An FRT (Forced Reset Trigger) is a type of trigger system designed to rapidly reset the trigger after each shot by using the energy from the bolt carrier group. This mechanism allows for extremely fast follow-up shots, offering a rate of fire close to that of fully automatic firearms—without technically firing more than one round per trigger pull.
How FRT Triggers Work
The key to an FRT trigger’s function is the forced mechanical reset. After the shooter pulls the trigger, the system physically forces the trigger to reset without the user lifting their finger. This reset mechanism can drastically reduce time between shots, making it attractive for competitive shooters and enthusiasts.
Why Some Gun Owners Consider Building One
Because commercially available FRTs have faced scrutiny, bans, and seizures, some enthusiasts consider building them at home to bypass legal or financial hurdles. DIY culture in the firearm world is strong—but it comes with serious caveats.
Is It Legal to Build an FRT Trigger?
In short: very likely not. The ATF has made it increasingly clear that they view FRTs—especially those capable of achieving high rates of fire—as equivalent to machine guns under federal law. If you build one yourself, you may be violating federal firearms regulations, even if it was not your intent.
ATF Stance on Homemade FRT Triggers
The ATF considers some FRTs, such as the Rare Breed FRT-15, to be machine guns. If an FRT is designed in a way that causes the firearm to fire more than one round per pull—or functions similarly to full-auto—it falls under the National Firearms Act (NFA). This means that manufacturing one without the proper licensing is a federal crime.
Federal Gun Laws You Need to Understand
Several federal statutes regulate firearm manufacturing and modification. These include:
- The Gun Control Act of 1968
- The National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934
- The Firearm Owners’ Protection Act of 1986
Each of these laws governs what individuals can and cannot do with firearms and firearm parts, including self-manufactured components.
The National Firearms Act and FRTs
Under the NFA, any weapon capable of firing more than one shot per trigger pull is classified as a “machine gun.” The ATF has argued that certain FRTs meet this definition. Therefore, making or possessing an FRT without the proper registration and tax stamp could lead to a felony charge.
Legal Gray Areas and Ambiguities
Some gun owners believe they can stay in a legal gray area by modifying parts just enough to avoid classification under NFA. However, intent and function matter more than technical design. If the ATF believes your homemade trigger simulates full-auto behavior, it could lead to legal trouble.
Potential Criminal Charges for DIY FRTs
Building an unregistered machine gun can result in:
- Federal felony charges
- Up to 10 years in prison
- Fines up to $250,000
- Permanent loss of firearm rights
Even possessing parts or files associated with illegal FRTs can trigger ATF investigations.
What Counts as Manufacturing a Firearm?
According to the ATF, manufacturing includes making any firearm or major component that alters a gun’s functionality in a substantial way—especially increasing the rate of fire. Making your own FRT, even if it’s not installed yet, could still count as “intent to manufacture.”
Risks of Violating Federal Laws
The ATF has executed numerous raids on both companies and individuals suspected of producing or owning illegal FRTs. In many cases, people were arrested or had their homes searched based on internet activity, social media posts, or third-party tips.
Are There Legal Alternatives?
Yes. Legal trigger upgrades exist that offer enhanced performance without risking a felony charge. These include:
- Binary triggers
- Drop-in performance triggers
- Adjustable competition triggers
These are designed to remain within the legal definition of semi-automatic operation and are sold by licensed manufacturers.
Commercially Available Legal Triggers
Brands like Franklin Armory and Timney Triggers offer high-quality alternatives that improve speed and reset times without approaching the legal danger zone that FRTs occupy.
Binary Triggers vs FRTs
Binary triggers fire once on pull and once on release. They’re legal in many states and have ATF approval in most cases. FRTs, on the other hand, fire once per pull but reset nearly instantaneously—bringing them closer in performance to a machine gun and thus, under greater scrutiny.
How the ATF Tracks DIY Modifications
The ATF monitors online forums, marketplaces, and YouTube channels. Buying unlicensed trigger parts, accessing plans, or posting about home-built components can draw attention. There are also ATF operations posing as sellers or buyers in online communities.
