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Illinois lawmakers considering bump stock ban

A local gun shop owner doesn't sell bump stocks but questions whether banning them would be the right move. 
A bump stock device that fits on a semi-automatic rifle to increase the firing speed, making it similar to a fully automatic rifle, sits on it's packaging at a gun store on October 5, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah.(Photo by George Frey/Getty Images)

Lawmakers could vote as early as Thursday on a bill that would ban bump stocks in Illinois.

Bump stocks, which make semi-automatic firearms perform like full automatics, were found on 12 of the weapons Stephen Paddock used in the Las Vegas shooting.

Many people have strong opinions about the proposed ban, but one Columbia gun shop owner said he's on the fence.

"Most people that come in here, they're traditional shooters," said Tony Caito from Shooters Firearms and Indoor Range. "They're more, handgun shooters."

He said he has received three requests for bump stocks since the Las Vegas shooting.

"Before then, nobody has ever asked me to order a bump stock," he said.

Caito said those customers are now worried they won't be able to get bump stocks anymore. That’s exactly what could happen in Illinois if the bill to ban all trigger modifications passes.

But Caito actually doesn't sell bump stocks.

"They tear up a trigger mechanism on the inside of the gun. It's not practical for any purpose," he said. "It's basically a spray and prey type of method."

Still, he questions whether banning them would be the right move.

"If they go after this, where does it end? I don't want to give up the right to own a bump stock if that means that I cannot own ARs, if that means I cannot own a handgun that holds more than 10 rounds," he said. "Where do you draw the line in the sand?"

Bill supporters said the devices are used to hurt as many people as possible. In fact, the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence filed a lawsuit against bump stock maker Slide Fire Solutions on behalf of all the concert goers in Las Vegas who suffered emotional distress as a result of the mass shooting.

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