Did that title grab your attention? Good. Because this is not a joke.
Wednesday, June 27th at 11:59 p.m. EST is the deadline for the public comment period on bump stocks. It’s our chance to tell Big Brother where to stick this unconstitutional prohibition on reciprocating stocks!
Who knows, maybe via our comments we can stop the government from forcing its citizens to destroy $96 million of lawfully owned property. It’s worth a try, right? (Photo: Slidefire)
As you may recall, the Trump administration at the behest of the National Rifle Association (NRA) has opted to put forward a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) via the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) that would outright ban the possession, sale, and transfer of all slide-fire devices aka bump stocks.
Citizens would be forced to surrender or destroy their lawfully owned property or risk violating federal law regulating the ownership of “machineguns.” Unlawful possession of a “machinegun,” which is what the NPRM claims a bump stock is despite two previous ATF determinations explicitly stating that a bump stock is NOT a “machinegun,” carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years behind bars.
SEE ALSO: Here’s Why ATF Approved Bump Stock But Not AutoGlove
You read that correctly. That ATF doing a complete 180 on this matter bucking an established precedent because president Trump ordered it to do so. Apparently, this regulatory agency can act as a legislative body when it’s politically convenient for POTUS.
As mentioned on the regulations.gov website, if the NPRM is implemented, “current possessors of these devices would be required to surrender them, destroy them, or otherwise render them permanently inoperable upon the effective date of the final rule.”
The only way to stop this insanity is to comment by the deadline. While the ATF is not required to incorporate public comments when drafting the final rule, it will at least listen to what gun owners have to say on the matter before it puts pen to paper. In the past, comments from the gun community have ostensibly helped to turn the tide on president Obama’s NPRM to ban green-tip ammo.
The ATF estimates that there are between 280,000 – 520,000 bump stock-type devices held by the public. Furthermore, the agency estimates that since 2011 the amount spent on these range toys was close to $96 million. It’s worth noting that owners of these devices will not receive compensation for turning them over or rendering them permanently inoperable.
Interestingly enough, the ATF also calculates the total cost of the rule in terms of dollars over the next 10 years. It includes the cost to destroy all bump stocks ($1.8 million), the loss of future production and sale of the devices ($20 million per year), and the value of the existing inventory ($96 million). Putting all that together, including potential 2018 sales, this rule will cost $297.2 million over the next decade. See chart below for the breakdown.
This is the cost of the bump stock ban in actual dollars over 10 years. For the first year, 2018, it includes the value of those bump stocks currently in circulation ($96 million), the cost to physically destroy them ($1.8 million) and the loss in sales and production ($20 million). (Photo: Regulations.gov)
Goes without saying but that’s a lot of money to blow on eradicating a novelty that arguably makes a rifle harder to aim and shoot. Moreover, banning this accessory does not prevent one from “bump firing” a rifle, which is possible using all sorts of common household items from rubber bands to belt loops.
SEE ALSO: Last Call for Bump Stocks! Slide Fire is Shutting Down Soon
What it does accomplish, however, is it makes a bunch of anti-gunners feel as though they’ve accomplished something important when all they did was take a whole lot of time and attention away from real solutions to gun-related violence, mainly initiatives that harden schools, promote gun safety, target the mentally ill (particularly those with homicidal and suicidal ideations), and attack the small percentage of key offenders responsible for the vast majority of violence in any given city.
ASK your self; what is the dark and dirty reason for “gun control measures” as seen by people on the Left?
Their “gun control measures” are, by in large, ridiculous. Felons, criminals, mentally/emotionally disturbed individuals with firearms make the danger. Yet “gun control” advocates will not face facts ! Examine the alternatives, and what you will find in the end is a radical movement to enslave, restrain, and control a Free People !!! “If we are to guard *against ignorance and *remain free…” (Thomas Jefferson).
LIsten “gun control” advocates, “Don’t think it won’t happen just because it hasn’t happened yet!”
Your placards should read, “1984” !
Upstanding law abiding citizens should have and must have their guns in order to provide protection not only for themselves but their neighbors. They followed the laws of this land to get them in the first place. Now criminals on the other hand will never follow the rules and will have easy picks with no normal citizens able to provide protection for themselves. Not wise
No kidding – If the National Guard, Local police would shoot to kill the rock throwing, Molotov group, the breaking into Target bunch – Probably a few dozen would die – That would be the END OF THE RIOTING!
