How Many People Own Bump Stocks in the US?

In recent years, the topic of bump stocks has become a hot-button issue in the United States. Bump stocks are devices that can be attached to semi-automatic firearms, allowing the shooter to fire the weapon at a higher rate of speed than the human can pull the trigger. This article aims to explore the prevalence of bump stocks among firearm owners in the US and shed light on the ongoing debate surrounding their legality.

Understanding Bump Stocks

To begin with, it's important to understand what bump stocks are and how they work. A bump stock is a device that fits onto the receiver of a semi-automatic rifle, effectively turning it into an automatic weapon. The device allows the shooter to move the firearm back and forth rapidly, which in turn causes the gun to fire at a much faster rate. This makes bump stocks particularly dangerous, as they can increase the number of rounds fired in a short period of time.

The Controversy

The controversy surrounding bump stocks began after the mass shooting at the Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas in October 2017. The shooter used a bump stock to fire his weapon at a high rate of speed, resulting in the deaths of 58 people and over 800 injuries. This tragic event brought the issue of bump stocks to the forefront of the national conversation.

In response to the Las Vegas shooting, President Donald Trump signed an executive order in March 2018, which directed the Department of Justice to ban bump stocks. However, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has yet to finalize the regulations that would effectively ban these devices.

The Prevalence of Bump Stocks

Determining the exact number of bump stocks in circulation in the US is difficult, as there is no centralized registry of these devices. However, some estimates suggest that there could be tens of thousands of bump stocks in the country.

In a survey conducted by the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, 35% of respondents said they knew someone who owned a bump stock. Additionally, a report by the ATF found that approximately 10,000 bump stocks were sold in the US between 2010 and 2016.

Legal Challenges

Despite the controversy and the executive order, there have been legal challenges to the ban on bump stocks. In December 2018, a federal judge in Washington state ruled that the ATF lacked the authority to ban bump stocks, as they do not fall under the definition of machine guns under federal law. This ruling has since been appealed, and the case is currently pending in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Public Opinion

Public opinion on bump stocks is divided. Some argue that they are a dangerous tool that should be banned, while others believe that they are a legal accessory that should remain available to firearm owners. A poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 57% of Americans support a ban on bump stocks.

Conclusion

The debate over bump stocks in the US is complex and multifaceted. While the exact number of bump stocks in circulation is unknown, it is clear that these devices have the potential to cause significant harm. As the legal battles continue, it remains to be seen whether bump stocks will be banned or remain a legal accessory for firearm owners.

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