Owning a “Bump Stock” is Now a Felony

Posted on April 14, 2019 in News

If you own a bump stock, then as of March 25, 2019, you are committing a federal felony. If you’re wondering what a bump stock is, it is a device that uses the recoil of a semi-automatic firearm to fire bullets in a more rapid fashion. They are also devices that can be used by those with physical disabilities to operate a firearm when they otherwise would not have the hand strength to.

Unfortunately, due to the massive public outcry following the 2017 Las Vegas Shooting, where Stephen Paddock horribly misused a bump stock, the ATF passed the ATF Final Rule relating to bump stocks, found in 27 CFR 447, 478, and 479. The rule outlawed possession of working bump stocks and made possession of them a federal felony offense.

There is no Grandfather Clause

After immense litigation, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit denied an attempt to keep the new ATF Final Rule from going into effect. The new Final Rule Bump Stock Ban has no provision to grandfather in previously purchased devices. More importantly, the grace period to surrender bump stocks has passed, and so if you currently possess a bump stock you are currently committing a felony offense.

If you or someone you know needs help in complying with the new ATF Final Rule Bump Stock Ban, or you have any questions regarding the ban, contact the Phoenix criminal defense attorneys at AZ Defenders at 480-456-6400 to discuss your options.