Quick arithmetic shows that with inventory of $96MM and each bumpstock averaging $200, in order to spend $1.8MM destroying them then it will cost $4.17 per bumpstock just to destroy them. A piece of plastic.
Jeez, I say give ‘em the bump stocks if it’ll make ‘em happy. We don’t really need them. Why dig in you’re heels in on something that just doesn’t matter. Bump stocks are a gimmick. Pick your battles.
And, btw, everyone thought Obama was going to grab our guns? You can’t trust a single word that comes out of Trump’s mouth. He’d sell out gun owners in a jiffy, if it ever suited his purposes. Believe that!
While I don’t think it’s a winnable issue with this society, I don’t think you can give the anti gun movement anything. I don’t think we should waste a ton of resorces fighting this, we should make our opinions known and make the arguments.
The ‘bump stock’ will, apparently, be added to short barrel shot guns and machine guns as something legally purchased, declared illegal and confiscated with no compensation.
The ability to defend one’s self, a natural right granted and guaranteed by the Constitution is being infringed. The recourse to this is not lawyers or legislators. The choises are: shall not be infringed, tar and feathers, pitchforks and firebrands, or a call to arms. How much further can all of this slide and still be a Republic?
Those wanting to run the country with loud voices and large crowds are not sane but want dictatorial powers over the rest of us. This isn’t going to be enjoyable. The NWO’s were going to do what’s happening now when the Hildabeast got elected. Donald has given us the possibility of pushing back as well as some breathing room. We are living in interesting times.
No law should ever be considered, until all of the evidence from the event in question, is provided to the public.
UNTIL YOU DO THAT, you are subject to the whims of your rulers.
And your guns will be legislated away.
Why did I receive this 2 days after the fact? I’m more than a little disappointed.
Government will continue to take from the Second Amendment what the people are willing to surrender. “Shall not be infringed” does not require “interpretation” by the Supreme Court or any other branch of government. “Reasonable gun control” is a ruse by government to arrogate and subvert the supreme law of the land and impose its tyranny upon we the people. Laws, court rulings, executive orders, bureaucratic regulations and foreign treaties that infringe upon the unalienable right of American citizens to keep and bear arms are null and void. Molon labe!
I received this article on June 29. It states the dropdead date for comment is June 27. How effective is this?
Bump Stocks are a cheat!
Pony up for a class three, no sympathy here!
For real?
You must not know how expensive a class 3 AR/M16 is and the huge pain it is to aquire one.
I don’t want your sympathy, I want the government to respect my rights.
The executive action is overly broad in that it bans devices that “enhance the rate of fire” Zero tolerance BCG, Giselle triggers, like ’em? Too bad… big brother had determined they are “enhancers” My fellow frogs: do you see how this works?
Since this will be an added regulation, I wonder what regulations Trump will be getting rid of as per his campaign promise.
NRA has never been a protector of the real 2nd Amendment. Please read this and pass it on. Join GOA
http://www.vlrc.org/articles/61.html
Trump is a narcissist and loose cannon
Would this not be considered ex post facto??? Which if memory serves is strictly prohibited by the constitution
Why am I just getting this now it’s too late ???
It’s already illegal to murder someone, more laws don’t help. We do not specific laws that regulate how people are murdered. From the time the constitution was drafted, the government has regulated which weapons civilians may posses and for good reason. I can’t imagine any one of the law abiding citizens can justify private parties owning bombers loaded with nukes, F15s or appachee gunships fully outfitted with weapons and modern technology. However, back in the day of drafting the constitution, the authors were dead set on the citizens having the power to overthrow the government, everyone knows this. This is the number one reason for the 2nd amendment. Who really cares about some stupid plastic bump stock. Let’s go back in time to create well regulated malitia that are fully capable of keeping our government in check.
