Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed a bill to ban bump stocks and trigger cranks this week. (Photo: Wikipedia)
Just before leaving office Tuesday for good, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed a bill (S3477/A5200) banning bump stocks.
Effective immediately, it is now illegal to sell or possess the popular rifle accessory. The ban also extends to trigger cranks.
Violators of the new law face stiff penalties, including three-to-five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
There is no grandfather clause for current bump stock owners. Those who own the devices will have 90 days, until April 15, to turn them over to law enforcement. Retailers who sell bump stocks have 30 days.
The actual use of bump stocks was already prohibited in New Jersey, NJ.com reports. Hobbyists and collectors could own the device, however, they could not affix it to a rifle. Now, under the new law, the mere sale or possession is a crime.
“These are simple, easy-to-use devices that increase the firepower and killing power of firearms,” said former state Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union) who sponsored the bill before he retired last week. “There is no legitimate need for these devices.”
SEE ALSO: Christie Stands Up for Guns in New Jersey, Demands Shall-Issue
Christie offered no comment when signing the bill, which sailed through both Democratically-controlled chambers last month. Not really known for being a pro-gun politician, Christie’s 2A stance has nevertheless evolved over the years.
In a 2016 interview with Sean Hannity, the Republican governor explained why he changed his mind, going from supporting gun control to opposing it.
“Well listen, in 1995, Sean, I was 32 years old and I’ve changed my mind,” Christie said. “And the biggest reason that I changed my mind was my seven years as a federal prosecutor. What I learned in those seven years was that we were spending much too much time talking about gun laws against law-abiding citizens and not nearly enough time talking about enforcing the gun laws strongly against criminals.”
“I learned the difference, and I learned what the limitations are of these laws that people are talking about and how they much, much more greatly infringe on law-abiding citizens than they do anything to prevent crime,” Christie added later. “Having learned that, my position’s changed.”
Where was this sound logic when he signed the bump stock ban? Anyways, New Jersey now joins Massachusetts, which also recently voted to ban bump stocks. Other states, like New York and Connecticut, are also angling to criminalize bump stocks this year.
Wow , lots of different opinions here some for ,some against,some undecided ! I wonder if those so opinionated exercise their rights to vote for or against what they believe in ! Speak up for people who want to defend themselves so they can defend their loved ones, their property,and those who cannot defend themselves ! Criminals or deranged ,or drugged people don’t follow rules or Laws that stop them from a life of Crime because those very laws enable the Criminal to continue the Life of Crime he or she is living without fear of law because in most cases the police cannot stop a crime before it happens, they can only fill out forms to report it after it happens !(through no fault of their own, it’s just the way it is )
Now, just what the heck are they going to do ? Go house to house searching for them ? Will Jersey gun owners line up to turn them in like the wimps in Conn. ? Doom on you, NJ and all gun grabbers.
Fat bastard loser liberal
What does fat have anything to with it? All that comment shows is that you’re a prejudiced prick.
THAT’S WHY I MOVED FROM New Jersey SO FAT PRICKS LIKE HIM CANT TAKE MY GUN
I’ll play devil’s advocate here. Outside of NJ Chis Christie was in no way pro gun. However in NJ and as their Governor he was the best thing gun owners had. He vetoed the 50 BMG ban, he also vetoed the over ten round mag limitation. Furthermore he pardoned several out of state residents who traveled to NJ with a firearm got pulled over by an LEO and were honest enough to tell the LEO that a firearm was in their car, only to have felony charges lodged against them. I am not trying to endorse Christie for any federal political position, but in NJ he was the gun control dam, and now under their extreme liberal governor together with liberal super majorities in both the state house and senate, the gun banning flood gates are wide open. The bottom line her is the new administration would have ban them almost immediately. I am not in favor of this law but NJ residents elected their politicians who were.
