Support for banning bump fire stocks is gaining momentum. Following Dianne Feinstein’s proposal yesterday a number of prominent Republicans have stated that they are open to discussing a ban on the devices, including one Republican senator from Texas. From the NYT:
“I own a lot of guns, and as a hunter and sportsman, I think that’s our right as Americans, but I don’t understand the use of this bump stock,” Senator John Cornyn of Texas, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, said, adding, “It seems like it’s an obvious area we ought to explore and see if it’s something Congress needs to act on.”
He’s not alone when he says he sees limited utility for the bump fire stock. Robert and myself have both made similar statements — there’s really no use for the item beyond its function as a “range toy.” Even our own readers have a difficult time arguing to keep them legal.
Other moderate (and somewhat anti-Trump) Republicans are jumping on board, including Senators Marco Rubio, Lindsey Graham and Orrin Hatch.
The wildcard in this situation: the NRA.
Over the last few years, the NRA has endorsed bills that would create stricter gun control legislation — including stricter scrutiny of gun purchases for people on the government’s secret terrorist watchlist. It’s entirely possible that the NRA will see this as an opportunity to poke a hole in the Democrat’s anti-NRA narrative, removing a talking point from their arsenal for the coming midterm election.
Watch this space.