ATF Says Rare Breed Triggers’ FRT-15 Is A ‘Machinegun’

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) recently classified a trigger as a ‘machinegun’. Under the National Firearms Act, the agency ordered the manufacturer to discontinue selling the trigger.

It also asked Rare Breed Trigger, the manufacturer, to contact the ATF to develop plans to recall any sold items.  

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Rare Breed Trigger Classified As Machine Gun

Florida-based Rare Breed Trigger found itself embroiled in controversy when the ATF issued a letter ordering the company to cease and desist from manufacturing its FRT-15 triggers. The agency determined that the trigger is a machinegun as defined in the National Firearms Act (NFA).  

Under section 5845(b) of the NFA, the definition of a “machinegun” is as follows:
“Any weapon which shoots is designed to shoot or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. The terms shall also include the frame or receiver of any such weapon, any part designed and intended solely and exclusively, or combination of parts designed and intended for, for use in converting a weapon into a machinegun, and any combination of parts from which a machinegun can be assembled if such parts are in the possession or under the control of a person.” 

As a result, the ATF ordered Rare Breed Triggers to immediately stop the sale of the FRT-15. The agency also said RBT should develop a plan to address the recovery of all triggers already sold by the company. “As the Rare Breed Trigger FRT-15 is a machinegun under the NFA, it is subject to the registration, taxation, and possession restrictions applicable to these regulated weapons, which include criminal penalties relating to the illegal transfer and possession of said weapons.” 

Forced Reset Trigger

However, Rare Breed disputes the claim that the FRT-15 is a machinegun as defined by the ATF. The FRT in FRT-15 stands for Forced Reset Trigger. Machine guns discharge more than one shot with a single pull of the trigger. 

In contrast, the FRT forces a reset every time the user pulls the trigger. If the user retains a continuous force on the trigger, it will fire again. By function, the FRT-15 is not automatic.

Instead, the weapon using this trigger continues to fire one shot per trigger pull. TheTruthAboutGun’s Travis Pike posted a Vimeo video explaining why the FRT-15 does not meet the description of a “machinegun.” 

Rare Breed Triggers already filed for declaratory and injunctive relief against the ATF order last August 2. It also filed for a temporary restraining order. However, the courts denied the request on August 5. Instead, a hearing was scheduled in a Florida court at a later date. 

ATF Getting Trigger-Happy On Banning Weapons

The ATF is fast becoming trigger-happy in calling for bans on certain components. In 2004, the agency famously declared a 14” shoestring as a machinegun.

Thankfully, it reversed its findings three later. It declared the shoestring a machinegun only when users added it to a semi-automatic rifle to increase its rate of fire.

If they hadn’t the bureau would have its hands full going after every person in the United States wearing shoes that have shoestrings.

Watch the Rural Legends TV video saying that ATF ruled the Rare Breed Triggers FRT-15 is now illegal. What do you do now?

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Do you agree with the ATF finding that the FRT-15 is a “machinegun” by definition? Do you agree to moves to have the units recalled?

Let us know what you think about the FRT-15, and about Rare Breed Triggers. Share your comments below.