I’m not sure why “we the people” continue to think the second amendment is still supporting our right to bear arms. Who cares about our little pea shooter ARs. Honesty it makes me laugh when I see bumper stickers that say “come and take it”, how embarrassing. Guess what, we lost the fight against our government a long time ago. I believe in my right to bear arms, but then again, I’m responsible. The real question is, how do we make everyone responsible? Not just with guns but with anything that can kill someone such as drugs, cars, alcohol, knives, bats, water, fire, cell phones and etc. Hmm? Maybe parenting, lifestyle, responsibility, integrity, choices…
If guns kill people (with bump stocks)then forks make you fat, and a stylus mispells words…..😲
I love how I got this email 2 DAYS AFTER the comment period ended. Perfect.
The ONE and ONLY reason that the “Occupational Government” of America spent TWO MAJOR FALSE FLAG Operations to “GO AFTER” the “Play-Toy” known as the Bump Stock is the FACT that, as EVERYONE who uses one KNOWS, it is NOT the “Bump Stock” that allows the gun to be “BUMPED”, it is the INHERENT NATURE of the Semi-Automatic Firearm Mechanism itself that renders itself capable of being Bumped in the first place. FIRST the “EVIL BUMP STOCKS” will be Demonized and Outlawed and then, shortly thereafter, LO AND BEHOLD AMERICA, it WILL BE “DISCOVERED” that ANY SEMI-AUTOMATIC FIREARM CAN BE MANUALLY “BUMPED” WITH OR WITHOUT A “SPECIAL TYPE STOCK” and therefore, as “CIVILIZED” men and women, we MUST GIVE UP THE RIGHT TO THESE TOOLS OF MASS DESTRUCTION BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!!!!! THIS is EXACTLY the type of TREASONOUS SCUMBAG DOGSHIT that ANY “Appeasement” on OUR PART leads DIRECTLY TO!!!! “They” are “BOILING THE FROG”!!!!! YOU and I are the “FROGS”!!! WAKE THE FUCK UP AMERICA!!!!!!
You are 100% correct! This is the trial by fire! If this law is passed it is a direct assault against the Constitution by government and only the first step in more to come! This law is a direct violation of many Articles of our Constitution and the fire is burning!
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law;
nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
They have a duty to compensate, as the destruction is a public use.
This and other laws to fair representation and trail was done away with under Bush in the Patriot act, read it you’ll see, we are already screwed!
To me the entire bumpstock issue seems political and contrived, approved under Obama, but it only becomes an issue under a Republican? after the horrific events in Vegas and the shooting of baseball players in D.C. based on the facts, a reasonable person would conclude Democrats should be banned from owning any weapon or device.
Mike V, “a somewhat faster rate”. I think you are being a little devious here. I love my guns and I shoot every week to keep my skills at a high level but bump stocks are used for one purpose and that is to side step the law. You know it and we all know it. I have many semi-automatic weapons, many the Democrats would call “assault” weapons and after having fired many thousands of rounds through fully automatic weapons I know the difference between semi and a full automatic fire and through the use of a bump stock you can do the same thing with a semi as you can with a full auto. Again, “IF” I had a vote I would say outlaw bump stocks. Just my opinion and I am fully aware that you have one (opinion) too and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
You can manipulate an excellent semi auto trigger in an AR very quickly.
Bump firing reliably at very high rates isn’t typical for the average guy, stoppages etc.
A side step of the law? What are we supposed to do?
There’s no “unwritten rule” section in the constitution…
Like you, I enjoy my semi-auto weapons too, but I was always conflicted about the “bump stocks.” The libertarian side of me says “leave them alone,” but I always had this nagging feeling in my gut that we were “pushing the envelope” and it someday come back to bite us in the ass. Personally, I would never own one. If I want to fire full auto for a thrill, I’ll find a gun range that specializes in them. Sure, we can all “manipulate” a trigger in our garages, or use our belt loops for “bump” fire, but why advertise it so blatantly to folks that are always looking for ammunition (excuse the pun) against us?
I’m a gun owner, have been all my life and will be until I die. Also an old (Marine) Vietnam Vet. I know bump stocks are fun but if you compare the fun part to the serious damage they can cause, is it worth having them ? The world is full of idiots these days who would use them in the way that clown used them in Vegas. To me it’s just not worth the risk and would it really change your life if you didn’t have one. Automatic weapons are illegal for most of us so why would a bump stock be legal in the first place ? Bump stocks are not like guns. I would never give up my many guns. If you have one, I really don’t care but if I had a vote, I would say outlaw them. Just my humble opinion.
