What is a Bump Stock for an AR-15?
Bump stocks have been a topic of much debate and controversy in recent years, especially in the context of firearms and gun control. If you’re curious about what a bump stock is and how it works on an AR-15, you’ve come to the right place. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of bump stocks, their history, functionality, and the legal implications surrounding them.
What is a Bump Stock?
A bump stock is an accessory designed to be attached to the stock of an AR-15 rifle. Its primary purpose is to allow the shooter to increase the rate of fire by using the rifle’s recoil to “bump” the stock against the shooter’s body. This action causes the rifle to move back and forth rapidly, effectively increasing the number of rounds fired per minute.
How Does a Bump Stock Work?
Bump stocks work by taking advantage of the rifle’s recoil. When the rifle is fired, the stock moves back against the shooter’s body. By holding the rifle’s trigger and using the momentum from the recoil, the shooter can cause the stock to move forward, thus “bumping” the rifle against their body. This process is repeated rapidly, resulting in a higher rate of fire.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how a bump stock functions:
- The shooter fires the rifle, causing the stock to move back against their body.
- The shooter holds the trigger and uses the momentum from the recoil to move the stock forward.
- The rifle is “bumped” against the shooter’s body, causing it to move back and forth rapidly.
- This process is repeated, resulting in a higher rate of fire.
History of Bump Stocks
Bump stocks were first introduced in the 1970s by a company called Bump Fire Systems. They were initially designed for recreational shooting and competitive shooting sports, where a higher rate of fire could be beneficial. Over time, bump stocks gained popularity among civilian shooters and were used for various purposes, including hunting and self-defense.
Legal Implications
The use of bump stocks has been a contentious issue, particularly in the wake of several high-profile mass shootings. In response to public concern, several states have enacted bans on bump stocks, while others have implemented stricter regulations. In March 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) classified bump stocks as “machine guns,” making them illegal under federal law.
Here’s a table summarizing the legal status of bump stocks in some states:
State | Legal Status |
---|---|
California | Banned |
New York | Banned |
Colorado | Banned |
Washington | Banned |
Illinois | Banned |
Connecticut | Banned |
Massachusetts | Banned |
Wisconsin | Banned |
Minnesota | Banned |
Utah | Legal |
Arkansas | Legal |
Mississippi | Legal |
Alabama | Legal |
Alternatives to Bump Stocks
With the ban on bump stocks, many shooters have been looking for alternatives to achieve a higher rate of fire. Some popular options include:
- Adaptive Stocks: