Are Forced Reset Triggers Legal in Colorado? ATF & State Law

Are Forced Reset Triggers Legal in Colorado?

No, forced reset triggers (FRTs) are not legal in Colorado. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) classifies FRTs as machineguns. This federal classification makes their possession illegal throughout the United States, including Colorado, unless they are properly registered under the National Firearms Act.

The Federal Stance: Why the ATF Classifies FRTs as Machineguns

To understand the legal situation in Colorado, one must first look at the federal level. A forced reset trigger is a firearm modification designed to dramatically increase the rate of fire of a semi-automatic rifle. It operates by using the energy from the reciprocating bolt carrier group to physically reset the trigger, forcing the shooter's finger forward. This allows for a much faster succession of shots than a standard trigger mechanism.

The legal issue stems from the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 and the Gun Control Act of 1968, which define a 'machinegun' as 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. In a March 2022 open letter to all Federal Firearms Licensees, the ATF clarified its position: FRTs meet this definition. The agency's reasoning is that the initial pull of the trigger initiates a continuous firing cycle that continues until the shooter's finger is removed. The ATF does not consider the subsequent, forced impacts on the trigger finger as separate 'functions,' but rather as part of a single, continuous automatic operation.

Colorado State Law vs. Federal Supremacy

Colorado has its own set of firearm regulations, most notably a ban on the sale, transfer, and possession of 'large-capacity' magazines—defined as those capable of holding more than 15 rounds—which was passed in 2013. However, when it comes to forced reset triggers, there is no specific Colorado state statute that names them explicitly. This is because the federal classification takes precedence.

The Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution establishes that federal laws generally take priority over state laws when there is a conflict. In this case, the ATF's classification of FRTs as machineguns under the NFA is the controlling law of the land. Therefore, possessing an FRT in Colorado is a federal crime, regardless of any specific mention (or lack thereof) in the Colorado Revised Statutes. This differs from the often-debated status of binary triggers in Colorado, which occupy a more ambiguous legal space and are treated differently by the ATF.

For a Colorado gun owner, this means that local or state law enforcement can enforce federal firearm laws in partnership with federal agencies like the ATF. Being unaware of the federal rule is not a valid legal defense.

FRTs Compared to Other Rapid-Fire Devices

The confusion around FRTs is understandable given the proliferation of various trigger systems and accessories. It's helpful to distinguish them. A binary trigger fires one round on the pull and one round on the release of the trigger. The ATF has, so far, generally not classified these as machineguns because they still require two distinct actions from the shooter for two rounds (a pull and a release), though they are facing increasing scrutiny.

Bump stocks, which were banned by ATF regulation in 2018, are another point of comparison. These devices used the firearm's recoil to 'bump' the trigger against the shooter's stationary finger, simulating automatic fire. The regulatory action against bump stocks set a precedent for the ATF's willingness to re-evaluate and reclassify accessories under existing NFA definitions. The FRT ruling is a direct continuation of that approach.

A standard semi-automatic trigger, by contrast, requires a distinct pull and a conscious release for every single shot fired. This 'one-pull, one-shot' mechanism is the baseline for what constitutes a legal, non-NFA firearm. The FRT's mechanical intervention is what pushes it across the line into the ATF's definition of a machinegun.

Severe Penalties for Possession in Colorado

The consequences for possessing an unregistered FRT in Colorado are dictated by federal law and are severe. Possession of an unregistered machinegun is a felony under the National Firearms Act. A conviction can result in up to 10 years in federal prison, fines of up to $250,000, or both. Beyond the immediate legal penalties, a felony conviction also results in the permanent loss of the right to own firearms.

These are not theoretical risks. The ATF has actively pursued enforcement actions against individuals and companies involved with the manufacture and sale of FRTs. For an individual gun owner, the risk of being made an example of is very real. The legal process of purchasing a firearm is stringent for a reason, and circumventing the NFA with an illegal accessory carries life-altering consequences.

Because the device itself is considered the machinegun, simply owning one, even if it is not installed in a firearm, constitutes illegal possession. The ATF has made it clear that there is no 'grace period' for these devices and that owners should surrender them to law enforcement or have them destroyed.

Navigating the Changing Legal Landscape

The ATF's ruling on FRTs is part of a broader trend of regulatory interpretation applying old laws to new technology. This has led to significant legal challenges from firearms manufacturers and gun rights organizations, who argue the agency is overstepping its authority and creating new laws without congressional approval. These lawsuits are ongoing and the final outcome may take years to resolve in the courts. This creates legal questions surrounding these devices in other states as well, not just Colorado.

However, for the average gun owner in Colorado, the current and enforceable law is that FRTs are considered contraband. Relying on a future court victory is an extremely risky legal strategy. The best course of action is to adhere to the current interpretation of the law. This situation highlights the importance for gun owners to stay current on both state and federal regulations, which can change through legislation, court rulings, or, as seen here, agency reinterpretation. Keeping track of these changes is part of responsible firearm ownership. A great way of doing so is by staying informed by reading our blog for the latest updates.

What Should Colorado Gun Owners Do?

Given the clear federal prohibition, no one in Colorado should purchase, sell, or possess a forced reset trigger. If you encounter one for sale, whether online or in person, you should assume it is illegal. The legal and financial risks far outweigh any perceived benefit of the device. Trying to determine its market price is pointless, as its illegality means it has no legitimate value; this is a key difference from understanding the true gun value of a legal firearm.

For those who may have purchased an FRT before the ATF's ruling became widely known, the situation is precarious. The ATF has previously stated that owners can surrender the devices to a local ATF office or have them destroyed. Continuing to possess the device in the hope that the law will change is a felony. For specific guidance tailored to your situation, the only prudent option is to consult with a qualified firearms attorney who is experienced in handling NFA-related cases in Colorado.

Instead of pursuing legally dubious accessories, gun owners can browse listings for legal firearms and accessories that comply with all state and federal regulations. Focusing on marksmanship, training, and legal enhancements is a far better investment than risking a decade in federal prison.