No. Bump stocks are illegal to possess, make, transfer or sell in Nevada. They were outlawed in response to the Las Vegas Massacre on October 1, 2017, where a shooter in the Mandalay Bay used a bump stock on his semi-automatic rifle to kill and injure hundreds of people.1
What are the penalties for having a bump stock in Nevada?
Possessing, making, transferring, or selling a bump stock is a category D felony in Nevada. The punishment includes:
- 1 – 4 years in Nevada State Prison, and
- Up to $5,000 in fines (at the court’s discretion).2
Bump stocks were legal under Nevada law prior to January 1, 2020.3
Are bump stocks legal under federal law?
Yes. Federal law no longer considers bump stocks “machine guns,” which are illegal unless they were lawfully possessed and registered prior to May 19, 1986.
Before the federal ban was lifted on June 14, 2024, possession of a bump stock was a federal felony carrying:
- Up to 10 years in Federal Prison, and/or
- Up to $250,000.4
There was a federal ban on bump stocks from March 26, 2019 to June 14, 2024.5
What are bump stocks?
Bump stocks are rifle accessories that take place of the gun’s “standard stock,” which is the piece that rests against the shooter’s shoulder. As long as the shooter holds down the trigger and places pressure on the barrel, the bullets will fly almost as quickly as with an automatic firearm.
The Las Vegas Massacre shooter used several semi-automatic weapons that he modified with bump stocks, which allowed the firearms to fire faster. He was able to unleash approximately 90 shots in only 10 seconds.
Bump stocks do not technically convert semi-automatic guns to automatic ones, which is why they used to be considered legal.
Legal References
- Kyndell Kim & Steve Wolford, Gov. Sisolak signs ‘One October Bill’ banning bump stocks in Nevada, News3-NBC (June 14, 2019). NRS 202.274. Nevada Assembly Bill 291 (2019). Mark Sherman, Supreme Court will rule on ban on bump stocks, used in Las Vegas mass shooting, Las Vegas Review-Journal (November 3, 2023).
- NRS 202.274.
- See note 1.
- 18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(2).
- Bump Stocks, ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives). See also Gargill v. Garland, (5th Circuit, 2021) 20 F.4th 1004. See also Gun Owners of Am., Inc. v. Garland (6th Circuit, 2021) 120321 FED6, 19-1298.