NRA: ‘ Bump stocks’ law is slippery slope

Group says action should come from ATF, not Congress

The National Rifle Association said Sunday it opposes any legislation to ban the use of “bump stocks” on semi- automatic weapons — even as it has said some regulation may be necessary.

On Sunday morning talk shows, the gun lobbying group said the Trump administration, not Congress, should take action on the devices. Under the Obama administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives permitted the sale of the devices in 2010.

Bump stocks have taken center stage after the Las Vegas shooter apparently used them to convert semi- automatic rifles into fully automatic weapons.

“It’s illegal to convert a semi- automatic to a fully automatic. The ATF ought to look at this, do its job and draw a bright line,” NRA Executive Vice PresidentWayne LaPierre said on CBS’ Face the Nation.

Allowing Congress to act, LaPierre said, risks turning the bill into “some kind of Christmas tree” that could have an impact on both semi- automatic and automatic weapons. “If you fuzz the line, they’re all at risk,” he said.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D- Calif., introduced a bill last week that would ban bump stocks, trigger cranks or similar devices within six months.

“Regulations aren’t going to do it. We need a law,” Feinstein said.

Rep. Steve Scalise, who was wounded at a congressional baseball practice, told Meet the Press he opposes any congressional action on “bump stocks.”

“Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi already said she wants it to be a slippery slope,” he said. “She doesn’t want to stop at bump stocks.”