# Bump stocks intended ban **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [October 5, 2017, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025 "2017-10-05T14:43:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Bone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bone/32/407_2.png) [@Bone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bone)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025/21 "2017-10-05T15:33:24Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > It isn’t? > > Please give an example of anything else that is banned/illegal that can be very easily put together in 5 minutes using readily obtainable cheap materials. Any type of IED that can be made at home. Pipe bombs, etc. Bump fire stocks are already illegal in CA. It’s only because of the event that the term itself has become more widely known. People have been doing bump fire on pistols and rifles for a very long time. It can be done without the aid of anything if gripping the pistol in a certain way. The stock just makes it much easier. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025/22 "2017-10-05T15:36:12Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > There is a difference between banning actions and banning objects, wouldn’t you say? I can have a fast car but I can’t use it to drive recklessly on public roads. I can have a piece of wood, a metal tube and some screws but I can’t use those to modify my legally owned weapon to simulate an automatic weapon. Both are limits on my actions as to what I can do with materials legally obtained and at my disposal. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025/23 "2017-10-05T15:38:32Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > It isn’t? > > Please give an example of anything else that is banned/illegal that can be very easily put together in 5 minutes using readily obtainable cheap materials. Things like butter knifes, screwdrivers, ice picks, etc are all legal to have, but will be classified as illegal tools for breaking and entering if found on someone suspected of burglary. They could also make a law that it’s illegal to use any device or make any modification which would speed up the rate of fire. Of course, this won’t stop a criminal from making those modifications just like a criminal will still use a butter knife to open a window. But it will reduce the use of such devices and make them harder to get. Also, places like gun ranges would likely prohibit anyone from using them. ---
**Author:** ![Okrahoma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/90db22/32.png) [@Okrahoma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Okrahoma)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025/24 "2017-10-05T15:39:10Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > I can have a fast car but I can’t use it to drive recklessly on public roads. > > I can have a piece of wood, a metal tube and some screws but I can’t use those to modify my legally owned weapon to simulate an automatic weapon. Yet you are not jailed for owning a fast car. **Ravenman** , above, advocated jailing people for owning a piece of wood, a metal tube and some screws. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025/25 "2017-10-05T15:40:00Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > It isn’t? > > Please give an example of anything else that is banned/illegal that can be very easily put together in 5 minutes using readily obtainable cheap materials. Molotov cocktail. ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025/26 "2017-10-05T15:41:04Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > Back to the OP - why would you “ban” something anyone can make, at home, not requiring that much effort or any special materials? No, it wouldn’t be as sleek as the one bought from [slidefire.com](http://slidefire.com), but it still would increase the rate of fire. Because by banning it, you make it a legitimate primary reason for law enforcement to stop and arrest those who have been reported to have them, completely aside from any other actions the person may or may not have taken. Sure, Bubba could have one hidden in his basement so he can chuckle about putting one over on The Man, but if he uses it, carries it in public, or even just brags about it to the wrong person, he becomes a target for this primary enforcement. This won’t stop every possible conceivable use of these devices in crimes like we just saw in Las Vegas, but it would likely cut down on them. ---
**Author:** ![Oredigger77](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oredigger77/32/3181_2.png) [@Oredigger77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oredigger77)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025/27 "2017-10-05T15:41:53Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > It isn’t? > > Please give an example of anything else that is banned/illegal that can be very easily put together in 5 minutes using readily obtainable cheap materials. Sure, Stills and distilled spirits. Totally illegal to own and use (yes, loopholes for distilled water and oils) and all you need is a tea kettle, a cork, and some copper pipe from home depot. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025/28 "2017-10-05T15:42:56Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > Yet you are not jailed for owning a fast car. **Ravenman** , above, advocated jailing people for owning a piece of wood, a metal tube and some screws. You can drive a car legally or illegally. Once having the means to increase the rate of fire by mechanical means is made illegal, then increasing the rate of fire becomes a strictly illegal act. There’s no legal version. ---
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025/29 "2017-10-05T15:43:47Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > It’s illegal to make a homemade suppressor so the same principle would apply. > > The puzzle is why were they approved in the first place? It isn’t illegal to make your own silencer. You just need the $200 tax stamp first. Kits and blueprints are readily available. The Slide Fire stock was submitted to the BATF for evaluation. The company has the letter from the BATF stating it is acceptable. Dennis ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025/30 "2017-10-05T15:45:20Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > Yet you are not jailed for owning a fast car. **Ravenman** , above, advocated jailing people for owning a piece of wood, a metal tube and some screws. I think you are twisting his words to serve a losing argument. