How an FRT actually works — and why it is a semi-automatic trigger, not a machine gun.
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The RBT Editorial Desk · Firearms parts research & buyer education AR-15 & HK-platform trigger research · fitment and compliance focus
A forced reset trigger (FRT) is a semi-automatic AR-15 trigger with a twist: after each shot, a spring-driven mechanism forces the trigger to reset forward against your finger. That fast, positive reset lets you fire quickly and controllably — but the trigger still fires exactly one round for each function of the trigger.
FRT vs binary vs full-auto
Type
Rounds per trigger action
Category
Standard trigger
One per pull
Semi-automatic
Forced reset (FRT)
One per function (fast reset)
Semi-automatic
Binary trigger
One on pull + one on release
Semi-automatic (device-specific rules)
Machine gun
Multiple per single function
NFA machine gun
Why it's not a machine gun
The legal line for a machine gun is firing more than one round “by a single function of the trigger.” An FRT never does that — it just resets faster. That distinction is the basis of the 2025 federal settlement recognizing FRTs as semi-automatic. State law can still restrict them, so verify yours.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Firearm law changes and varies by jurisdiction. Confirm the current law where you live before ordering, and consult a qualified attorney if you are unsure.