I think we might want to check Fat Boys bank account for deposits from the gun control groups. No doubt this is a paid for move so he can pad his pockets and run for the hills! This helps as a testing ground for other moves across this country to see the reaction! We have to read between the lines folks, and stay ready!
When attacking this legislation, don\’t even mention the 2nd Amendment. Too many people just turn off when they hear \”Second Amendment.\” This is a Fifth Amendment violation, plain and simple:No Person shall…be deprived of…property, without due process of law…\”The \”due process\” clause of the Fifth Amendment guarantees a judicial process (not legislative), and includes indictment, trial (including representation, discovery, the ability to cross-examine witnesses, etc.), and conviction, punishment for which can include the loss of property. In other words, it authorizes the loss of property only upon conviction of a crime. (No, the crime can\’t be the violation of the legislation that bans the property. That would circumvent the purpose of the clause.) (Property can be taken, with compensation, for its public use, but this legislation does not involve public use of the property. \”Public safety\” is not a \”use,\” it\’s a \”purpose\” or policy goal. Not the same thing.)It\’s time to get people interested in the right to arms as a property right. If more people understood the threat such legislation poses to their property, even if they\’re not gun owners, the more people we can get to oppose such legislation.
Damn, I have no idea what happened to that post!
I think you may be confusing the 4th Amendment with the 5th Amendment.
As one of those disabled shooters, I couldn’t agree more. From EZ Pulls, to Timney Triggers, to bite (or sip) triggers, I have used all as adaptive devices as I do not have the hand strength to pull a stock trigger. All of these seem as though they may potentially be banned under a poorly worded blanket ban on anything that makes pulling a trigger faster and easier for the average shooter.
I applaud your work, and I appreciate those of you who do help the disabled enjoy shooting sports!
He’s still trying to save his ruined political-career and will go after the easiest issue in sight. Typical-Political-Hack striving to add another ‘chin’. New Jersey’s like California….lost-cause….nobody cares.
I’m hoping that there will be a lawsuit over this, especially the trigger crank devices. I have been working with disabled outdoorsmen for over 20 years. Many paraplegic, wheelchair bound people use the trigger cranks as an aid to help paralyzed hands pull a trigger. This is big in the disabled community. I believe outlawing this tool is going against the Americans with Disabilities Act 1990. This is flat out discriminating against the disabled, which is against the law.
Everything is legal if you don’t get caught
Good for him ! Longtime NRA member…..
I’m shocked the people of NJ are still allowed to own a gun onto which a bump stock might be installed.
And this fat phuck wanted to be President? Piss off Christie, you ahole.
CA? Didn’t Jerry Brown admit to smoking dope? And they let him run a state? Why is CA like a bowl of Granola? Because what is not fruits and nuts are flakes.
And this is just another reason not to move to east coast! All hail Hitler, oh I meant Chris Christy.
Not move to the east coast?!? Would you rather live on the left coast in the Republic of Kalifornia?
If they decide to give the USA an enema, the people’s republic of NJ is where they’ll stick the nozzle.
Another fucking RINO
Is there compelling reasons for all or none of New Jersey to be bound to the Union? Have not it’s northern regions always been on the fringe of gangersterism? Citizens in the southern part seem to have about as much incommon with the nortthern citizens as NYC crack dealers have with west Texas ranchers. Sadly as is the situtaion in CA, there appears no solutions short of devision. Is the fact these regions of diversity continue to exist an indication of strength or weakness in the Union ?
I get the right of the state to ban sale, transfer, transport into the state, or manufacture of things they deem “bad public policy”. But I can’t accept the fact that the state can rule something illegal that was purchased legally prior to the law’s enactment, then seize that device. I believe the courts would rule that part unconstitutional – “illegal search and seizure”. The term “ex post facto” also comes to mind. You can’t put me in jail for having done something that is legal that you later deem illegal. Period.
The ex post facto occurred to me, too. For it to actually apply though, the law would have to penalize people for owning one prior to the law’s enactment.