The Role of 3D Printing in Firearm Modding
3D printing has added a new layer to DIY firearm culture. Some files floating online include designs for FRTs, auto sears, and other illegal parts. Downloading or sharing such files can itself be a felony, even if you never build the part.
Are FRT Files and Blueprints Available Online?
Yes, but accessing them is dangerous. Some are hosted on the dark web, others shared in online forums. Even possession of such files can be used as evidence in court to show “intent to manufacture” an illegal device.
Dark Web and Unregulated Communities
Unregulated spaces often glorify the DIY building of restricted firearm components. These communities operate in anonymity but are heavily infiltrated by law enforcement. Participation in them increases your risk significantly.
The Ethics of Sharing FRT Plans
Even if you believe in gun rights and technical freedom, sharing or promoting illegal builds can endanger others. Encouraging someone to break the law—even unintentionally—could make you liable.
Tools Required to Build an FRT Trigger
In theory, building an FRT would require:
- CNC machines or milling equipment
- Metal shaping tools
- Precision springs and components
- Testing equipment
Even slight miscalculations in dimensions or tension can cause malfunctions, making the gun unsafe.
Materials and Parts Breakdown
You’d need hardened steel parts for durability, specialized springs for reset functionality, and high-tolerance machining—none of which are easy or cheap to replicate at home.
Precision Engineering Requirements
Triggers are highly sensitive components. A poorly built trigger can lead to:
- Slam firing
- Failure to reset
- Accidental discharges
- Complete firearm failure
Mechanical Challenges in DIY Builds
Beyond legality, building an FRT is mechanically difficult. Timing the forced reset properly and ensuring consistent engagement requires advanced skills and testing.
Safety Concerns When Building at Home
Improperly built FRTs can fire multiple rounds unintentionally, posing a threat to the shooter and bystanders. The risk of catastrophic failure increases dramatically without rigorous testing protocols.
Can You Test It Without Breaking the Law?
Testing a homemade FRT on a functioning firearm—even on private property—can immediately qualify as possession of a machine gun under federal law.
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Online Forums and Misinformation
Many forums claim DIY FRTs are “legal if done right.” These claims are misleading. Even if your build technically avoids full-auto fire, if it functions similarly, it can still be classified as a machine gun.
Stories from DIY Builders—Successes and Failures
Some builders claim success with homemade FRTs. Others report jams, misfires, or contact with law enforcement. For every success story, there are just as many cautionary tales.
Law Enforcement Raids and Seizures
The ATF has seized thousands of triggers, files, and firearms from individuals suspected of building or owning FRTs. Many of these cases began with online activity or anonymous tips.
Should You Attempt a DIY FRT?
Given the high legal risk, difficulty level, and safety issues, attempting to build an FRT at home is strongly discouraged. There are safer, legal alternatives that achieve excellent performance results without putting you on a federal watchlist.
Responsible Gun Ownership and Modding
Tinkering is part of gun culture, but responsible ownership means knowing your limits. Enhancing your firearm is great—but it must be done legally and safely.
Firearms Advocacy and Legislative Pushback
Gun rights groups continue to fight ATF overreach and push back against broad classifications. Their work may influence the future legality of FRTs and related mods.
The Future of Home-Built Triggers
With the rise of 3D printing, CNC access, and open-source designs, homemade firearms and parts will only become more common. Still, stricter laws and increased enforcement mean legal DIY trigger building will remain risky unless laws evolve.
What Gun Owners Can Do Instead
Instead of risking jail, consider:
- Buying high-end legal triggers
- Joining advocacy groups
- Voting for pro-2A legislation
- Supporting companies fighting the ATF legally
Conclusion
While the idea of building an FRT trigger at home might be tempting to some firearm enthusiasts, the legal and safety risks far outweigh any potential benefit. The ATF has made its stance clear, and gun owners need to stay informed and cautious. Pursuing legal alternatives and supporting advocacy efforts is a better path forward.
