The Rare Breed Forced Reset Trigger (FRT) has ignited both fascination and fierce debate within the firearms community. Designed to enhance the firing capabilities of AR-15 rifles, this aftermarket component pushes the limits of what is considered semi-automatic. While praised for its innovation, the FRT has also been the subject of intense legal scrutiny.
In this article, we break down the features, benefits, and controversies surrounding the rare breed frt trigger to help you understand its place in today’s firearm landscape.
The Rare Breed FRT-15 (Forced Reset Trigger) is an advanced drop-in trigger group designed for the AR-15 rifle platform. Unlike traditional semi-auto triggers, the FRT uses the bolt carrier’s rearward motion to force the trigger to reset rapidly after each shot.
Here’s how it works:
After the rifle fires, the bolt cycles back and mechanically forces the trigger to reset.
This allows the shooter to fire as fast as they can pull the trigger, without needing to manually reset it each time.
Importantly, the FRT still fires only one round per trigger pull, differentiating it from a fully automatic system.
Forced Mechanical Reset
The main innovation: the trigger resets itself using recoil and bolt carrier motion, increasing the rate of fire legally (under traditional semi-auto definitions).
Drop-In Design
Compatible with most AR-15 lowers. Installation doesn’t require specialized gunsmithing knowledge.
Solid Metal Construction
Built from high-quality steel components, the FRT-15 is made for durability under high-stress firing conditions.
Increased Rate of Fire
While not a machine gun, the FRT allows for significantly faster follow-up shots—approaching the feel of full-auto fire.
Enhanced Performance: Shooters can maintain better target engagement during rapid-fire scenarios.
Tactical Edge: Useful for advanced marksmanship drills or home defense training.
Legal Alternative to Full-Auto: Offers a high rate of fire without NFA registration—depending on the legal status in your state.
Plug-and-Play: No need to register as an SOT or go through extensive paperwork (when legal).
Despite its engineering, the Rare Breed FRT quickly attracted the attention of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). In early 2022, the ATF issued a cease-and-desist letter to Rare Breed Triggers, classifying the FRT-15 as a machine gun under the National Firearms Act (NFA).
Their rationale:
The forced-reset function was said to allow a single pull of the trigger to result in more than one round fired—a key criterion of machine guns as defined in federal law. Rare Breed challenged this, arguing that each shot still requires a separate trigger pull.
This set off a wave of:
Trigger seizures and confiscations
Warning letters to owners and dealers
Multiple lawsuits, including in Texas and Florida
In July 2024, a Texas federal court ruled in favor of Rare Breed and gun rights groups, finding that:
The FRT does not qualify as a machine gun.
The ATF’s classification was unlawful and exceeded its regulatory authority.
Seized FRTs must be returned to rightful owners, and enforcement actions halted (at least temporarily).
This ruling is currently under appeal, but it significantly changed the legal terrain for FRT owners—particularly in Texas and other jurisdictions within the Fifth Circuit.
Product Availability: Rare Breed’s operations have been inconsistent due to litigation. The website has gone offline several times.
Other Brands: Companies like WOT (Wide Open Trigger) and third-party vendors have stepped in with similar products—some drawing additional scrutiny.
Enforcement Inconsistencies: Depending on where you live, FRT ownership could still invite legal risk.
Federal Appeals Pending: A reversal of the 2024 ruling could reclassify the FRT as illegal.
State Laws Vary: Even if federally legal, certain states (like California, New York, and New Jersey) still restrict trigger modifications.
Scams and Counterfeits: Due to high demand and limited supply, fake or unsafe versions of FRTs have flooded the market.
The rare breed frt trigger is a unique firearm innovation that straddles the line between legal semi-auto performance and full-auto functionality. For enthusiasts, it offers an exciting way to push their rifles’ capabilities—but it doesn’t come without risk.
With recent court victories offering a glimmer of legal clarity, the FRT remains in a legal gray zone for many. Gun owners interested in acquiring or using an FRT should stay informed on both federal rulings and local laws—and always ensure they’re buying from reputable sources.