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Rare Breed FRT Trigger: A Comprehensive Overview

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zeeshanali65
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5 min read

The Rare Breed FRT Trigger has generated considerable attention in the world of firearms, particularly among gun enthusiasts, collectors, and second amendment advocates. Known for its innovative design and controversial legal status, the Rare Breed Forced Reset Trigger (FRT) has become one of the most discussed components in modern firearm modification. In this article, we will explore what the Rare Breed FRT trigger is, how it works, its legal challenges, and why it has sparked so much debate in the gun community.

What is the Rare Breed FRT Trigger?

The Rare Breed FRT Trigger is an aftermarket trigger designed to modify a semi-automatic firearm, typically an AR-15-style rifle, into a faster, more rapid firing weapon. Its main feature is that it forces the weapon to reset the trigger automatically after each shot is fired, effectively increasing the rate of fire significantly without the need for a fully automatic conversion.

Unlike a traditional trigger mechanism, which requires the shooter to manually reset the trigger after each shot, the FRT trigger uses a unique design that resets itself after each discharge. As the user pulls the trigger, the FRT causes the hammer to strike the firing pin, and then, due to the mechanism’s forced reset, the trigger resets automatically, allowing the next round to be fired with minimal delay. This can lead to a shooting experience that mimics a fully automatic firearm, with an increased rate of fire without fully automating the weapon.

This design has made it especially popular among firearm enthusiasts who want to push the boundaries of what their rifles can do, but without modifying their firearms in a way that would make them fully automatic (which is regulated under U.S. federal law).

How Does the Rare Breed FRT Trigger Work?

The FRT trigger is a clever mechanism that essentially mimics the function of a machine gun without being classified as one by law. Here’s a basic breakdown of how the FRT trigger operates:

  1. Trigger Pull: The shooter pulls the trigger as they would with any semi-automatic firearm.

  2. Firing: The firing pin strikes the primer of the round, discharging the bullet and cycling the firearm’s action.

  3. Forced Reset: Instead of the shooter needing to manually reset the trigger after firing, the Rare Breed FRT’s mechanism forces the trigger to reset automatically due to the interaction of internal components, specifically the hammer and disconnector system.

  4. Repeat: As long as the user continues to maintain pressure on the trigger, the FRT mechanism continues to reset itself and fire the weapon, significantly increasing the rate of fire.

Essentially, the FRT trigger allows the user to achieve a higher rate of fire while still maintaining the legal classification of a semi-automatic firearm. It’s important to note that the FRT trigger does not provide fully automatic fire, which is illegal under U.S. federal law unless certain legal steps are followed (such as registering the firearm with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives—ATF).

While the Rare Breed FRT trigger’s design is unique and has caught the attention of many in the firearms community, it has also raised significant legal concerns. The U.S. federal government, specifically the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), has scrutinized the Rare Breed FRT and similar products for their potential to create a "machine gun-like" effect, which would place them under more stringent regulation.

The controversy surrounding the FRT trigger stems from the fact that, although it does not provide fully automatic fire, it functions in a way that many believe could be classified as a machine gun under the National Firearms Act. In 2021, the ATF began to issue cease-and-desist letters to manufacturers and distributors of FRT triggers, arguing that their rapid-fire capabilities essentially converted the firearms into "machine guns." This triggered legal battles and significant uncertainty in the market, with some legal experts and manufacturers asserting that the FRT does not technically violate existing gun laws.

Why Has the Rare Breed FRT Trigger Sparked Debate?

The Rare Breed FRT trigger has sparked debates for several reasons:

  1. Legal Ambiguity: The question of whether the FRT trigger is legal remains a major point of contention. While it does not provide fully automatic fire, its function is similar to that of a machine gun, and the ATF’s stance on such modifications is unclear. Gun rights activists argue that the FRT trigger is a lawful modification that should not be classified as a machine gun, while others believe that its rapid-fire capability puts it in a legally gray area.

  2. Firearm Safety: Some gun safety advocates express concerns about the ease with which individuals can increase their weapon’s rate of fire. Critics argue that it may lead to unintended consequences, especially in unregulated or unsafe environments.

  3. Second Amendment Advocacy: Proponents of the FRT trigger often view it as a way to exercise their rights under the Second Amendment, asserting that modifying a firearm for a higher rate of fire is part of a broader movement for firearm customization and individual freedoms.

  4. Market Appeal: The FRT trigger’s ability to enhance the performance of an AR-15, one of the most popular firearms in the U.S., has generated significant demand among firearm enthusiasts. As a result, its market appeal has increased, leading to both consumer interest and scrutiny from regulatory agencies.

Conclusion

The Rare Breed FRT trigger is a fascinating innovation in the world of firearms, offering a legal and mechanical method for achieving higher rates of fire without crossing the line into fully automatic territory. Its unique design has made it both a popular accessory among gun enthusiasts and a point of contention in legal and regulatory circles. As debates over its legality continue to unfold, the FRT trigger serves as a reminder of the fine line between firearm innovation and regulation in a rapidly evolving industry.

Whether you’re a supporter of the FRT trigger or a critic, it’s clear that this accessory has sparked conversations about the future of firearms, gun rights, and the interpretation of existing laws. For now, its legal status remains uncertain, and its role in the broader context of gun culture continues to be shaped by ongoing legal challenges and public debate.