It seems that we can’t go a minute without encountering a story about bump stocks or the proposed federal ban that may take effect in as little as a few months. However, a lot of people still don’t exactly know what bump stocks do, or how far-reaching the ban will be if it becomes implemented. Let’s take a closer look at bump stocks as well as what changes in regulations might mean for those who own these accessories.
What is a Bump Stock
Simply put, a bump stock is replacement for the standard stock of a semi-automatic rifle, and it enables the shooter to fire-off more rounds per second. The shooter places their finger against the front of the bump stock, which rests against the trigger. Once the trigger is pulled, the recoil of the gun causes the bump stock to move the finger back and forth instead of having to do it manually. This simple “hack” can easily double the rate of fire, but it still doesn’t come close to matching the capabilities of automatic rifles.
Rapid-Fire
Without a bump stock, a semi-automatic rifle can fire around 5-6 rounds per second, give or take. A bump stock will can bring that number closer to 10 whereas an automatic can produce around 14-15 shots per second. It’s important to note that while a bump stock may increase the rate of fire, it also causes magazines to empty very quickly as well. Consequently, the shooter will need to stop and reload or pick up another weapon every few seconds.
The question is whether or not the benefits of a bump stock are really noticeable unless a shooter has access to high-capacity magazines. In fact, it can be argued that bump stocks don’t necessarily correlate with the carnage caused by recent mass-shootings that have involved these devices. In other words, bump stocks may represent little more than a scapegoat that a good portion of the American public is using to channel their anger and frustration toward.
Political Opportunities
However, politicians have jumped on the bump stock bandwagon, and there’s no turning back. A number of states have already instituted bans, and it looks as though the federal government will soon follow suit, barring any legal challenges that are sure to come. What should make everyone nervous is that not only will the production and sale of bump stocks become illegal, but also the possession of these devices as well.
Owners will be required to either surrender or destroy bump stocks by whatever deadline is established, and violators can expect to face severe civil and criminal penalties, including jail time. How far law enforcement will go to enforce the ban has yet to be seen, but it’s unnerving to think that ordinary gun owners who may not know about the prohibition could become unwitting targets of investigations, searches and seizures and charges.
What do you think about the bump stock controversy? Is it warranted? Do they produce benefits that we as preppers can take advantage of, or does their ban have a negative impact on our ability to protect ourselves? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions so that we can all get a better understanding of how bans can influence our preparedness efforts.