It’s still a dumb law.
I don’t see anything in the 2nd Amendment that says the right the KEEP and BEAR arms has ANY limitations!
Making legal property owning law abiding citizens into to criminals with a swipe of a pen by an ASININE politician is also not in the US Constitution!
Limitation aside under present Federal Firearms laws, this item was approved by the BATF over 10 years ago and just becasue ONE NUTBAG uses one to create havoc all of sudden they need to be banned, this is the same ASININE STUPID attitude that banned switch blade knives and fully automatic firearms which DID nothing to STOP criminals from having or using them!
Politicians who but laws into place as a knee jerk response to some cry baby public MORON MEDIA outcry need to be banned!
I there a compelling reason for all or none of New Jersey to be bound to the Union? Hasn’t it’s northern regions always been on the cutting edge of gangerstism? Citizens in the southern part have about as much incommon with the hoodlum north as NYC crack dealers have with west Texas ranchers. Sadly, as in the situtaion in CA, there appears no solution short of devision.
I am in CT and will are going down hill so fast the next thing will be to just to out law guns all together. If the NRA don’t do something about bump stocks I am done with them, no more money!!
Curious as to how New Jersey or California can demand that any device be turned over, destroyed or whatever with just compensation.. And how does the state expect to enforce this law..? I would not be surprised to learn that more than a few owners will simply dismantle the bump stock from the firearm and reattach the original stock.. That would almost certainly fly under the radar in terms of who owns them.. Government can be rally stupid, but as they say \”The only thing worse than no law is bad law.\”
I asked that question of some AR-15 owners/shooters in California at a local gun range and was told to F off!
NOTE: I was also shooting and AR-15 and Chinese 56 (AK variant) at the same time!
(No one in CA has or will turn them in)
I see where you are going, but compensation is required when taking for \”public use.\” This is not a public use, it is a public purpose (public safety), for which compensation is not required. However, there is no authority in government to take property to fulfill policy that doesn\’t include \”use\” of the property that\’s commandeered. See my other comment on this page.
I am not surprised that he did this , since he lost re-election and did not get a job with the president ..
This is his way of acting out against the republican party . And anyone who owns guns . What better way to look good
in the eyes of voters , after his fuckups and asshole attitude .
This state would be the first to surrender without a shot fired if America was invaded , since this is the way it wants
it’s residents to do if confronted by a criminal who forces his or her way into your home , runaway or hide . Let the crime
be committed then call police for help …I know from experience that police can take up to 5 min to respond by then
you could be dead or raped and robbed . There hasn’t been a law that works if it had there would not be any crime ..
Christie has always been a spineless, worthless, rotten bastard. May he never been seen or heard from again.
He also banned doughnuts, citizens have 30 days to turn them all in to Gov Christie
For this big government RINO, GOP always translated to, ‘Gravy On Pancakes’. Would he also ban the belt loop on my Wranglers?
It is New Jersey, nuff said. Chris has done more for gun owners in this state than any previous knuckle head. Now you have this new guy, you are going to be wishing you had christy back. For me, I’m moving out.
Start with ex post facto laws. Then follow up with “…shall not be infringed.” An illegal law and not defendable. Jury Nullification should solve that one. Fully Informed Jury Association.
When the HELL is the legislation permitting interstate carry going to pass?!!
New Jersey, and Maryland; two leftie pits of corruption won’t budge on CCW permits. We NEED Federal intervention.
By the way; Pay close attention to the developing story about how the Obama Administration “stacked the deck” at the FBI so they could essentially change the outcome of the last election. An attempted COUP! The most serious act of governmental corruption in our history. Accept nothing less than complete adjudication of those involved!
Ah, the Peoples Republic of New Jersey. Where a kid who puts a rubber band on a forked stick now has a prohibited offensive weapon, you need a pistol permit and a special carry permit for a contractor’s nail gun, and the average subject can’t own a bullet proof vest. Did you expect anything less from the eastern version of the granola state?
