New bump stock regulation published, looks bad

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Hummer70

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https://www.ammoland.com/2018/03/bum...#axzz5B8aiHFuz

Read more: https://www.ammoland.com/2018/03/bum...#ixzz5B8fmotrT


"Those decisions did not include extensive legal analysis relating to the definition of “machinegun.” Nonetheless, they indicated that semiautomatic firearms modified with these bump-stock-type devices did not fire “automatically,” and were thus not “machineguns,” because the devices did not rely on internal springs or similar mechanical parts to channel recoil energy. ATF has now determined that that conclusion does not reflect the best interpretation of the term “machinegun” under the GCA and NFA. In this proposed rule, the Department accordingly interprets the definition of “machinegun” to clarify that all bump-stock-type devices are “machineguns” under the GCA and NFA because they convert a semiautomatic firearm into a firearm that shoots automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger."

Under this definition all they have to do is design a bump fixture for ANY SEMI AUTO EVER MADE and since none are manually reloaded all can be so classified as machineguns. The bump stock requires several things,

1. the addition of the equipment.

2. rifle must be held loosely so it can freely move forward and the finger actuates the trigger for all follow on shots.

3. clamping a rifle in a hard mount or utilization of a sling that stops the free movement will cause an immediate stoppage.

4. the definition which seems to imply manual reloading is required is the operative term.here.

As indicated below just placing the trigger finger and thumb properly and holding the rifle so it can bounce forward will classify all SEMI AUTOS as a machineguns as obviously there is no manual reloading occurring. All semi auto pistols can be defined as a machinegun.

As well do a search of the word "manual" The definition of "manual" is defined "relating to or done with the hands."

Move quickly and write opposition to this proposal.

 
The comment period is a mere formality. Everybody knows where this is going.

The rule focuses on the accessory, not on the bump firing technique. So semiauto firearms are safe, for now.
 
There is a old saying I think is appropriate here. "No man or his property is safe as long as the legislature is in session" You need to comment or they will say there was no comment. Several months ago this was done and 85% voted NO to a semi auto ban.
 
If it passes, I wonder if they would do something like the 1968 Machine Gun Amnesty? Pay the $200 and you can legally register your bumpstock. Don't get me wrong, I think the proposed law is ridiculous and I hope that it wouldn't pass, I'm pretty much just thinking out loud.
 
If it passes, I wonder if they would do something like the 1968 Machine Gun Amnesty? Pay the $200 and you can legally register your bumpstock. Don't get me wrong, I think the proposed law is ridiculous and I hope that it wouldn't pass, I'm pretty much just thinking out loud.
The NRA's formal response to the Notice of Proposed Rule Making pointed out the "taking" aspect under the 5th Amendment, and therefore included a suggestion for a blanket amnesty and registration instead of an outright and absolute ban. Something like that can't be done because of the Hughes Amendment making post-1986 machine guns contraband. I personally would like nothing more than a blanket MG amnesty, but it would have to be done legislatively, first by repealing the Hughes Amendment. This could be sold as a "reasonable" gun measure, making registered, regulated items out of things that are presently unregulated and underground.

After receiving all the numerous critical comments, I wouldn't be at all surprised if the ATF just punts, says that it can't do anything by regulation, and sends the issue over to Congress. Whatever action takes place, I would guess, would be after the November election. And the pressure on the ATF by the Trump administration seems to be easing, as memories of the Las Vegas incident fade and other shootings come to the fore.

BTW, the 1968 amnesty registration, like the original 1934 registration, was free.

If you could register your bump stock as a machine gun, why not simply register the host gun and drill the "third hole"? That would make the bump stock itself rather moot.

We may end up thanking the bump stock makers and their resultant controversy for opening up the machine gun world generally.
 
There is a old saying I think is appropriate here. "No man or his property is safe as long as the legislature is in session" You need to comment or they will say there was no comment. Several months ago this was done and 85% voted NO to a semi auto ban.

Too bad the federal beauracracy is always in session... :(
 
If you could register your bump stock as a machine gun, why not simply register the host gun and drill the "third hole"? That would make the bump stock itself rather moot.

We may end up thanking the bump stock makers and their resultant controversy for opening up the machine gun world generally.

Opening up the machine gun registry would be amazing! I know my current FA's would probably lose some of their value but it is a hit I would be willing to take in order to expand my collection.
 
I think the ATF will also "punt" and say they can't do anything without Congress.

The law allows the ATF to do an amnesty any time they want. The '68 amnesty allowed otherwise unregisterable guns* (defaced markings and serial numbers, M16s stolen from the military, and felon owners) to be registered (in some cases new markings had to be added).

I don't know how this statutory language allowing amnesties would interact with the Hughes Amendment but the 68 amnesty overruled other federal (and even state) gun laws, so I think it could.

Can you imagine how many very newly made auto sears and lightning links would be registered in a new amnesty?

*-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnoSbLw_7hA

Mike
 
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Hummer70 included the quote:
"Those decisions did not include extensive legal analysis relating to the definition of “machinegun.”

Of course it didn't. It's a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). It's nothing more than an announcement saying that a Proposed Regulation is going to be published in the future that is expected to reach a particular conclusion. It isn't supposed to have any kind of legal analysis in it. The "extensive legal analysis" will be contained in the Proposed Regulation when it is published.
 
Opening up the machine gun registry would be amazing! I know my current FA's would probably lose some of their value but it is a hit I would be willing to take in order to expand my collection.

If the Hugh's amendment went away your current FA items value would drop like a rock in a vacuum. What's the parts cost difference between a AR-15 and a M-16? $20?
 
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