On Monday, two major trade associations representing the gun industry issued a joint statement asking Congress to wait for federal regulators to complete a review of the now controversial bump stocks before taking any legislative action.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) have asked the Federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to review and evaluate the devices to determine if they comply with federal laws that regulate machine guns, according to this story from guns.com.
The ATF originally reviewed and approved bump stocks in 2010 when they were presented as firing assistance devices for disabled shooters. You can read the ATF letter here.
The firearm accessories have become the focus of national attention after their apparent use in the recent Las Vegas mass shooting.
“We urge Congress to allow ATF to complete its review before considering any legislation so that any policy decisions can be informed by the facts and ATF’s analysis,” the statement says.
The NSSF represents gun makers and retailers while SAAMI sets manufacturing standards and best practices for gun makers. The statement echoes a statement released by the National Rifle Association which suggested the devices should be regulated instead of outlawed by federal legislation.
The devices, which mimic the physics of a bump fire, have been thrust into the limelight because of their involvement in the Oct. 1 shooting in Las Vegas. Since, several pieces of legislation have been introduced at the state level, and a federal bill was introduced Tuesday, that would outlaw the possession and sale of the devices.
The federal bill has garnered support from both sides of the aisle. Democrats have filed a bill to ban bump stocks, but a bipartisan measure has yet to be filed.