Are Bump Stocks Legal? [2025 Update]

If you’ve seen headlines or online listings mentioning a bump stock for sale, you might be wondering — are bump stocks illegal or legal now?

The legal status of bump stocks has been one of the most debated firearm issues in recent years. After years of regulation, confiscation, and lawsuits, the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling in Garland v. Cargill completely changed the conversation.

In this article, we’ll break down what bump stocks are, why they became controversial, what the Supreme Court decided, and what it means for owners, retailers, and anyone shopping for AR-15 stocks and stock kits.

(Note: This article is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Firearms laws vary by state and are subject to change.)

What Is a Bump Stock?

A bump stock is a rifle accessory that replaces a standard stock and allows a shooter to use the firearm’s recoil to “bump” the trigger more rapidly. This process can mimic the firing speed of a fully automatic weapon while technically firing one round per trigger pull.

Here’s how it works — in general terms:

• The shooter maintains steady forward pressure on the rifle.
• The rifle’s recoil moves the firearm backward within the stock assembly.
• The trigger then “bumps” or resets quickly against the shooter’s stationary finger.
• The result is a rapid succession of individual shots, each one still requiring a distinct trigger function.

In essence, bump stocks don’t make a firearm fully automatic; they simply help the shooter reset the trigger faster. That minor distinction was at the heart of the legal debate that led to Garland v. Cargill.

When browsing for AR bump fire stocks or bump stocks for sale, it’s essential to understand what they are designed to do — and what legal rules apply where you live.

The Legal History: From ATF Ban to Supreme Court Reversal

The 2018 Ban

In 2018, following a tragic mass shooting that involved a bump-stock-equipped rifle, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) reclassified bump stocks as machine guns under the National Firearms Act (NFA).

This change made the possession, manufacture, or sale of bump stocks a federal crime unless the item was registered as a machine gun — something that was virtually impossible for civilians. Owners were ordered to surrender or destroy their bump stocks.

Garland v. Cargill (2024)

Fast-forward to 2024, when the Supreme Court heard Garland v. Cargill, a case challenging the ATF’s authority to make that rule. The Court ruled 6–3 that the ATF had exceeded its jurisdiction, because the law defines a “machine gun” as a weapon that fires more than one shot automatically by a single function of the trigger.

Since a bump-stock-equipped firearm still fires one round per trigger pull — even if those pulls happen rapidly — the Court found that the ATF’s classification went beyond what Congress had written in law.

What That Means Federally

Following the ruling, bump stocks are no longer classified as machine guns under federal law. That means, at the federal level, owning or selling a bump stock is not automatically illegal.

However, that doesn’t mean they are legal everywhere — state and local laws still apply, and many states have their own bans or restrictions.

Bump Stock Mechanics: How They Work Without Being Fully Automatic

To understand why the Court ruled as it did, you have to know how bump stocks actually function.

A standard semi-automatic rifle fires one shot per trigger pull. A machine gun continues firing as long as the trigger is held. A bump stock sits somewhere in between: it allows a semi-auto rifle to fire very quickly, but the trigger must still reset and be pulled again for each round.

In practice, the bump stock’s sliding motion and recoil energy help the trigger reset faster than it would without the bump stock. While this can create a similar rate of fire to a fully automatic weapon, the mechanical operation is entirely different.

That’s why, under a literal reading of federal law, bump stocks don’t meet the statutory definition of a machine gun — they don’t fire automatically with a single trigger function.

Still, even though the Supreme Court agreed with that reasoning, individual states can impose their own definitions or restrictions.

The Central Question in Garland v. Cargill

At its core, Garland v. Cargill asked a straightforward question:

Did the ATF have the legal authority to redefine bump stocks as machine guns under existing law?

The Court said no. It emphasized that only Congress has the power to change the legal definition of a firearm or accessory. Regulatory agencies can’t rewrite laws — especially laws that carry criminal penalties.

The case wasn’t about whether bump stocks are good or bad, safe or unsafe — it was about separation of powers and statutory interpretation.

For firearm owners, this decision was less about the Second Amendment and more about the limits of federal agency authority.

