Bump stocks have been a subject of considerable legal and public debate in recent years, particularly in the United States. Understanding What Is A Bump Stock requires looking at its function, how it differs from other firearm accessories, and its complex legal history. This article will delve into the definition of a bump stock, its operational mechanism, and the evolving legal landscape surrounding these devices.
Defining a Bump Stock
A bump stock is an accessory designed to increase the firing rate of a semi-automatic rifle. Semi-automatic firearms, by definition, fire a single shot for each trigger pull. A bump stock leverages the recoil energy of the firearm to rapidly manipulate the trigger, enabling a shooter to achieve a rate of fire that mimics automatic weapons. Essentially, it facilitates a faster firing sequence than is typically possible with standard semi-automatic operation.
Bump stocks installed on two firearms
Alt text: Two semi-automatic rifles are displayed side-by-side, each equipped with a black bump stock device attached to the buttstock and pistol grip area, demonstrating how bump stocks are installed on firearms.
The core principle of a bump stock involves replacing the standard stock of a semi-automatic rifle with a device that allows the firearm to slide back and forth more freely. By maintaining forward pressure on the barrel and trigger, the recoil from each shot pushes the rifle backward, “bumping” the trigger against the shooter’s stationary finger, causing rapid, successive firing as long as pressure is maintained and ammunition is available. This process allows for a significantly accelerated rate of fire compared to manually pulling the trigger for each shot in a standard semi-automatic rifle.
The Legal Journey of Bump Stocks: From Legal to Banned and Back
Initially, bump stocks were legally sold in the United States as accessories and were not classified as machine guns under federal law. However, this changed in 2018 following a tragic mass shooting in Las Vegas where bump stocks were used to increase the lethality of semi-automatic rifles.
In response to public outcry and political pressure, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) under the Department of Justice issued a final rule in December 2018. This rule reclassified bump stocks as machine guns under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and Gun Control Act (GCA). The ATF’s rationale was that bump stocks allowed a semi-automatic firearm to fire more than one shot with a single function of the trigger, thus meeting the legal definition of a machine gun. This rule went into effect in March 2019, effectively banning the sale and possession of bump stocks nationwide.
Supreme Court Reversal: Cargill v. United States (2024)
The legal status of bump stocks took another turn in June 2024 when the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in Cargill v. United States that a semi-automatic rifle equipped with a bump stock does not meet the definition of a “machinegun” under federal law. The Court reasoned that a bump stock, while increasing the rate of fire, does not cause the firearm to fire more than one shot “automatically by a single function of the trigger.” The Court emphasized that even with a bump stock, the rifle still requires a separate trigger function for each shot fired, albeit occurring in rapid succession due to the recoil manipulation.
This Supreme Court decision effectively overturned the 2018 ATF rule, removing the federal ban on bump stocks. Consequently, the ATF has begun the process of returning bump stocks that were previously surrendered or confiscated to their owners.
Current Legal Standing and State Laws
While bump stocks are no longer federally prohibited as machine guns, it is crucial to understand that this ruling does not provide a blanket legal clearance for these devices. The Supreme Court decision specifically addressed the federal definition of a machine gun under the NFA and GCA. Importantly, state and local laws regarding bump stocks may remain in effect and may still prohibit or restrict their use, possession, and transfer.
The ATF has explicitly stated that individuals are responsible for complying with all applicable state and local laws concerning bump stocks. Therefore, even if you legally possess a bump stock under federal law due to the recent Supreme Court ruling, you must verify and adhere to the regulations in your specific state and locality. For detailed information on state and local restrictions, it is advisable to consult with legal counsel familiar with firearm regulations in your area.
In conclusion, what is a bump stock is a device designed to accelerate the firing rate of a semi-automatic rifle by using recoil to mimic automatic fire. While they were federally banned under the classification of machine guns from 2019 to 2024, a Supreme Court ruling has reversed this federal ban. However, the legal landscape remains complex due to varying state and local laws. Owners and potential owners of bump stocks must be diligent in understanding and complying with all applicable regulations at every level of government.
