U.S. Supreme Court Strikes Down Ban on Bump Stocks
What are Bump Stocks?
A bump stock is a firearm accessory that allows a semi-automatic rifle to replicate the firing rate of a fully automatic weapon. It accomplishes this by harnessing the recoil of the rifle to rapidly pull the trigger, allowing for a faster firing rate than is possible manually.
Supreme Court Ruling
On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a lower court's ban on bump stocks, ruling that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) had exceeded its authority in classifying bump stocks as machine guns under federal law. The Court's decision was based on the argument that bump stocks do not meet the statutory definition of a machine gun as they do not "automatically" fire multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger.
Implications of the Ruling
The Supreme Court's ruling has significant implications for gun control in the United States. It will likely lead to an increase in the availability of bump stocks, which have been used in several mass shootings, including the 2017 Las Vegas shooting. Gun control advocates have expressed concern that the ruling could undermine efforts to reduce gun violence, while gun rights advocates argue that it is a victory for individual freedom.
Availability in New Mexico
Despite the Supreme Court's ruling, it is unlikely that bump stocks will be readily available in New Mexico. The state has a strict ban on assault weapons, which includes bump stocks. It is possible that the ruling could lead to a legal challenge to the state's ban, but it is too early to say what the outcome of such a challenge would be.
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