Why the Supreme Court Rejected the ATF’s Ban

The majority opinion laid out several key points:

1. Statutory definition:
   The National Firearms Act defines a machine gun as a firearm that fires more than one shot automatically by a single function of the trigger.
2. Trigger mechanics:
   A bump-stock-equipped rifle still requires a separate trigger movement for every shot.
3. Shooter involvement:
   Because the shooter must maintain pressure and positioning for the bump stock to function, the firing process isn’t “automatic.”
4. Agency overreach:
   The Court found that the ATF went beyond its authority by expanding the definition of a machine gun through regulation rather than legislation.
5. Fair notice:
   For years, the ATF had said bump stocks were legal. Changing that interpretation overnight — and making possession a felony — created confusion and violated principles of fair notice.

Together, these points convinced the majority that the bump stock ban couldn’t stand under existing federal law.

What the Ruling Means for Bump Stock Legality

Here’s what you need to know after the ruling:

• Federally:
  Bump stocks are not considered machine guns and are therefore not banned under federal law.
• State laws still apply:
  Several states — including California, New York, New Jersey, and others — still ban bump stocks regardless of federal status.
• Retail listings:
  Retailers may once again advertise “bump stocks for sale” or “AR bump fire stocks,” but they must comply with state shipping restrictions and local laws.
• Future regulation:
  Congress could still pass a new law directly banning or regulating bump stocks.

Legal Area	Before June 2024	After Garland v. Cargill
Federal Classification	Machine gun (banned)	Not a machine gun (legal)
ATF Enforcement	Mandatory surrender	No current ban enforcement
State Restrictions	Several bans	Many remain in place
Future Federal Law	Not anticipated	Possible new legislation

In short, bump stocks are no longer federally banned, but you must verify your state’s laws before buying or owning one.

Did the Case Involve the Second Amendment?

Interestingly, Garland v. Cargill wasn’t a Second Amendment case. The Court didn’t rule that bump stocks are constitutionally protected — it ruled that the ATF lacked the authority to regulate them as machine guns without congressional action.

That means the decision doesn’t prevent future laws targeting bump stocks; it simply ensures that any new restrictions must come from Congress, not a regulatory agency.

What Gun Owners Should Do Now

For those browsing AR-15 stocks and stock kits, here are a few key takeaways:

1. Check your state laws. Even if bump stocks are federally legal, they may still be banned where you live.
2. Shop responsibly. Retailers who sell bump stocks must comply with federal and state regulations. Always verify the seller’s compliance before purchasing.
3. Stay updated. Firearm laws change often. Keep an eye on new federal or state legislation regarding bump stocks or other rapid-fire accessories.
4. Focus on safety. Whether you use a traditional stock or an advanced adjustable design, always handle firearms responsibly and store them securely.

Summary: The Bottom Line on Bump Stocks

• What is a bump stock? A device that uses recoil to increase firing speed.
• Are bump stocks illegal? Federally, no — but some states still prohibit them.
• Why were they banned? The ATF reclassified them as machine guns in 2018.
• Why was the ban struck down? The Supreme Court ruled that the ATF overstepped its authority.
• What’s next? Congress could still act, and state laws remain in force.

If you’re interested in fully compliant stock upgrades, explore our AR-15 Stocks & Stock Kits section for legal, high-quality options — from fixed stocks to collapsible models designed for comfort and precision.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bump Stocks (FAQs)

AR15 Discounts Blog Writer said:

Final Thoughts: Navigating Bump Stock Laws Responsibly

The Supreme Court’s decision in Garland v. Cargill has reshaped the national conversation around bump stocks, but it hasn’t eliminated complexity. While bump stocks are no longer federally banned, their legality still depends heavily on state and local laws. Responsible gun owners should stay informed, verify the laws in their area, and purchase only from reputable, compliant retailers. Whether you’re upgrading your rifle with a new adjustable stock or exploring performance accessories, always prioritize safety, legality, and accountability. Staying educated and compliant ensures that your shooting experience remains both enjoyable and responsible.