According to recoilweb
In the last few months, we have seen a dramatic uptick in the presence of the ATF in the eyes of the public. From the struggling nomination of David Chipman for the position of Director, to the attempt to redefine what is considered a receiver for the sake of regulation, to the current reclassification of Pistol Stabilizing Braces as criteria for considering a firearm anSBR, these events have drawn the attention of our firearms culture. As the bump stock ban from the previous administration faces more and more challenges, the ATF has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Rare Breed Triggers, regarding the manufacturing of the FRT-15. In cases like this, we often sink into a familiar pattern: the articles are written, attention gathered, with most of the work being done outside of the public’s eye. The Rare Breed Triggers ATF Response, however, sings a different tune.
The FRT-15 is one example of why definitions matter, and why there must be a partition between the person who interprets a law, and the one who enforces it. The FRT-15 is a drop-in trigger replacement for AR-15 style rifles that utilizes a mechanism to force the reset of the trigger. This is where it gets its name, as the Forced Reset Trigger, and the result is the ability for a disciplined trigger finger to fire quickly, too quickly it seems, for the ATF to let it go. As a result, Rare Breed Triggers received a Cease and Desist letter from the ATF, who claimed that the FRT-15 was determined to be a Machine gun, and subject to regulations accordingly.
Much like language, the law fails to govern successfully when definitions are not followed or can be arbitrarily ignored by enforcing agencies out of expediency. So when the ATF is given a working definition for a machine gun, and then claims that something which does not fit within that definition is now considered to be one, not only does the integrity of the law suffer, but the safety and well being of the people.
MECHANISMS AND DEFINITIONS
A machine gun is defined by the National Firearms Act 26 U.S.C. 5845(b) asany combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting a weapon to shoot automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.
This working definition is used in such a way to identify items that in and of themselves, could not possibly meet the definition of a machinegun, much less a firearm: a trigger or bump stock does not itself have a barrel and cannot expel a projectile through the expansion of gasses in a contained chamber. The FRT-15 does not fit the definition presented either, but appears to be considered a machine gun simply because the ATF cannot tell the difference when someone is using it. If this were allowed to be the standard, then illiteracy would be the highest form of virtue.
The crux of the definition rests on the human input: one round fired per function of the trigger. There is a difference between being able to pull the trigger quickly, and simply hold it down. What the Rare Breed Triggers FRT-15 does is mechanically reset the trigger, while preventing the hammer to drop until the bolt is locked into the chamber. What it does not do is allow the hammer to drop without the trigger being pulled again by the wielder. One function of the trigger: one shot fired.
When Rare Breed Triggers received a cease-and-desist order from the ATF, it included an additional requirement for the manufacturer to contact the ATF and establish a plan of what to do with the FRT-15 triggers that had already been sold. The authority of the ATF has been challenged in the past, and so when Rare Breed Triggers gave their response, it wasn’t without some recognition of what could happen next.
Instead of capitulating to the ATF’s claim that the FRT-15 was a machinegun, and worse, diverting their efforts as private citizens to do the bidding of a Government Agency, they responded publicly stating their non-compliance, and backing it up with legal opinion. Christopher Gadsden would be proud.
Rare Breed Triggers simply said no, arguing that the FRT-15 clearly and deliberately does not fulfill the definition of a machine gun, and thus is not subject to regulation by the ATF. As a result, Rare Breed continues to manufacture the FRT-15, and is making no plans to attempt to recover triggers purchased by them. At the time of writing, there is no news regarding how the ATF will react to Rare Breed Trigger’s response.
The challenge with this type of action by the ATF is that the result of redefinitions, reclassifications, and overt over-stepping of the limitations to their authority does not go without disturbing law-abiding American Citizens. Instead of focusing on the actions of those who wish to harm the American people, instead of directing efforts to enforce the laws that govern, these actions would make felons of other-wise innocent people. The possession of things like bump stocks, pistol braces, 80 percent receivers, and forced reset triggers, if prohibited, would produce only victimless crimes.
Which draws attention to the ATF as at least suspicious in the eyes of so much of the American people, as the agency continues to act in such a way that at least looks like they are more interested in infringing on the rights of free people, than protecting said rights.
FAQs
Rare Breed Triggers FRT - Full Video
The ATF informed Rare Breed in July that the forced-reset trigger met the qualifications to be deemed a machine gun under federal law, making the FRT-15 illegal to sell or own. A machine gun can fire multiple rounds while pulling and holding the trigger.
What is the deal with rare breed triggers? ›
Rare Breed Triggers vs.
The ATF, upon learning of the trigger, sent Rare Breed a cease and desist letter explaining that the ATF determined the FRT to be a “machine gun” and was therefore being illegally made, sold, and possessed by many Americans. Instead of backing down, Rare Breed filed suit against the ATF.
Are Rare Breed triggers still available? ›
As of now, we are only offering the FRT-15 ™ which has been designed and produced to operate in the standard AR-15 running 5.56 or 300BLK. The FRT-15 will NOT operate in an AR-10 or an AR with a 22lr conversion kit. In some but not all cases, the FRT-15 ™ will run in an AR-9mm.
Are FRT triggers banned? ›
Last week, the ATF sent a surprising and vague letter to firearm retailers telling them that some FRTs are now considered machine guns under federal law and are therefore illegal to possess or sell under National Firearms Act (NFA) and Gun Control Act (GCA) regulations.