Hope New Jerseyans tell Christie to go Huk himself.
Wow, you can become a felon overnight. What a great state to live in. I don’t own or want to own a ‘bump fire’ stock but to make the owners just turn them in with no compensation is inconceivable. Sounds like in NJ if you have something the government doesn’t want you to have they can just take it or take it and throw you in prison. Wonder what the legislators would do if they had to turn in their Mercedes because it was determined to be dangerous with no compensation.
lame duck or fat-assed bastard
Glad I moved from that communist state when I did…most of what I have and the activities I do would make me a criminal in NJ…now most of my family and acquaintances have or are leaving soon!
So much for “no ex post facto law”
That should be a constitutional challenge to overturn it. Too bad we know the NRA won’t be paying legal to do it.
Vote em out! It proves The elected consider themselves better than you and I! They are supposed to protect our rights not dictate through legislating draconian laws
I’m sure folks will be rushing to turn them in.
Maybe all those bump stock owners should gather at the door step of his office and chant, come take them Chris! “Those that prevent a peaceful revolution, bring violent revolution”
Wonder what triggers and other devices are ban too. NJ HAS SHIT GUN LAWS ALREADY
Time for “former” bump stockers to scrub social media and other “trails” connecting to those evil devices. I hear a lot of bump devices have been lost in canoe flips or accidentally run over. Give them a proper burial. Lol. Don’t forget to get rid of all rubber bands from your house and tear the pockets/belt loops of your trousers too!
Hope Christe isn’t going to hump Trump’s leg for a new job.
2A stabbed in the back again by corrupt officials who wete put there to benifit the public but all ypu get is screwed over again!!!
This bullshit gun ban train they are all on needs to be stopped and canceled until they start banning trucks & cars which kill more than all the legal gun crime has ever done as has alcohol and drugs but where are all these corrupt politician’s when these statistics are posted right under their noses???
I will tell you in their limos drinking and getting high off the money the tax payer pays them to stab them in the back and screw them every time some scum bag wack job kills someone! Or should i say only when these scum kill someone with a firearm because for sure the assholes in charge/congress dont give a fuck that 10 times more people are killed every day at the hands of scum with vehicles drugs and alcohol!!
Its a fecking joke how they pick on the good and reward the scum by letting them continue killing inovent people because of their corrupt agendas!!!!!!!!!!
I hear ya, don’t forget to vote their arses out !! Too many people forget what the low life scum did when November roll around.
Unfortunately, there are too many “freebie” loving welfare state and liberals that have overwhelmed the potential for a conservative vote victory in NJ and many other states. …and many others are just as brain-washed…
To me, those liberal eastern states are NO DIFFERENT than the west coast. The people of those regions keep voting and keep voting those people to represent them. UNTIL they quit voting these idiots in, these type of things will keep happening UNTIL something drastic happens to either wake them up or they simply live a life of robotics and not caring about how their right are being violated.
And nothing of value was lost! You guys know my arguments by now – these are accessories that serve no purpose other than to simulate full auto fire without having to go through the expense and background check as prescribed by law. But I will be in Las Vegas next week, the site of the very shooting that has brought the bump stock discussion to the forefront just 3 months ago. And that gives me pause, to think about those 59 lives lost, and I am going there to go see a gun show.
Why do you continually make a point of how bumps are a way around the nfa laws? Is that bad? Is it wrong to find a practical work around to an oppressive law?
Phew…spoken like a true “Fudd”. I don’t like it, so you don’t need it…basically, a quisling.
“Nothing of Value was lost”…and you are who to decide value and loss of rights?
Exactly and I agree, Nothing of value is lost here.
