In the dynamic world of firearms and shooting sports, performance-enhancing innovations are continually shaping the landscape. Among these innovations, the FRT trigger stands out for its ability to significantly increase the rate of fire of a firearm. As a result, it has gained popularity among competitive shooters and firearm enthusiasts alike. However, like any technological advancement, there are both benefits and drawbacks to consider before adopting this type of trigger system. This article explores the pros and cons of FRT triggers, shedding light on their advantages, potential drawbacks, and the overall impact on shooting performance.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your shooting experience or weigh the FRT trigger advantages against its potential forced reset trigger drawbacks, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding FRT Triggers and Their Mechanism
Before diving deeper into the pros and cons of FRT triggers, it’s essential to understand how they function. A forced reset trigger (FRT) is a type of rapid fire trigger mechanism designed to allow a shooter to fire more quickly by resetting the trigger automatically after each shot. This results in a faster rate of fire since the shooter does not have to fully release the trigger between shots.
Unlike traditional semi-automatic triggers, which require manual release of the trigger after each shot, the FRT allows the trigger to reset by the firearm’s cycling action. The shooter only needs to maintain pressure on the trigger, and the mechanism will automatically reset, enabling successive shots in quick succession. This makes FRTs highly valuable in competitive environments such as AR-15 competitions and target shooting.
Pros of FRT Triggers
1. Faster Rate of Fire
One of the most compelling advantages of an FRT is the faster rate of fire it facilitates. Traditional semi-automatic firearms require the shooter to fully release the trigger before taking another shot. With an FRT, the shooter can fire more rapidly, cutting down the time between shots significantly.
- Increased Accuracy: The faster reset allows shooters to keep their aim steady between shots without having to manually reset the trigger. This leads to improved accuracy when firing rapidly, as the shooter can maintain the same shooting position and avoid re-aiming after each shot.
- Competitive Edge: In high-stakes competitions like those involving precision shooters, a quicker follow-up shot could mean the difference between winning and losing. FRT triggers give shooters a distinct advantage in events where speed is paramount.
2. Enhanced Shooting Experience
An FRT trigger offers a highly unique and refined shooting experience. Designed with ergonomics in mind, the FRT ensures that shooters have more control over their firearm, improving their overall experience.
- Improved Comfort: Many FRTs feature a flat design that makes them comfortable to use for long shooting sessions. Combined with a contoured stock, the design reduces hand fatigue, allowing the shooter to remain engaged for longer periods without discomfort.
- Greater Precision: With a smoother trigger pull and more responsive reset mechanism, shooters find that they can maintain consistent firing speeds while still keeping their shots on target. This is especially important for precision shooters who require a steady rhythm while firing.
3. No Need for Full Auto Conversion
For those looking to achieve rapid-fire capabilities, one common path is to modify a firearm for full-auto use. However, full-auto conversions can be costly, legally complicated, and may require significant modification of the firearm. An FRT trigger allows shooters to achieve a similar effect without these complications.
- Cost-Effective: Full-auto conversions can be expensive and require significant investment in aftermarket parts and installation. In contrast, installing an FRT trigger is a more affordable option, providing a more economical solution for those seeking higher firing rates.
- Legal Compliance: In many jurisdictions, full-auto firearms are heavily regulated or outright banned. FRT triggers, however, often remain legal in places where fully automatic weapons are not, allowing shooters to enjoy rapid fire without running afoul of the law.
4. Increased Tactical Advantage
In both competitive shooting and tactical situations, the ability to fire rapidly and maintain accuracy is crucial. The rapid-fire capabilities provided by FRT triggers can offer shooters a distinct tactical advantage.
- Faster Response Time: The quicker reset time between shots helps shooters to engage targets faster, which is particularly important in environments where every second counts. Whether it’s competitive shooting or self-defense, the ability to fire quickly and maintain control of the weapon can turn the tide of a situation.