Are binary triggers legal ATF? ›
Officials with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have now determined that some forced reset triggers (FRTs) are considered to be machine guns under federal law. ATF made the revelation on Thursday in an open letter to federally licensed firearms dealers.
What are FRT-15 triggers? ›
The unique FRT-15 (forced reset trigger) increases the speed with which a shooter can fire a semi-automatic firearm. The ATF says this feature makes it a “machine gun” by legal definition and that the trigger should therefore be heavily restricted.
How do FRT triggers work? ›
How the WOT or Rare Breed FRT trigger works - YouTube
Are hard reset triggers legal? ›
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal officials are notifying gun dealers that some forced-reset triggers, which allow guns to fire rapidly with a single continuous pull of the trigger, are considered machine guns under federal law and subject to strict regulation.
What is the fastest AR-15 trigger? ›
Top-Rated AR-15 Drop-In Trigger of 2022
| Top AR-15 Trigger | Pull-Weight |
|---|
| CMC Drop-In Single Stage AR-15 Trigger Group | 2.5-lb, 3.5-lb, 4.5 lb |
| CMC Drop-In AR 2-Stage Trigger Group | 1+3-lb, 2+2-lb, 2+3-lb, 2+4-lb |
| Elftmann Tactical ELF Match Trigger | 2.75-lb |
| RISE Armament RA-535 Advanced-Performance Trigger | 3.5-lb |
6 more rowsFRT stands for “Forced Reset Trigger.” The “15” part means that it's designed for the AR-15 platform chambered in 5.56 NATO or . 300 Blackout. It won't work in AKs, SCARs, or anything else. Its function is dependent on the design of the MILSPEC AR bolt carrier.
The ATF used its own discretion to determine that the FRT-15 is a machine gun. But Rare Breed Triggers claims the FRT-15 is a perfectly legal semi-automatic trigger because the trigger must be pulled for every bullet, so it is still semi-automatic.
How much does a rare breed trigger cost? ›
[PARTS] Rare Breed Trigger: FRT-15 (IN-STOCK) $380.
Are binary triggers NFA? ›
Weapons with a binary trigger are not considered “machine guns.” They do not function like bump stocks, and they don't qualify as “fully automatic.” This means binary triggers are not NFA items.
Is Franklin Armory binary trigger legal? ›
Franklin Armory Binary Trigger is Still Federally Legal.
What does the ATF consider a machine gun? ›
ATF Rul. 81-4
The National Firearms Act, 26 U.S.C. 5845(b) defines “machine gun” to include any combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting a weapon to shoot automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.
Can you hunt with a binary trigger? ›
But in the United States, there are two sets of laws you have to keep in mind: federal and state laws. States have different opinions on binary triggers, so these modifications are only legal in some states. At the time of this writing, binary triggers are illegal in: California.
Are full auto triggers legal? ›
Under federal law, fully automatic weapons are technically legal only if made before 1986, when Congress passed the Firearm Owners' Protection Act. So it's now illegal to manufacture new automatic weapons for civilian use.
What is a positive reset trigger? ›
The positive reset characteristic is achieved by transferring the force from the bolt carrier through the trigger assembly to assist the trigger back onto the front sear. As a result, this gives the firearm the fastest reset possible.
What is a 2 stage trigger? ›
Instead of firing as one smooth range of motion like a single-stage trigger, a two-stage trigger requires an extra pull range to facilitate firing. The trigger is pulled until the trigger pull weight changes; pulling beyond that point discharges the firearm.
Who is the owner of Rare Breed triggers? ›
In this episode of TFBTV, James Reeves interviews Lawrence Demonico, the president of Rare Breed Triggers.
The Wide Open Trigger (WOT) is a two-stage, hard-reset trigger that allows the user the ability to shoot faster, while still allowing only one single shot per trigger pull.
What is the sear on a trigger? ›
A sear is defined as the part of the trigger mechanism which holds the hammer, striker or bolt back until the correct amount of pressure has been applied to the trigger. At that moment, the hammer, striker or bolt is released to discharge the weapon.
What is a forced trigger reset? ›
IS ATF CONFISCATING FORCED RESET TRIGGERS? - YouTube
What does a forced reset trigger look like? ›
ATF THREATENS FORCED RESET TRIGGER (FRT15) OWNERS ...
Is binary trigger faster than full auto? ›
Extremely effective and fast in both modes of operation. Without the Binary function you get a safe 1-pound trigger that's faster than the BGRF. In Binary mode it fires as fast, but much smoother than the Franklin and Fostech triggers.
Is TAC CON trigger legal? ›
These folks have come up with a trigger that will allow you to fire your AR Patrol Rifle almost as fast as a full-auto version — and, it's actually legal. The TAC CON 3MR Trigger System comes with a beautifully engineered and constructed drop in trigger assembly and selector switch.
What is the best weight for an AR trigger? ›
Pull Weight for Single-Stage Triggers
Slightly heavier pull weights of between 2 and 4 pounds are ideal for using single-stage triggers in hunting situations, while triggers in home defense firearms typically weigh in between 5 and 7 pounds.
What is a forest reset trigger? ›
Rare Breed Triggers - FRT-15 (Forced Reset Trigger) - YouTube
