Are Forced Reset Triggers Legal? A Federal and State Guide

Are forced reset triggers legal? Short answer: under federal law in 2026, yes. After the May 2025 settlement between the Department of Justice and Rare Breed Triggers, forced reset triggers (FRTs) are not classified as machine guns under federal law. The catch is that several states restrict or ban them, so where you live still matters.

We get this question more than any other at FRT Triggers USA, and the answer has genuinely changed over the last two years. Below is the honest, current picture: what changed, why an FRT is legally a semi-automatic trigger, and which states you need to watch. This is general information, not legal advice — always confirm your own state and local law before you buy.

On this page

• The quick answer for 2026
• What changed: the 2025 DOJ settlement
• Why an FRT is legally semi-automatic
• Where forced reset triggers are restricted
• Can you still buy one?
• Frequently asked questions

The quick answer for 2026

At the federal level, forced reset triggers are legal to own and buy in 2026. They fire one round for each function of the trigger, which keeps them in the semi-automatic category rather than the machine-gun category. What varies is state and local law — a handful of states restrict or prohibit FRT-style devices regardless of the federal position. So “is it legal?” really has two parts: federal (yes) and your state (it depends).

What changed: the 2025 DOJ settlement

The legal status of FRTs was contested for years. The ATF had taken the position that certain forced reset triggers functioned as machine guns, which led to seizures and litigation. That fight ended in May 2025, when the Department of Justice announced a settlement with Rare Breed Triggers. The settlement confirmed that forced reset triggers of that type are not machine guns under the National Firearms Act, and the government agreed to return seized devices (DOJ announcement).

That settlement is why FRTs are openly sold again today. It resolved the federal classification question — but it did not override state law, which is where the remaining restrictions live.

Why an FRT is legally semi-automatic

A machine gun, under federal law, fires more than one round with a single function of the trigger. A forced reset trigger does not do that. It uses the firearm’s cycling action to push the trigger forward — forcing a reset — but you still have to pull the trigger again for each shot. One pull, one round. That single-function-per-round behavior is the whole legal basis for treating an FRT as a semi-automatic trigger, and it’s why correct technical language (“one round per trigger pull”) matters when you read about these devices.

If you want the mechanical side of this, see our guide on how a super safety trigger works — the same one-round-per-pull principle applies across forced-reset designs.

Where forced reset triggers are restricted

This is the part that actually decides things for most buyers. Even with the federal question settled, FRT-style devices are commonly cited as restricted or prohibited in the following states and districts:

• California (CA)
• Connecticut (CT)
• Delaware (DE)
• Hawaii (HI)
• Illinois (IL)
• Maryland (MD)
• Massachusetts (MA)
• New Jersey (NJ)
• New York (NY)
• Oregon (OR)
• Rhode Island (RI)
• Washington (WA)
• Washington, D.C.

Treat that as a starting point, not gospel. State firearm laws change often, definitions vary, and local rules can add more. Before you order, confirm your own state and local law and check the ATF’s official guidance. If you’re in one of the states above, don’t buy until you’ve verified your current rules.

Can you still buy a forced reset trigger?

In most of the country, yes. If you’re eligible to own a firearm and you’re in a state that doesn’t restrict them, you can buy an FRT today. You must be of legal age and eligible under federal, state, and local law to purchase. We carry a full range of forced reset triggers and selector-based systems, and you can browse the current lineup below.

New to these? Start with our explainer on the forced reset triggers we carry, or compare the selector-based super safety systems if you’d rather tune your own fire-control group.

Frequently asked questions

Are forced reset triggers illegal now?

No. After the May 2025 DOJ–Rare Breed settlement, FRTs are not classified as machine guns under federal law. Some states still restrict them, so check your local rules.

Can you legally own an FRT trigger?

In most states, yes, if you’re legally eligible to own a firearm. A group of states restrict or ban them, so confirm your state and local law before buying.

Is a forced reset trigger a machine gun?

No. It fires one round per trigger pull, which is the legal definition of semi-automatic. A machine gun fires more than one round per single function of the trigger.

Is it legal to make your own forced reset trigger?

Manufacturing firearm parts involves separate federal and state rules and is beyond the scope of this guide. For a finished, compliant device, buy from a retailer and confirm your state allows it. This is general information, not legal advice.