- Improved Control: With better tactile feedback and more responsive action, shooters gain more control over their firearm, which is essential when managing the recoil during rapid fire.
Cons of FRT Triggers
1. Legal Uncertainty
Perhaps the most significant downside to using an FRT trigger is the legal uncertainty surrounding them. While FRTs are legal in many states and countries, firearm laws can vary greatly depending on where you live. Additionally, laws surrounding these types of devices may change over time.
- Potential Restrictions: As gun laws continue to evolve, there may be new regulations that place restrictions on the use or sale of FRT triggers. Some jurisdictions may impose a ban on the use of these devices, especially as they are scrutinized more closely in the context of rapid fire triggers.
- Uncertainty for Owners: For those who own FRT triggers, there’s the risk that future changes in the law could render the devices illegal, potentially forcing owners to remove or replace the triggers.
2. Higher Cost
Although FRT triggers can enhance performance, they come at a higher price point compared to standard triggers. This could be a deterrent for some shooters, particularly those on a budget.
- Investment in Performance: For many, the cost of an FRT trigger is seen as an investment in performance. However, the price may be prohibitive for those who only occasionally shoot or are not actively engaged in competitive shooting.
- Additional Costs: The initial cost of the trigger may be just one part of the financial investment. Additional expenses could include professional installation fees or costs for ongoing maintenance to ensure the trigger remains in optimal working condition.
3. Increased Wear and Tear
As with any aftermarket modification, the installation of an FRT trigger can result in increased wear and tear on the firearm. Since the mechanism resets the trigger automatically with each shot, it places additional stress on the firearm’s internal components.
- Reduced Lifespan: The repeated action of rapid firing can wear out parts of the firearm more quickly than standard use. Shooters may find that they need to replace components such as the trigger group more frequently, increasing the overall cost of ownership.
- Potential for Malfunctions: Over time, the additional stress on the firearm can cause malfunctions. For example, parts that are subjected to increased use may break or wear down faster, leading to the need for repairs.
4. Steeper Learning Curve
Mastering an FRT trigger requires time and practice. The ability to reset the trigger automatically while maintaining accuracy may take some getting used to, especially for shooters who are accustomed to standard, non-automatic reset systems.
- Requires Practice: To achieve the full benefits of an FRT trigger, shooters must spend time adjusting to its unique mechanism. Practice is essential for understanding how to fire quickly without compromising accuracy.
- Fatigue: Since the trigger resets automatically, it demands continuous pressure from the shooter’s finger, which can lead to fatigue, especially during extended shooting sessions.
5. Trigger Pull Sensitivity
Another issue with the FRT trigger is its sensitive trigger pull. For some shooters, the increased sensitivity of the trigger can lead to unintended shots, particularly in high-stress situations.
- Unintended Shots: Shooters may inadvertently discharge the weapon if they are not careful with their trigger finger. This can be especially problematic in competitive scenarios where precision is crucial.
- Accuracy Issues: For some, the heightened sensitivity of the FRT trigger may make it more difficult to maintain accurate control over the firearm. Shooters who do not adapt to the feedback provided by the FRT may find that their accuracy suffers under pressure.
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Conclusion
The pros and cons of FRT triggers are multifaceted. On the positive side, these triggers offer a faster rate of fire, a more enjoyable shooting experience, and a tactical advantage that can be a game-changer in both competitive and defensive situations. However, there are also significant downsides, including legal uncertainty, increased costs, wear and tear, and the steeper learning curve required to master the system.
Before deciding to install an FRT trigger on your firearm, it is essential to weigh these factors carefully. Consider your shooting style, budget, and willingness to maintain your equipment. Additionally, always ensure that you are in compliance with your local laws regarding FRT triggers. With proper consideration, an FRT trigger can enhance your shooting performance and provide a competitive edge.
If you’re interested in enhancing your firearm’s overall performance, consider exploring other upgrades, such as AR-15 customizations and firearm performance tuning.