I am a strong 2A supporter and lifetime member of the NRA but I am really tired of contraptions built to under mind our cause and tarnish our good standing. I will gladly trade stronger background checks, re-certification and new fee for a “Nation-Wide” CCP no different from my drivers license. As a matter of fact they could simply add on a special symbol to our drivers license that determines if your are authorized for CCP instead of a separate card. Criminals need not apply!
I shake my head at folks who gladly pay for a right already had. Nothing like leasing those rights back, huh!
“I am a strong 2A supporter……I will gladly trade”. You are fudd. You are not a strong 2A supporter if you are willing to trade some things for others to get what you want. You are either for everyone’s 2A rights, or you are for none of them. There is no compromise when it comes to our Constitutional Rights. You are what’s wrong with the gun community.
Not all states allow full auto and a lot of people cant afford it. Now what do you have to say boy genius.
Wow. I think I agree with you. Well said….
No big loss except freedom. I’ve used a bump stock and it put a smile on my face so that’s one legitimate reason. Not that we need a legitimate reason. I would go through the hoops to get a machine gun Like other NFA things I have done but can’t afford it. Also if 300000 people wanted a M16 no amount of paperwork, background checks or expense could make that happen because there is only a small number of transferable available. Bump stocks wouldn’t be here if not for the unconstitutional laws against machine guns and other firearms. Using your logic no more than 3 round mags in a rifle because there is no reason we can only have 3 rounds to hunt in my state. How about no more than 4 cylinder cars electronically limited to the road speed limit unless you’re police, politicians or any other official that is better than us peasants. Any true American and especially gun owner would never want any government limitations on firearms we can own and use. As gun owners we should be on the offensive repealing the unconstitutional laws like NFA 1934, The Gun Control Act of 1968 and The Gun Control Act of 1968 Too many gun owners can’t stick together that’s why we will always loose rights. By the way 59 lives is sad but if we made laws every time 59 lives were lost we would have nothing. More people die from hand guns, cars, DR’s, knives, fists, cell phones and many more.
Slow clap started
The amount of people who are willing to ignore the most-important phrase in the Constitution “… shall not be infringed.” still stuns me. Sure, give a little here, a little there, it’s just a chip here, a chip there, I’m sure the 2nd Amendment can take chinks taken out of it over and over. Then … poof. It’s gone. Gee, whuh huppened? Duuuhhhhh.
We lets see, I guess that we should ban large trucks that kill people, knives, baseball bats, and every other weapon that BAD GUYS use to kill people. While were at it lets ban corvettes, and lexus, I dont believe ANYONE NEEDS one of those. How about excessively large homes, nobody needs one of those? I can think of many things that I dont believe that anyone NEEDS or has a justifiable purpose for, but thats NOT FOR ME TO DECIDE? If you want those things and you have the means and your not killing anyone with your corvette, then its not up to ME to say you cant have them, hence our free american society and american dream? How about concentrating on how to stop bad guys? How about concentrating on identifying why these crimes happen and do something helpful to fix the real problem? Banning things that good people own simply wont stop people who are determined on finding and choosing a weapon to hurt people……….just ask the stone age people that went from rocks (opps we should ban rocks too?) to sharpened rock hatchets, to sharpened sticks (opps I forgot alot of things we need to ban?) to bows and arrows and so on and so on……….
How sad for one of the 13 original states. It continues to digress into an Orwellian nightmare. The disease of liberalism has infected it and it is an insult to its founding fathers who fought and died for the very rights it now denies. Some old liberal pooner, who has no joy in his life, nor can understand the term fun, inflicts his misery onto others one last time.
Wow I guess Washinton didn’t get all the hessians
That made me chuckle!
… It’s amazing how the NWO beat goes on with banning any item that a criminal and/or an insane person uses to murder innocent people so they ban them to punish all the law abiding people that don’t committ any crimes with said items even when it was determined by the ATF that said items were perfectly legal… a slippery slope every time some terrorist murders more people until everything is banned…???
wow! Christie? don’t they mean Limp?
Did you mean to say Blimp?