Bump Stocks

Above, a bump stock.

Las Vegas killer Stephen Paddock apparently used an aftermarket device called a "bump-stock" or "bump fire stock" to convert his semi-automatic weapons into simulating fully automatic weapons. The carnage of last Sunday night is a testament as to the device's effectiveness.

CNSNews.com posted:

(CNSNews.com) - On June 7, 2010 -- about a year and a half into the Barack Obama administration -- the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives issued an opinion letter, giving the go-ahead to an after-market accessory that allows the user to “bump fire” a semi-automatic rifle. 

A company called Slide Fire had earlier sent its patented replacement shoulder stock to ATF’s Firearms Technology Branch, asking for an evaluation of the device. 

The ATF, in reply, wrote: “Your letter advises that the stock (referenced in this reply as a ‘bump stock’) is intended to assist persons whose hands have limited mobility to ‘bump fire’ an AR-15 type rifle.” 

The device replaces the factory stock and grip. The replacement stock moves back and forth with the gun's recoil, allowing it to fire rapidly and continuously as the trigger repeatedly is bumped into the shooter’s finger. A switch allows the user to select semi-automatic fire (one shot for each trigger pull) or the more rapid “bump fire.” 

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said on Tuesday that she intends to introduce legislation to close what she calls the “automatic weapon loophole,” and some Republicans have indicated they may be open to the idea of banning after-market devices that allow semi-automatic weapons to simulate automatic fire.

This is one time I am coming down on the side of the liberals. I, too, think that bump stocks should be banned. They are unnecessary for civilian use. It is incredible that Barack Obama's administration approved such a device.

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