Are Forced Reset Triggers Legal in 2024? Federal Status, State Risks, and Next Steps
Quick Answer
As of mid-to-late 2024, a federal district court held that certain forced reset triggers (including the Rare Breed FRT-15 and Wide Open Trigger) are not machineguns under federal law, and vacated the ATF’s prior classification. This changed the federal landscape, but some states still restrict or ban these devices, so owners and buyers should verify state law before acting [1] , [2] .
What Changed in 2024
In July 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas issued a decision concluding that forced reset triggers (FRTs) could not be classified as machineguns under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and Gun Control Act as the ATF had previously asserted. Legal analysts at Duke’s Center for Firearms Law summarize the ruling and its context within a broader trend of courts applying closer scrutiny to ATF rulemaking after the Supreme Court’s Cargill bump stock decision [1] . A detailed practitioner write-up explains that the court vacated ATF’s FRT classification nationwide and declared it unlawful, while also issuing more targeted injunctive relief benefiting the plaintiffs directly [2] .
Why this matters: when a court
vacates
an agency action, it effectively removes that action from legal effect, which in this case nullified the prior federal classification that treated some FRTs as machineguns. That said, district court rulings can be appealed, and separate state laws may still restrict possession or sale, creating a layered compliance environment that owners must navigate
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Federal Status vs. State Restrictions
Federal: Following the July 2024 decision, the vacatur has nationwide effect as to the ATF’s classification, meaning that-at the federal level-FRTs like the Rare Breed FRT-15 and Wide Open Trigger were not treated as NFA “machineguns” under that court ruling. Legal commentary underscores that point and notes the decision’s immediate implications for federal enforcement post-Cargill [1] , [2] .
Source: allfrttriggers.com
States: Several states independently regulate “trigger activators,” “multi-burst triggers,” “rapid-fire devices,” or specifically reference FRTs. Because state codes vary and often change, you should verify your state’s definitions and prohibited devices section in current statutes. Practical steps include checking your state’s firearms statutes for terms like “trigger activator,” “forced reset,” “rapid-fire,” or “multiburst,” and reviewing recent attorney general advisories or state police guidance where available [1] .
How We Got Here: Background and Litigation
In March 2022, ATF issued an open letter indicating that some forced reset triggers are machineguns under the NFA/GCA, while acknowledging that other FRT models might not meet that definition. ATF actions targeted manufacturers, sellers, and alleged purchasers, spurring multiple lawsuits. On July 23, 2024, the Northern District of Texas concluded that FRTs could not be classified as machineguns, vacating the prior federal stance and limiting ATF actions in relation to the plaintiffs. Legal practitioners highlight the court’s 63-page opinion, the nationwide vacatur, and the narrower injunction scope for specific parties [2] . Duke’s analysis situates the decision among post-Cargill disputes, noting that the Supreme Court’s bump stock ruling led lower courts to closely examine whether devices cause more than one round to fire per trigger pull-a central question in FRT cases as well [1] .
What This Means for Owners in 2024
Owners benefit from clearer federal guidance after the 2024 ruling, but risks remain at the state level and in the possibility of further litigation or appeals. A prudent approach is to document the make and model of your FRT, retain purchase records, and keep a copy of relevant court coverage for your files. The Prince Law analysis explains that the court vacated the ATF’s classification and declared it unlawful, which changed federal enforcement dynamics, but its injunctive relief directly protects only the named plaintiffs. Owners outside those organizations should still rely on the vacatur’s federal effect while staying alert to state law and any appellate developments [2] .
Practical Steps to Stay Compliant
- Check your state law: Search your state code for “forced reset trigger,” “trigger activator,” “rapid-fire device,” “multiburst,” or “binary trigger.” Use your state legislature’s official website or your state police/attorney general site for the most current rules [1] .
- Maintain documentation: Keep receipts, product manuals, and manufacturer specifications to demonstrate the specific mechanism of your device should questions arise [2] .
- Monitor federal litigation: District court rulings can be appealed. Set alerts for updates from reputable academic centers and firearms law practitioners to track changes that may affect federal status [1] , [2] .
- Consult qualified counsel: Firearms law is highly jurisdiction-specific. An attorney experienced in state and federal firearms regulation can advise on possession, transport, or resale based on your location and device model [1] .
Buying or Selling in 2024: Due Diligence Checklist
If you are considering purchasing or reselling an FRT in 2024, use this due diligence flow:
Source: theoutdoorstrader.com
- Confirm federal posture: Note the July 2024 vacatur and ensure there have been no subsequent federal appellate changes affecting your timing. Rely on reputable legal analyses to verify the status [1] , [2] .
- Verify state and local law: Check whether your state or municipality bans “trigger activators” or similar devices. If the text is ambiguous, seek professional legal advice before purchase [1] .
- Record-keeping: Keep copies of listings, invoices, and serial or model data. If selling, transparently disclose the model and provide links to manufacturer specifications and any relevant legal summaries so buyers can assess compliance where they live [2] .
Real-World Example
Consider a buyer in a state that regulates “rapid-fire trigger activators.” Even with the 2024 federal court decision, that buyer could face state-level restrictions. The prudent path is to search the state code for firearms parts regulations, confirm whether FRTs fall within listed device definitions, and-if needed-contact a local firearms attorney. Legal monitoring via academic centers that track firearms litigation can help identify when appeals or new state bills might alter the risk calculus [1] .
Common Questions in 2024
Do I need a tax stamp for an FRT in 2024?
Under the July 2024 district court decision, these triggers were not treated as NFA machineguns at the federal level, so an NFA registration/tax stamp was not required on that basis. Always confirm that your specific model and your state’s law do not change that answer
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Could this change?
Yes. District court decisions can be appealed, and state legislatures may act independently. Monitoring reputable legal analyses is essential for timely updates
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What about models not named in litigation summaries?
The core legal question turns on whether a device causes more than one round to fire per trigger pull. While the 2024 ruling addressed leading models, owners should evaluate any device’s mechanism and consult counsel if uncertain
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Action Plan for Owners and Prospective Buyers
- Document your device: Retain purchase records and technical specifications.
- Audit your jurisdiction: Review state statutes and any attorney general or state police guidance.
- Set update reminders: Quarterly, re-check authoritative legal analyses to catch appeals or new legislation.
- Seek counsel before interstate moves or sales: Transport and transfer rules may vary, and local bans can create liabilities.
Key Takeaways
- In July 2024, a federal district court ruled that FRTs such as the FRT-15 and WOT are not machineguns under federal law and vacated the ATF’s contrary classification, altering federal enforcement posture [1] , [2] .
- State laws may still prohibit or restrict these devices; verify your jurisdiction’s rules before purchase, possession, or sale [1] .
- Continue monitoring for appeals or new regulations, and consult qualified legal counsel for jurisdiction-specific guidance [1] , [2] .
