Are Binary Triggers Legal in Washington?

Short answer: No, binary triggers are illegal for civilian possession in Washington. As of 2023, Washington state law (HB 1240) classifies them as "machine guns" because they initiate a second shot upon trigger release.

Are Binary Triggers Legal in Washington?

No, binary triggers are illegal for civilian possession in Washington. As of 2023, Washington state law (HB 1240) classifies them as "machine guns" because they initiate a second shot upon trigger release. This ban applies to manufacturing, importing, distributing, selling, or possessing these devices.

Understanding Washington's Reclassification of Binary Triggers

The legal status of binary triggers in Washington State changed dramatically with the passage of House Bill 1240 in 2023. Prior to this, Washington's laws were largely aligned with federal definitions. The new law, however, specifically expanded the state's definition of a "machine gun" to include trigger modification devices that increase the rate of fire. This effectively outlawed binary triggers, forced reset triggers, and similar mechanisms for most residents.

The key change is in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 9.41.010. The law now defines a machine gun as any firearm that 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 crucial addition includes parts or combinations of parts designed and intended for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun. The law explicitly names devices that cause a firearm to fire more than one shot in an automatic or semiautomatic simulated burst or that materially increase the rate of fire. This language directly targets binary triggers.

How a Binary Trigger Functions

To grasp why the law changed, it's important to understand the mechanics. A standard semi-automatic trigger fires one round when you pull the trigger. The trigger then needs to reset before another round can be fired by a subsequent pull. A binary trigger functions differently. It fires one round on the pull, just like a standard trigger. However, it also fires a second round upon the release of the trigger. This two-shot cycle—one pull, one release—is what allows for a much faster rate of fire compared to a standard semi-automatic firearm.

This mechanical distinction is at the heart of the legal debate. Proponents argue it's still fundamentally semi-automatic because each shot requires a distinct action (a pull or a release). Opponents, and now Washington state law, argue that this design circumvents the one-shot-per-trigger-function principle and effectively simulates automatic fire. This has led to a major divergence between state and federal interpretations. Anyone looking to how to buy a gun in Washington must now be keenly aware of these accessory-specific restrictions.

State vs. Federal Law: A Critical Distinction

One of the most confusing aspects for gun owners is the difference between federal and Washington state law. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has, on multiple occasions, examined binary triggers and concluded they do not meet the federal definition of a machine gun under the National Firearms Act (NFA). The ATF's reasoning is that a binary trigger does not fire more than one round with a single function of the trigger. Since the pull and release are considered two separate functions, the device is federally compliant.

However, this federal classification is now irrelevant within Washington's borders. State laws can be, and often are, more restrictive than federal laws. Washington's HB 1240 created a specific, broader definition of a machine gun that explicitly includes these devices. Therefore, while you can legally purchase a binary trigger in many other states, you cannot legally possess one in Washington. This is a crucial point for residents and anyone considering moving to the state with such a firearm.

Penalties and Enforcement in Washington

The consequences for violating HB 1240 are severe. Because binary triggers are now legally classified as machine guns, possessing one is a Class C felony in Washington State. A conviction for a Class C felony can result in a sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. This applies to simple possession, not just sale or manufacturing.

There is no grandfather clause in the legislation. This means that individuals who legally purchased and owned binary triggers before the law went into effect are not exempt. Continued possession is a criminal offense. The law provided no grace period or buyback program for these devices, placing the burden of compliance entirely on the gun owner. The lack of a grandfather clause is a significant departure from how some other states have handled similar firearm regulations, making the situation in Washington particularly strict.

Are Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs) Also Banned?

Yes, the same legal logic and statutory language that ban binary triggers in Washington also apply to Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs). An FRT uses the energy from the bolt carrier group to forcibly reset the trigger, allowing for an extremely rapid rate of fire that is only limited by the shooter's ability to pull the trigger again. The ATF has already classified many FRTs as machine guns at the federal level.

Washington's HB 1240, with its language about any device that "materially increases the rate of fire of a semiautomatic firearm," leaves no room for interpretation. FRTs clearly fall under this definition. Therefore, just like binary triggers, FRTs are considered illegal machine guns under state law, and possessing one carries the same felony penalties. The debate over the legality of forced reset triggers is active in many states, but in Washington, the matter is settled law.

What if You Already Owned a Binary Trigger?

If you were a Washington resident who owned a binary trigger before HB 1240 passed, you are in a difficult legal position. Since there is no grandfather clause, you must take action to become compliant with the law. The options are limited. You can remove the trigger from the firearm and destroy it, or you can transport it out of state for storage or sale in a jurisdiction where it remains legal. Another option is to surrender the device to a law enforcement agency.

For those considering selling, you must ensure the transaction happens entirely outside of Washington and complies with all federal and state laws of that jurisdiction. Navigating the process of how to sell a gun or a regulated part across state lines requires careful attention to detail. Simply keeping the device installed in your firearm is not a legally viable option and exposes you to significant criminal liability.

Washington's Law in a National Context

Washington is one of a growing number of states that have specifically banned binary triggers and similar rapid-fire devices. California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, New York, Virginia, and New Jersey have all enacted laws that either explicitly name binary triggers or define them as illegal machine gun conversion devices. For instance, the legal analysis for whether binary triggers are legal in New Jersey reaches a similar conclusion as in Washington.

Conversely, many other states have not passed such laws, meaning binary triggers remain legal under their state codes, deferring to the federal ATF classification. This patchwork of state laws creates a complex legal landscape for gun owners who travel or move between states. It underscores the importance of researching and understanding local ordinances, not just federal regulations. For more information on firearms topics, you can always visit the American Gun Trader blog.

Staying Compliant as a Washington Gun Owner

The legal environment for firearms in Washington has become increasingly complex. Staying informed is the best way to ensure you remain a law-abiding gun owner. Before purchasing any firearm or accessory, especially performance-enhancing modifications, it's critical to verify its legality under current state law. When looking at what's available, it's wise to determine the true gun value of any potential purchase to ensure you're making a sound investment in a legal firearm.

Beyond binary triggers, Washington has passed other significant firearms legislation, including restrictions on so-called "assault weapons" and magazine capacity. Gun owners should regularly check for updates from the Washington State Legislature and the Attorney General's office. When in doubt, consulting with a lawyer who specializes in firearms law is the safest course of action. You can still browse all gun listings to find a wide variety of firearms and accessories that are fully compliant with state law.