Wednesday, September 14, 2022

BUMP STOCK BAN HEADED TO 5TH CIRCUIT IN NEW ORLEANS

By Bob Walsh


A bump stock (pictured) attaches to a semi-automatic rifle, replacing the gun's shoulder rest with a 'support step' that covers the trigger opening and increases the firing rate

 

For those of you who may not be up on the issue, a "bump stock" is a rifle stock, often mounted on an AR-15 type rifle, that uses the recoil of the weapon and moderately fine mechanical adjustments to fire the semi-automatic very quickly, very much like a machine gun.  

The device was banned by the BATFE by administrative action.  The question before the court is whether or not the agency can do that legally.

The 5th Circuit has issued a ruling upholding the ban, but the matter is about to be reconsidered by the full panel (16 judges) of the circuit.  They may also stall pending further possible action by SCOTUS.  

Both sides of the question have a more-or-less reasonable position depending on what the definition of (one pull of the trigger) is. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: According to gun expert Alec Baldwin, you can fire a gun without pulling a trigger.

1 comment:

Trey said...

Guns have always been known to fire without pulling the trigger. A former co-worker of mine was shot in the buttocks when his .380 fell on the floor of a restroom when he loosened his belt. I attended a Retired Officers Association meeting this week in Fredericksburg and heard a few such stories.