Justice Department and ATF Begin Regulatory Process to Determine Whether Bump Stocks

The Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced today that it has begun the process of promulgating a federal regulation interpreting the definition of “machinegun” under federal law to clarify whether certain bump stock devices fall within that definition.



"The Department of Justice has the duty to enforce our laws, protect our rights, and keep the American people safe," Attorney General Sessions said. "Possessing firearm parts that are used exclusively in converting a weapon into a machine gun is illegal, except for certain limited circumstances. Today we begin the process of determining whether or not bump stocks are covered by this prohibition. We will go through the regulatory process that is required by law and we will be attentive to input from the public. This Department is serious about firearms offenses, as shown by the dramatic increase in firearms prosecutions this year. The regulatory clarification we begin today will help us to continue to protect the American people by carrying out the laws duly enacted by our representatives in Congress."



ATF has taken the initial step in this regulatory process by drafting an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) and submitting it to the Office of Management and Budget. The ANPRM will provide the public and industry the opportunity to submit formal comments to ATF about bump stocks to inform ATF’s decision regarding further steps in the rulemaking process. The federal rulemaking process follows procedures required by the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). ATF and the Department will proceed in accordance with this process as quickly as possible.



The National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA) and Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA) strictly regulate the possession and transfer of machineguns, making it unlawful for any person to possess a machinegun that was not lawfully possessed prior to the statute’s effective date. Manufacturers and inventors may voluntarily submit devices to ATF for a “classification,” that is, a determination as to whether the device is considered a firearm or machinegun under federal law. If a device is not classified as a firearm or machinegun, it is deemed to be a part or accessory that is not subject to regulation by ATF.

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Reptile said:

It appears that a bump stock falls within the classification described in the final sentence of the DOJ statement and is not subject to regulation by the ATF. A stock is not a firearm. Then again, a suppressor is not a firearm and the ATF regulates them.

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Doctor_M said:

I have no confidence that in this political climate the ATF (and certinally not the States) will do the right thing.

Additional infringements on the horizon.

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Exuberon said:

Bump stocks were just a loophole device for getting around full auto (MG) prohibition/regulations. I feel many of those that have these devices, derail and damage the credibility of 2A rights and ownership.

I personally don't believe there are too many instances where a civilian "needs" or has a "right" to fully automatic weapons.

However, like other firearm prohibition/ban milestones.... if you feel you NEED to have one of these; I suggest you get one while you still can.

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Exuberon said:

Bump stocks were just a loophole device for getting around full auto (MG) prohibition/regulations. I feel many of those that have these devices, derail and damage the credibility of 2A rights and ownership.

I personally don't believe there are too many instances where a civilian "needs" or has a "right" to fully automatic weapons.

However, like other firearm prohibition/ban milestones.... if you feel you NEED to have one of these; I suggest you get one while you still can.

Click to expand...

Exuberon said:

Bump stocks were just a loophole device for getting around full auto (MG) prohibition/regulations. I feel many of those that have these devices, derail and damage the credibility of 2A rights and ownership.

I personally don't believe there are too many instances where a civilian "needs" or has a "right" to fully automatic weapons.

However, like other firearm prohibition/ban milestones.... if you feel you NEED to have one of these; I suggest you get one while you still can.

Click to expand...

Rack&Roll said:

And I think you should drive a car with a lawnmower engine because who needs 380 HP to drive the speed limit?

Want up play the “needs” game there, chief?

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Todd S said:

I sure am glad the founding fathers wrote the Bill of Needs...

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Exuberon said:

Bump stocks were just a loophole device for getting around full auto (MG) prohibition/regulations. I feel many of those that have these devices, derail and damage the credibility of 2A rights and ownership.

I personally don't believe there are too many instances where a civilian "needs" or has a "right" to fully automatic weapons.

However, like other firearm prohibition/ban milestones.... if you feel you NEED to have one of these; I suggest you get one while you still can.

Click to expand...

Exuberon said:

Bump stocks were just a loophole device for getting around full auto (MG) prohibition/regulations. I feel many of those that have these devices, derail and damage the credibility of 2A rights and ownership.

I personally don't believe there are too many instances where a civilian "needs" or has a "right" to fully automatic weapons.

However, like other firearm prohibition/ban milestones.... if you feel you NEED to have one of these; I suggest you get one while you still can.

Click to expand...

Melnic said:

On the question that a bump stock is a stock and not a firearm, didn't they also rule on some stocks that had spring action to them in order to increase rate of fire, that those were not legal/allowable?

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Rack&Roll said:

There are no bump stocks or bump brackets on the market with springs on them.

You may be referring to the Akins Accelerator with was approved then recalled/banned.

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Exuberon said:

Bump stocks were just a loophole device for getting around full auto (MG) prohibition/regulations. I feel many of those that have these devices, derail and damage the credibility of 2A rights and ownership.

I personally don't believe there are too many instances where a civilian "needs" or has a "right" to fully automatic weapons.

However, like other firearm prohibition/ban milestones.... if you feel you NEED to have one of these; I suggest you get one while you still can.

Click to expand...