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What is a "bump stock"? How does this stock change the way you shoot?
A bump stock, also known as a bump stock device, is a stock designed to help improve the rate of fire and can utilize the recoil of a semi-automatic rifle for rapid shooting. In the United States, the legality of bump stocks was highly controversial after the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, in which 60 people were killed and 869 injured, and the gunman was found to have used the shocking device. . The incident became the catalyst for a sweeping review of gun control policies.
Bumping the butt pushes the gun's trigger against your finger, causing the recoil of the firearm to trigger rapid fire without the need to actively pull the trigger with your finger.
How the bump stock works
The impact stock is designed to allow the user to easily utilize the recoil of a semi-automatic rifle to fire continuously. In other words, the user only needs to change the action of pulling the finger to pushing the trigger back, and continuously apply forward pressure with the forearm holding the gun to achieve a higher shooting speed. Depending on the model of the weapon, the rate of fire of the impact stock can vary between 400 and 800 rounds per minute. Prices for such stocks start at about $100 in the United States and continue to climb until federal regulations are enacted.
The legal status of bump stocks
In 2018, with the in-depth discussion on gun control, the United States began to redefine the identity of bump stocks in the name of ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives). Under the December 2018 final rule, the ATF declared bump stocks to be “machine guns” and therefore illegal on a federal level. In addition, according to the legislation of each state, the ban on bump stocks varies in different regions. Currently, 15 states including California, Connecticut, Delaware, and the District of Columbia have banned their use.
Public Perception of Bump Stocks
Public opinion on the regulation of bump stocks has changed. According to major polls, a majority of the public supports a ban on bump stocks, especially after the Las Vegas shooting. For example, in an October 2017 poll, 72% of registered voters supported a ban, with 68% of Republicans and 79% of Democrats supporting it. The trend continued to grow after the Buckland High School shooting in 2018, demonstrating a strong need for tighter controls on this type of gun accessory.
"Such devices turn semi-automatic rifles into near-automatic weapons and should therefore be subject to stricter regulations."
Legal proceedings and future prospects
As the 2018 ban progressed, several gun rights groups filed legal challenges to the ban. During this process, Detroit-area gun store owners and other related organizations pointed out that the ATF exceeded its legal authority in the process of redefining bump stocks. After several years of legal wrangling, the Supreme Court struck down the 2018 final rule on June 14, 2024, finding that bump stocks did not meet the definition of a “machine gun,” making many previously banned bump stocks once again Back to the legal gray area.
Changes in industries and markets
After the final ban was enacted in 2018, the well-known bump stock manufacturer Slide Fire Solutions temporarily stopped production, but with the legal change in 2024, the company announced that it would restart the production of bump stocks. All this reflects the sensitivity of the industry to market demand and how the legal environment affects the operation of the market.
"Time is advancing the debate on gun control, but what people need to think about is: how to balance individual rights to own guns while ensuring public safety?"
The bump-stock controversy continues, and the lack of legal clarity has left many gun owners confused. In the future, with further public discussion and possible changes to the law, we may be able to see clearer policy direction. In the face of this ongoing debate, how do you think the tension between gun control and personal freedom should be viewed?
