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Federal Government Bans Firearm Bump-Stocks
Today the Trump administration issued new rules that ban the possession of bump stocks.
A bump stock is an attachment to a semi-automatic rifles. A bump stock goes back and forth (bumps) between a person’s shoulder and trigger finger. This action enables the gun to create fast and sustained bursts of shootings. A bump stock is a device that creates similar power to a fully-automatic weapon, which is illegal in the U.S.
As of March 26, 2019, bump stock possession is a federal crime.
Bump stocks came to the attention of the public and politicians after the Las Vegas shooting in which 58 people died. The shooter there used a bump stock.
What Does the New Law Do?
Under the ban, those in possession of a bump stock will have 90 days from today to either destroy the bump stock or turn it into the ATF. Instructions for acceptable methods of bump stock destruction are posted on the ATF’s website.
Legally speaking, the law reclassifies bump stocks as “machine guns.” Under the federal Gun Control Act, machine guns manufactured after 1986 are illegal to possess. A person still needs a federal license to possess a machine gun made before 1986.
While exact numbers are unavailable, it is believed that at least 10,000 bump stock are in the country.
State Bump Stock Laws
While the federal government has not banned bump stocks until now, some states have already made possession of bump stocks illegal. At a minimum, and there may be more, states that have laws banning bump stocks include – New York, New Jersey, Florida, Vermont, Delaware, Maryland, Hawaii, Washington, Nevada, and Washington D.C.
Lawsuits Challenging the Bump Stock Ban Are Expected
Pro-gun ownership groups are expected to challenge the bump stock ban. As of September 6, 2019, the author knows of five legal challenges to the bump stock ban.
- Gun Owners of American in the Western District of Michigan
- Guedes, Cordea, Firearms Policy Coalition in the U.S. District Court of D.C.
- Aposhian (Utah Shooting Sports Council) in the U.S. District Court of Utah
- Michael Cargill in the U.S. District Court of Western Texas
- A class-action lawsuit in the U.S. Federal of Federal Claims
Call us
Call Sam Bernstein at 734-883-9584 or e-mail at bernstein@arborypsilaw.com.
Sam Bernstein is a Criminal Lawyer in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
ArborYpsi Law is located at 2750 Carpenter Rd #2, Ann Arbor, MI.
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Have You Been Charged With a Firearm Crime?
ArborYpsi Law is experienced in representing people charged with crimes related to firearms. Crimes such as carrying a concealed weapon and felon in possession are common. We have experience fighting these charges and can help if you’ve been charged. Browse our articles on firearms law to learn more on these topics. Call us for a free initial consultation to see how we can help you.