What you don’t understand is this; by banning the bump stock which has absolutely nothing to do with the firing mechanism of the weapon, it is opening the door to the rash of regulations coming because the government/ATF has re-defined and written what constitutes the firing mechanism of a weapon by the wording of this law and the bans will come on it’s heels!
Another fuzzy thinking domestic enemy
I don’t own a firearm that could be fitted with one, but it seems criminal to me that law abiding citizens would be subject to bans and confiscation of legally purchased, private property, does this devise make a rifle a weapon of war? no. no knowledgeable firearms person would say that.However horrible the actions of a person in Las Vegas were, banning these devises changes nothing.based on this line of thinking you would be for banning cars, people are killed in cars on a daily basis in the U.S., airplanes and so on.Any furthur actions by Government on this issue is,criminal fraud,misrepresentation,
The bump stock ban is nothing but a knee-jerk reaction to give the sheeple something to munch on and feel good about. One psycho uses one and now the millions of legal gun owners will suffer for it. But why isn’t the focus on cars? They account for almost three times as many deaths than guns do? Why is one inanimate object more evil than another, especially when that object accounts for far less deaths? It is inane thinking. Blame the abuser of the object, not the object. Until we do, more anti-object laws will do the same as the existing ones…nothing.
And the NRA says nothing, and does nothing.
Actually, you’re slightly wrong on this. The NRA did do something. Chris Cox is the one that told Trump he needed to ban them under the ATF review process. Basically Chris Cox and LaPierre are the biggest threat to your 2nd amendment rights around. They work to create these political narratives so they can go out and threaten people that if they don’t give them money there will be a gun law, when they and their “opposites” calling for bans are the only ones benefiting from it. Take a look at their salaries and it is pretty damning. As the two people who film the Military Arms Channels have pointed out, NRA stands for “Not Real Activists”.
You’re right, they did do that, they made it worse…
I keep expecting to see something in my monthly American Rifleman…nothing.
I keep expecting to see something from NRA ILA…nothing.
I keep expecting to get the fundraising phone call asking for dolla
You’re right, they did do that, they made it worse…
I keep expecting to see something in my monthly American Rifleman…nothing.
I keep expecting to see something from NRA ILA…nothing.
I keep expecting to get the fundraising phone call asking for dollars to fight this…nothing.
The ATF is making a good call here. Bump stocks only serve one purpose – to simulate fully automatic fire. They should be regulated like machine guns. And so should belt loops and thumbs, if you attach them to your assault rifle in the same way one attaches a stock.
This is not legislating from within the executive branch, far from it. This sort of interpretation is precisely the sort of function the organization has been tasked with and exercised on several occasions. Dare I say, this is the sort of well-regulation prescribed in the second amendment itself.
Bump stocks don’t simulate anything. They do aid the user in manipulating the weapon at a somewhat faster rate than standard control.
But you’re a spirit of the law guy who is ok with it becoming the letter of the law through burecratic wand waving because it fits your agenda.
>Bump stocks don’t simulate anything.
Are you saying that bump stocks don’t simulate fully automatic fire, that they allow fully automatic fire? Well then they definitely should be regulated like machine guns!
Haha, in your tortured logic.
Blue Dog is a domestic enemy
Well Regulated doesn’t mean the government put regulations on the amendment. It is idiotic
Doesn’t that make you a IDIOT?
The ATF should provide the President with a strong legal opinion that legislating from within the Executive Branch violates the Constitution.
However, I do applaud the ATF for resisting the pressure to alter the pure and clean definition of “machine gun” to include bump fire devices. Bump fire is not “machine gun,” plain and simple. So that leaves us to the point of what to do with bump stocks. It is a sticky issue, because a rubber band used in a certain manner (wrapped around the back of the trigger) can become a “bump firing device.” I acknowledge the ATF is using verbiage “slide fire,” which is slight but distinctly different. The point remains that bump firing is a technique that can be accomplished with or without any assist device. And therein lies the difficulty with the problem.
The answer is to leave that issue to the Legislative Branch. Florida has banned bump stocks. That is fine with me. The issue should be delegated to the States. And just because the politics of the issue are to divided nationally does not mean we should violate the Constitution by letting the Executive Branch pick sides.