What a forced reset trigger does

A forced reset trigger (FRT) is an aftermarket trigger mechanism designed to reset the trigger bar to the forward position after each shot, even if you keep your finger pressed on the trigger. On a standard Glock, the trigger must return to its resting position before it can fire again — you have to release and re-press. With an FRT, the gun can fire multiple times without you releasing your finger, because the mechanical reset happens automatically between shots.

The FRT accomplishes this through a secondary spring and lever system that pushes the trigger bar forward as the slide cycles back into battery after each round. This means the trigger is ready to fire again the moment the gun is mechanically ready, without waiting for your finger to move.

This design has become controversial because it can produce a rate of fire that resembles automatic fire while using a semi-automatic platform. Federal law prohibits automatic weapons manufactured after 1986, and the ATF has taken legal action against manufacturers and sellers of FRTs, arguing they convert a semi-automatic firearm into an illegal automatic weapon.

Key Takeaways

  • An FRT resets the trigger mechanically during the slide cycle, allowing rapid fire without releasing your finger between shots.
  • The ATF has classified most FRTs as illegal machine gun conversions under federal law, and enforcement actions have targeted manufacturers and retailers.
  • Possessing an FRT may violate federal firearms law depending on your jurisdiction and the specific mechanism, with potential criminal penalties.
  • If you own a Glock with an FRT installed, you should understand the legal status in your state and consult a firearms attorney about your options.

How the mechanical reset actually works

A standard Glock trigger has a trigger bar that must fully return to its forward position before the sear can catch it again. This return happens when you release finger pressure and the trigger spring pushes it forward. The gun will not fire again until this happens — this is called the "reset" and it requires your input.

An FRT adds a separate reset lever or spring that engages as the slide moves backward during recoil. As the slide cycles back into battery (returns to the closed position), this reset mechanism mechanically pushes the trigger bar forward. This happens independently of your finger position. If your finger is still on the trigger, the gun is ready to fire again the when ready the slide locks into battery.

The speed of fire depends on how fast the slide cycles, which depends on the ammunition, the gun's spring weight, and the shooter's grip. Under ideal conditions, an FRT can produce rates of fire in the range of 400 to 800 rounds per minute — comparable to some automatic weapons.

Why the ATF considers FRTs illegal

The National Firearms Act and the Firearm Owners Protection Act (the "Hughes Amendment") prohibit the manufacture, transfer, or possession of machine guns made after May 1986. A machine gun is legally defined as any firearm that fires more than one round per trigger press, or any firearm that can be converted to do so.

The ATF's position is that an FRT converts a semi-automatic firearm into a machine gun because it enables multiple rounds to fire from a single trigger press — you press once and hold, and the gun fires repeatedly. In 2021 and 2022, the ATF issued letters to FRT manufacturers stating the devices violate federal law. In 2023, the ATF began enforcement actions, and in 2024, a federal court upheld the ATF's interpretation in a case involving the Rare Breed Trigger.

However, legal challenges continue. Some courts and legal scholars argue that because the shooter must maintain continuous finger pressure and the gun still fires only once per trigger press (the reset is mechanical, not a second press), the device does not meet the legal definition of a machine gun. This disagreement means the legal status remains unsettled in some jurisdictions, though the ATF's enforcement position is clear.

State and federal legal status

Federal law prohibits possession of an FRT if it is classified as a machine gun conversion. Violation is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000. However, enforcement depends on ATF interpretation and prosecutorial discretion.

State laws vary significantly. Some states have explicitly banned FRTs or any device that increases rate of fire. Other states have no specific FRT law but may prosecute under general machine gun prohibitions. A few states have taken no official position. You cannot assume that because an FRT is sold online or in another state that it is legal where you live.

If you currently own an FRT, the safest course is to consult a firearms attorney licensed in your state. They can advise you on the specific legal risk in your jurisdiction and your options, which may include removing the trigger, surrendering it, or other remedies depending on local law and enforcement priorities.

Distinguishing FRTs from standard Glock triggers

A standard Glock trigger is a straightforward two-piece design: the trigger itself and the trigger bar underneath. When you press the trigger, the bar moves rearward and disengages the sear, allowing the firing pin to strike. When you release, springs push everything back to the ready position.

An FRT adds visible mechanical components — usually a secondary lever, spring, or cam system — that are not present on a stock Glock. If you disassemble the trigger group, an FRT will have extra parts. Some FRTs are designed to look similar to standard triggers from the outside, but the internal mechanism is distinctly different.

If you are examining a used Glock or considering a trigger upgrade, you can identify an FRT by comparing the internal trigger assembly to factory Glock documentation or by asking the seller directly. Do not assume a trigger is stock based on appearance alone.

What happens if you are caught with an FRT

If law enforcement discovers an FRT during a traffic stop, arrest, or search, you will likely face federal firearms charges. The ATF can prosecute, or the case can be referred to local prosecutors. The charge is typically possession of an unregistered machine gun, which is a felony.

The consequences include criminal conviction, imprisonment, loss of your right to own firearms, and a permanent felony record. Even if you are not prosecuted, the gun will be seized. If you are a gun owner, a felony conviction will disqualify you from possessing any firearms under federal law.

Some people have attempted to argue that they did not know the FRT was illegal or that they purchased it before the ATF's enforcement actions. These defenses have had limited success. The safest approach is to remove an FRT when ready if you own one and to avoid purchasing one going forward.

Alternatives if you want a faster trigger

If you want a faster or lighter trigger pull on a Glock without legal risk, there are legal alternatives. A drop-in trigger that improves reset speed or reduces pull weight — without adding a mechanical reset mechanism — is generally considered legal. Brands like Apex Tactical and Overwatch Precision make triggers that improve performance while maintaining the standard reset requirement.

These triggers still require you to release and re-press between shots, so they do not produce the rapid-fire effect of an FRT. However, they can improve accuracy and shooting speed through better ergonomics and a cleaner break.

You can also improve your shooting speed through training and practice. Dry-fire drills, live-fire practice, and professional instruction can teach you to press and release the trigger faster than most mechanical devices can cycle. This approach has no legal risk and makes you a better shooter overall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to own an FRT if I bought it before the ATF enforcement actions?

No. The ATF's position is that FRTs have always been illegal under the Hughes Amendment, regardless of when they were purchased. The enforcement actions in 2023 and 2024 did not change the legal status — they clarified it. Possession remains a federal felony.

Can I legally remove an FRT and keep the gun?

Yes. If you remove the FRT and replace it with a standard Glock trigger or a legal aftermarket trigger, the gun returns to legal status. You should dispose of the FRT safely or destroy it. Do not sell it or give it to someone else, as that would transfer the illegal device.

What if I have an FRT but have never fired it?

Possession is the crime, not use. An unfired FRT is still an illegal machine gun conversion under federal law. The fact that you have not used it does not reduce the legal risk.

Are there any states where FRTs are legal?

No. Federal law applies everywhere, and the ATF enforces it nationwide. Some states have additional restrictions, but no state permits FRTs under federal law. State law cannot override federal firearms prohibitions.

If I remove my FRT, do I need to report it to anyone?

You do not need to report the removal to the ATF or local police. However, if you are unsure about how to safely dispose of the device or want legal guidance specific to your situation, consulting a firearms attorney is the safest approach.