In the video below, NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Wayne LaPierre appears on Fox News’ Hannity to tell the world that his organization doesn’t believe bump fire stocks should be banned or confiscated. And yet there’s no love lost. “I mean, any look at it,” Mr. LaPierre admonishes his host, “it takes a semi-automatic firearm and it makes it perform like a fully automatic firearm. It makes it function like one. And, what the NRA has said is . . .
“We ought to take a look at that and see if it’s in compliance with federal law, and it’s worthy of additional regulation. That being said, we didn’t say ban. We didn’t say confiscate.”
First of all, bump fire stocks are in compliance with federal law. The ATF approved their sale. Why would Mr. LaPierre cast doubt on their legality?
Second, if the Trump administration doesn’t follow the NRA’s recommendation and direct the ATF to reclassify bump fire stocks as NFA items — which would require some pretty fancy legal footwork — Dianne Feinstein’s bill banning their possession will pass and will lead to confiscation.
That will not be pretty. And would set a dangerous precedent.
IMHO, the NRA tried to split the baby and created nothing but a bloody mess. Again, if President Trump doesn’t come through for the NRA ATF-wise, Wayne’s mob will have played this one exactly wrong.