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025/31 "2017-10-05T15:50:42Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > Please give an example of anything else that is banned/illegal that can be very easily put together in 5 minutes using readily obtainable cheap materials. 1. One shotgun. Perfectly legal. 2. One powered hacksaw. Perfectly legal. 3. Five minutes work. 4. One sawed off shotgun. Highly illegal. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025/32 "2017-10-05T15:58:26Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > Please give an example of anything else that is banned/illegal that can be very easily put together in 5 minutes using readily obtainable cheap materials. Crack pipe. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025/33 "2017-10-05T16:03:45Z")
> [@mixdenny](#): > > It isn’t illegal to make your own silencer. You just need the $200 tax stamp first. Kits and blueprints are readily available. > > The Slide Fire stock was submitted to the BATF for evaluation. The company has the letter from the BATF stating it is acceptable. > > Dennis It’s illegal if you don’t have the stamp. Which applies to the vast majority of gunowners. As **Bone** mentioned, it was the way the law was written. I’m surprised there wasn’t some sort of attention brought to the potential problem. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025/34 "2017-10-05T16:05:34Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > … > Back to the OP - why would you “ban” something anyone can make, at home, not requiring that much effort or any special materials? … Like a pot plant? ---
**Author:** ![Okrahoma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/90db22/32.png) [@Okrahoma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Okrahoma)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025/35 "2017-10-05T16:07:03Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > Molotov cocktail. Just as silly. [Jail him](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KCI5wd2b34)! ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025/36 "2017-10-05T16:07:06Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > You think Obama was personally aware of the matter? Do you think that every single thing that’s done in government is brought to the attention of the President? > If you believe that, then you have to admit that Obama wasn’t nearly as anti-gun as he was portrayed. Why do you think Obama wasn’t personally aware of this matter? I think it’s more likely that Obama didn’t have any idea what it was that the BATFE was describing to him. Or not. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025/37 "2017-10-05T16:08:46Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > It isn’t? > > Please give an example of anything else that is banned/illegal that can be very easily put together in 5 minutes using readily obtainable cheap materials. [This stuff right here](http://choreboyscrubbers.com/sites/chore_boy/files/styles/choreboy_linkblock_image/public/link-block/block-faq.jpg?itok=jz-hO3bR), for scrubbing pans, no big deal. If you have crack cocaine in your car AND that, you’ll get a ticket for drug paraphernalia. It’s used for smoking crack. Shove some of that in a metal tube and you’ve got a crack pipe. Also, if you’re at a gas station and you see [these](http://acimg.auctivacommerce.com/imgdata/0/2/7/7/4/8/webimg/7833686.jpg) at the counter, those are for making crack pipes. When I was much younger I bought some for some friends, I was surprised that both the top and bottom came off (nothing ever became of it, BTW). Years later I found out that they do that so that people came make pipes out of them. Anyways, this is all to say that two boards and a pipe, by themselves might be nothing, but if ‘bump stocks’ are illegal, and you’re found with two boards and a pipe setup in such a way that can turn a semiautomatic weapon in a fully automatic one, in your gun case, you’re probably going to get a ticket for it. If you get arrested after a shooting and they find you with it, it’ll probably up the charges (just like wearing a bullet proof vest will). Plenty of things are cheap and easily attainable, but still illegal especially if combined in the correct way or used in the correct (incorrect?) way. ---
**Author:** ![Okrahoma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/90db22/32.png) [@Okrahoma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Okrahoma)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025/38 "2017-10-05T16:10:08Z")
> [@Oredigger77](#): > > Sure, Stills and distilled spirits. Totally illegal to own and use (yes, loopholes for distilled water and oils) and all you need is a tea kettle, a cork, and some copper pipe from home depot. I watched “Moonshiners” :). It takes way longer than 5 minutes, and is way more dangerous to do than putting two handles on a wooden board. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025/39 "2017-10-05T16:11:45Z")
> [@Okrahoma](#): > > It isn’t? > > Please give an example of anything else that is banned/illegal that can be very easily put together in 5 minutes using readily obtainable cheap materials. Sawed off shotgun, silencer made of an oil filter, various kind of bombs. ---
**Author:** ![Okrahoma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/90db22/32.png) [@Okrahoma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Okrahoma)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2017, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025/40 "2017-10-05T16:13:18Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > Crack pipe. Illegal to own? > **[6445p.pdf](https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs6/6445/6445p.pdf)** > > 493.67 KB "The drug paraphernalia statute, U.S. Code Title 21 Section 863, makes it “unlawful for any person to sell or offer for sale drug paraphernalia; to use the mails or any other facility of interstate commerce to transport drug paraphernalia; or to import or export drug paraphernalia.” Apparently owning it is not illegal. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bump-stocks-intended-ban/798025.md?page=3)