Legislation is being introduced to establish a New York ban on bump stock devices, like those used by the Las Vegas gunman who killed dozens and wounded hundreds last Sunday. "It's a weapon of war and should stay on the battlefield," said Buffalo Assemblyman Sean Ryan, a co-sponsor of the legislation.
Bump stock devices modify a semiautomatic rifle, in essence, converting the firearm into a fully automatic rifle, allowing for rapid-fire gunfire. Ryan says the devices allow the user a way to maneuver around "the 1934 and the 1986 ban on machine guns."
The 1986 ban became law during the administration of Ronald Reagan, who is frequently cited as the standard bearer of the conservative movement.
"I'm open to all (gun control) conversations about this but no one has been able to tell me why a homeowner or a sportsman needs a device like this," said Ryan, who added he has little confidence in the federal government's ability to adequately deal with the issue.
“If you want to own a pistol in New York State, you have to be permitted for that pistol. You have to go through a background check and training," Ryan offered.
"Compare that to Nevada. No permits required to purchase a pistol in Nevada. You can walk into a gun store in Nevada with the equivalent of a library card and walk out with a pistol that you're allowed to openly carry around the streets.”
