I have no idea why Bushmaster caved. The gun shop was obviously negligent because they apparently have a history of poor firearms control but Bushmaster followed all federal and state laws to the letter.
Probably a cost verse benefit thing.
How much were the lawyers costing a day?
What pressure did their insurance company put on them?
How much longer would the "case" have dragged on if they did not settle?
Still a major disappointment.
Probably on the advice of lawyers. They cheaped out, the settlement was a fraction of what mounting a defense would have cost. They obviously didn't care what message this sent or how it would affect the industry.
Their eyes are focused on big sales come September 14 and they didn't wish to be sidetracked by legal woes.
Just my 2 cents.