has instead created a black market for bump stocks.
Arguments For and Against Re-Legalizing Bump Stocks
Arguments For Re-Legalizing Bump Stocks:
• Second Amendment Rights: Some argue that the ban on bump stocks infringes on Second Amendment rights, which protect the right to bear arms.
• Lack of Effectiveness: Some argue that the ban has not been effective in reducing gun violence and that it has instead created a black market for bump stocks.
• Fairness: Some argue that the ban is unfair to those who already own bump stocks and that it is an overreach of government power.
Arguments Against Re-Legalizing Bump Stocks:
• Public Safety: Many argue that bump stocks are a public safety concern, as they can increase the rate of fire of a semi-automatic weapon, making it more dangerous.
• Gun Violence: Some argue that bump stocks can contribute to gun violence, as they can make it easier for individuals to inflict harm on a larger scale.
• ATF Authority: The ATF has the authority to regulate firearms and has determined that bump stocks are illegal, so some argue that it should be respected.
Table: Comparison of Bump Stocks and Fully Automatic Weapons
| Bump Stocks | Fully Automatic Weapons | |
|---|---|---|
| Rate of Fire | Can increase rate of fire, but still requires manual trigger pull | Fires continuously without manual trigger pull |
| Legal Status | Illegal to manufacture, sell, and possess | Illegal to manufacture, sell, and possess (except for certain types, such as machine guns registered before 1986) |
| Functionality | Requires manual trigger pull, but can be fired rapidly | Fires continuously without manual trigger pull |
Conclusion
The legality of bump stocks is a complex and controversial issue. While some argue that they should be legal and available for purchase, others argue that they are a public safety concern and should remain illegal. As of now, bump stocks are illegal to manufacture, sell, and possess in the United States, and it is unclear whether they will be re-legalized in the future.
