What They Are, How They Work, and Why They Matter

In the world of firearm innovation, Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs) have become a major topic of discussion—especially among enthusiasts looking to enhance the performance of their rifles. Maybe you saw the Garand Thumb video on them, or you’ve been eyeing them for awhile, but these triggers are known for enabling rapid rates of fire in semi-automatic platforms like the AR styles. FRTs offer a mechanical advantage that pushes the boundaries of traditional trigger systems.

But what exactly is a forced reset trigger? How does it function, and what are the legal implications of owning one? This comprehensive guide that has been put together by our team at Core Vision Training explores how FRTs work, their key benefits, regulatory concerns, and the manufacturers who pioneered them.

What Is a Forced Reset Trigger?

A forced reset trigger is a specialized trigger system designed to increase the firing speed of a semi-automatic rifle, most commonly the AR-15 platform. The trigger resets automatically and forcefully after each shot, preparing the weapon for the next round without requiring the shooter to manually release the trigger.

Unlike fully automatic firearms that fire continuously while the trigger is held, or binary triggers that fire once on pull and once on release, FRTs fire only one round per trigger pull. However, the forced reset mechanism allows for an exceptionally fast rate of fire.

How Forced Reset Triggers Work

A standard AR-15 trigger relies on the shooter to release and re-engage the trigger after each shot. FRTs automate this process through internal mechanisms that use the energy of the bolt carrier group to mechanically reset the trigger.

Here's a step-by-step overview:

The shooter pulls the trigger, firing a single round.
As the bolt carrier cycles, it interacts with the trigger mechanism and physically forces the trigger forward into the reset position.
The trigger is now ready to fire again as soon as the shooter pulls it.

This process allows the shooter to fire rapidly with each successive trigger pull, achieving near full-auto speeds while technically maintaining semi-automatic operation.

Key Features of Forced Reset Triggers

Aggressive reset springs to ensure rapid forward motion of the trigger
Modified internal geometry to enable reliable interaction with the bolt carrier
Durable, heat-treated components for extended performance under high round counts
Drop-in design in many models, making them relatively easy to install without professional gunsmithing

Benefits of Forced Reset Triggers

Increased Rate of Fire

FRTs allow for extremely fast follow-up shots, making them popular among competitive shooters and firearms enthusiasts looking for high-performance capability without converting to a fully automatic system.

Improved Trigger Discipline

Because the trigger resets automatically and quickly, shooters often develop more consistent trigger control, timing, and rhythm.

Mechanical Simplicity

FRTs do not rely on batteries, electronics, or external power sources. Their entirely mechanical operation makes them reliable in demanding environments.

Training Applications

FRTs can simulate the experience of full-auto fire for training purposes, especially in law enforcement or tactical settings where fully automatic firearms may not be accessible.

Use Cases for Forced Reset Triggers

Competition Shooting: Enhances split times between shots, critical for timed events.
Tactical Training: Useful for mimicking automatic fire in practice without full-auto hardware.
Recreational Use: Offers a unique shooting experience for enthusiasts looking for something beyond traditional semi-auto performance.
Preparedness and Defense: Valued by some preppers and defensive users for the added capability in compact, rugged platforms.

Legal Status of Forced Reset Triggers

The legal standing of forced reset triggers is currently in flux and subject to intense scrutiny by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

ATF Position

As of 2025, the ATF has classified certain FRT models—such as the Rare Breed FRT-15 and Big Daddy Unlimited's Wide Open Trigger—as "machine guns" under the National Firearms Act (NFA). The agency argues that these triggers allow more than one round to be fired with a single continuous function of the trigger, despite their mechanical semi-automatic operation.

Ongoing Litigation

Numerous lawsuits are currently in progress challenging the ATF's authority to classify these products as machine guns. Firearms advocacy groups argue that the definitions being applied are vague and overreaching.

State Restrictions

Even in states where the ATF has not yet intervened, local laws may still prohibit forced reset triggers. States such as California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and Washington have banned them outright.

Recommendation

Anyone considering an FRT should conduct thorough legal research and consult with a firearms attorney. Possession of a trigger that the ATF considers a machine gun—even if it was legal at the time of purchase—can result in serious federal charges.

Forced Reset Triggers vs. Binary Triggers

Forced reset triggers (FRTs) and binary triggers are both designed to increase the firing speed of semi-automatic firearms, but they operate in fundamentally different ways. FRTs function by using the firearm’s bolt carrier group to mechanically force the trigger forward into the reset position after each shot, allowing for extremely rapid follow-up shots as long as the shooter maintains trigger pressure.

In contrast, binary triggers fire one round on the pull and a second round on the release of the trigger, effectively doubling the number of shots per full trigger cycle. While both systems remain semi-automatic under federal law—firing only one round per individual trigger action—they are regulated differently, and FRTs in particular have faced increasing scrutiny from the ATF, which has classified some models as machine guns. Binary triggers, although also regulated in some states, currently enjoy broader acceptance and are generally considered legal under federal law.

Final Thoughts

Forced reset triggers represent a remarkable advancement in trigger design, offering shooters the ability to achieve incredibly fast follow-up shots through purely mechanical means. For those focused on speed, control, and innovation, FRTs provide a unique shooting experience.

However, with significant and evolving legal challenges at both the federal and state levels, owning or using an FRT carries risks. Any firearm owner considering the purchase or use of a forced reset trigger should proceed with caution, remain informed, and always operate within the bounds of applicable law.

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Image courtesy of deltateamtactical

Taking a Look at Forced Reset Triggers