AR-15 Trigger

What Is a Forced Reset Trigger (FRT)

A Forced Reset Trigger (FRT) is a semi-automatic trigger mechanism that uses the bolt carrier group (BCG) to mechanically reset the trigger after each shot, allowing faster follow-up shots while firing one round per trigger function. The FRT eliminates the manual reset stroke that standard AR-15 triggers require, where the shooter must allow the trigger to travel forward until the disconnector re-engages the hammer.

FRT triggers install in standard AR-15 lower receivers and use mil-spec trigger pin holes measuring 0.154 inches (3.91 mm) in diameter. The trigger assembly includes a hammer, disconnector, trigger body, springs, and a cam surface that interfaces with the bolt carrier during the cycling process.

How an FRT Works

An FRT operates through a spring-loaded cam mechanism that forces the trigger forward as the bolt carrier group travels rearward during the firing cycle. When the shooter pulls the trigger, the hammer strikes the firing pin and fires a round. The BCG travels rearward under gas pressure, and a cam surface on the BCG contacts a corresponding surface on the FRT's reset mechanism. This contact pushes the trigger forward to the reset position while the BCG is still cycling.

The shooter maintains constant rearward pressure on the trigger. As the trigger resets, the trigger finger moves forward with the trigger body. The hammer re-engages the sear surface, and the next shot fires when the bolt carrier returns to battery and the trigger has fully reset. Each trigger function fires one round.

FRT vs Standard AR-15 Trigger

A standard AR-15 trigger requires the shooter to release the trigger forward approximately 0.10-0.15 inches (2.5-3.8 mm) after each shot to allow the disconnector to release the hammer to the sear. This manual reset takes 0.05-0.10 seconds depending on the shooter's technique. An FRT eliminates this manual reset by using the bolt carrier's rearward travel to mechanically push the trigger forward. The practical effect is a shorter split time between shots.

Standard mil-spec trigger pull weight measures 6.5-8.5 lb (2.9-3.9 kg). FRT trigger pull weight varies by manufacturer but typically measures 4.0-5.5 lb (1.8-2.5 kg). Both standard and FRT triggers fire one round per trigger function.

Legal Status of FRT Triggers

The legal status of FRT triggers is contested and varies by jurisdiction within the United States. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has taken enforcement actions against FRT trigger manufacturers, classifying certain FRT models as machine guns under the National Firearms Act (NFA).

ATF Classification and Enforcement Actions

The ATF issued cease-and-desist letters to Rare Breed Triggers, LLC in 2021, classifying the FRT-15 trigger as a machine gun under 26 U.S.C. § 5845(b). The ATF's position is that FRT triggers allow a firearm to fire "automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger." Rare Breed Triggers challenged this classification in federal court, and the legal dispute has produced conflicting rulings across multiple jurisdictions.

In March 2023, a federal court in the Northern District of Florida issued a preliminary injunction preventing the ATF from classifying the FRT-15 as a machine gun. Other federal courts have reached different conclusions. Purchasers and owners of FRT triggers should consult legal counsel regarding the current status of these devices in their specific jurisdiction.

State-Level Restrictions

State laws impose additional restrictions on trigger mechanisms beyond federal regulations. States with assault weapon bans, including California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Hawaii, may prohibit FRT triggers under provisions that ban "rate-increasing devices" or components that allow a firearm to fire at an increased rate. Check state and local laws before purchasing, possessing, or installing any trigger modification device.

FRT Trigger Brands and Models

Two primary manufacturers have produced FRT-style triggers for the AR-15 platform: Rare Breed Triggers and Wide Open Triggers.

Rare Breed Triggers FRT-15

The Rare Breed Triggers FRT-15 is the original Forced Reset Trigger design, manufactured from hardened steel components with a nickel boron-coated hammer and sear. The FRT-15 uses mil-spec 0.154-inch (3.91 mm) trigger pins and installs in standard AR-15 lower receivers. The trigger assembly weighs approximately 3.0 oz (85 g) and includes the trigger body, hammer, disconnector, springs, and anti-walk pins.

Rare Breed Triggers has been involved in ongoing litigation with the ATF since 2021 regarding the FRT-15's classification. Availability of the FRT-15 is subject to the current legal status in each jurisdiction.

Wide Open Triggers (WOT)

Wide Open Triggers (WOT) produced a forced reset trigger mechanism with a different internal design than the Rare Breed FRT-15. The WOT trigger uses a proprietary cam and disconnector system. Wide Open Triggers has also faced ATF scrutiny and enforcement actions. Availability and legal status of WOT triggers follow the same jurisdictional considerations as the Rare Breed FRT-15.

FRT Trigger Installation and Compatibility

FRT triggers install in AR-15 lower receivers that use standard mil-spec trigger pin spacing of 1.469 inches (37.3 mm) and pin diameter of 0.154 inches (3.91 mm). Installation requires removal of the existing trigger group using a 1/16-inch (1.6 mm) punch to drive out the trigger and hammer pins.

FRT triggers are compatible with standard AR-15 bolt carrier groups, including full-auto profile carriers and semi-auto carriers. The trigger requires a standard-weight or heavier buffer to ensure the BCG travels with enough force to engage the forced reset cam. Lightweight or reduced-mass BCGs may not provide sufficient force to reliably activate the reset mechanism.

Anti-walk trigger pins are included with most FRT trigger kits to prevent pin migration during rapid firing. Standard trigger pins may walk out of the receiver under the increased mechanical forces generated by the forced reset mechanism.

Alternatives to FRT Triggers

Shooters seeking faster split times without the legal complexity of FRT triggers have 3 main categories of alternatives: binary triggers, enhanced single-stage triggers, and two-stage triggers.

Binary Triggers

Binary triggers fire one round on the trigger pull and one round on the trigger release, effectively doubling the rate of fire. Franklin Armory Binary Firing System (BFS) III and Fostech Echo II are 2 widely available binary triggers for the AR-15. Binary triggers include a selector position that allows the shooter to switch between standard semi-automatic and binary modes. Binary triggers are legal in most states but are prohibited in California, Iowa, North Dakota, and several other jurisdictions. Check state laws before purchasing.

Drop-In Single-Stage and Two-Stage Triggers

Enhanced drop-in triggers reduce pull weight and improve the break quality compared to mil-spec triggers, which shortens split times through improved shooter control. Single-stage triggers from CMC Triggers (2.5 lb / 1.1 kg and 3.5 lb / 1.6 kg flat and curved options) and Timney Triggers (Impact AR, 3.0-4.0 lb / 1.4-1.8 kg) provide a clean, crisp break with minimal creep and overtravel.

Two-stage triggers from Geissele Automatics provide a take-up stage followed by a defined wall and clean break. The Geissele Super Semi-Automatic Enhanced (SSA-E) has a combined pull weight of 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) with a 1.1 lb (0.5 kg) first stage and a 2.4 lb (1.1 kg) second stage. The LaRue Tactical MBT-2S offers comparable two-stage performance at a lower price point with a combined pull weight of 4.5 lb (2.0 kg).

Shop AR-15 Triggers at TactaBlue

TactaBlue (tactablue.com) stocks AR-15 triggers from leading manufacturers including Geissele, CMC, Timney, LaRue Tactical, and Rise Armament. Browse the full selection of AR-15 accessories and AR-15 grips to complete your trigger upgrade. All triggers sold at TactaBlue are authentic, factory-sealed products from authorized distributors.

TactaBlue ships within one business day and offers free ground shipping on all contiguous U.S. orders. TactaBlue does not sell firearms or require Federal Firearms License (FFL) transfers. For questions, contact support@tactablue.com, Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM ET.