Are Forced Reset Triggers Legal in Montana?
No, forced reset triggers (FRTs) are not legal to possess in Montana. While Montana state law does not specifically name or ban FRTs, they are classified as machine guns under federal law by the ATF. Federal law supersedes state law, making possession a serious federal offense.
Understanding the State vs. Federal Conflict
The legality of forced reset triggers in Montana presents a classic case of state versus federal authority. For many gun owners, the question seems simple, but the answer is layered with legal complexity. An FRT is a firearm modification designed to dramatically increase a semi-automatic rifle's rate of fire. It achieves this by using the energy from the bolt carrier group's return to reset the trigger, allowing for very rapid follow-up shots. This mechanical function is at the heart of the legal debate.
On one hand, Montana has a strong tradition of supporting Second Amendment rights and generally has permissive firearm laws. The state's own definition of a machine gun is more traditional and does not explicitly cover the unique operation of an FRT. However, this is where federal law intervenes. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has issued a definitive ruling on these devices, and that federal classification applies to every resident in Montana, regardless of state statutes. This creates a situation where a device might not be illegal under a narrow reading of state code but is absolutely prohibited under prevailing federal law.
Montana State Law on Machine Guns
To understand the local perspective, we must look at the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). Specifically, MCA 45-8-333 defines a machine gun as a 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. This language is very similar to the original wording in the National Firearms Act of 1934.
Proponents of FRTs have argued that since the trigger finger must still move forward and back for each shot, it does not constitute a "single function of the trigger." From this perspective, an FRT-equipped firearm would not meet Montana's state-level definition of a machine gun. The law focuses on the action of the trigger itself, not the internal mechanics that reset it. This interpretation is why, for a time, these devices were sold openly. However, this state-level analysis has been rendered moot by federal action, a crucial point for any gun owner in Montana to understand. You can find many different types of firearms and accessories discussed on the American Gun Trader blog.
| Legal Aspect | Federal Definition (26 U.S.C. § 5845(b)) | Montana State Definition (MCA 45-8-333) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Wording | "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." | "A firearm that shoots or is designed to shoot automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger." |
| Includes Parts | The definition also includes "the frame or receiver of any such weapon, any part designed and intended solely and exclusively... for use in converting a weapon into a machinegun, and any combination of parts from which a machinegun can be assembled." | The state statute does not explicitly include language about individual parts or conversion kits in its primary definition. |
| ATF's FRT Interpretation | The ATF interprets an FRT as a part designed to convert a weapon into a machine gun, arguing it creates a continuous, automatic firing cycle after the initial trigger pull. | A narrow reading of the state code, which does not consider the ATF's interpretation, would likely not classify an FRT as a machine gun because the trigger physically moves for each shot. |
| Legal Precedence in MT | Federal law and ATF rulings supersede state law in matters of NFA-regulated items. Federal interpretation is what governs legality. | Montana's definition is largely academic in this case, as federal prosecution would proceed under the federal definition. |
The Decisive Federal Ruling by the ATF
The legal landscape for FRTs changed dramatically nationwide with the ATF's open letter in March 2022. In this letter, the agency clarified its position, stating that some FRTs are machine guns. The ATF's reasoning focuses on the idea that the device functions as a "self-acting or self-regulating" mechanism. Their analysis concluded that once the trigger is pulled, the firing cycle is initiated and continues automatically until the trigger is released or the ammunition is exhausted.
According to the ATF, the shooter's finger simply provides a point of contact, while the internal mechanism forces the reset and subsequent firing. This, in their view, means the firearm is functioning automatically after a "single function of the trigger," which is the initial pull. This reinterpretation effectively bypasses the state-level definitions and makes possession of these devices a federal crime. The ongoing legal battles and shifting interpretations can also affect how you properly determine a firearm's value, especially for modified platforms.
Consequences and Legal Risks for Montana Residents
For a gun owner in Montana, possessing a forced reset trigger carries severe federal penalties. It is not a minor infraction. Being convicted of possessing an unregistered machine gun under the National Firearms Act (NFA) can result in up to 10 years in federal prison and fines up to $10,000. These are life-altering consequences.
Federal law enforcement agencies, including the ATF and FBI, have jurisdiction to enforce the NFA in Montana. Local law enforcement, while possibly more sympathetic to gun owners, are often obligated to report violations of federal law. Ignorance of the ATF's ruling is not a valid legal defense. Anyone considering selling a firearm with such a modification should consult our guide on how to sell a gun legally to avoid serious risks. The legal status of FRTs in Montana mirrors the situation in other states; for example, you can compare it to the legal landscape for FRTs in Florida, which also defers to the federal ruling.
The ATF has previously advised owners of such devices to surrender them to a local ATF office or destroy them according to specific guidelines. Continuing to possess an FRT is a significant gamble with federal law. The federal government's position is clear, and they have shown a willingness to prosecute individuals for possession of devices they classify as illegal machine guns. This federal precedent is also why the discussion around FRT legality in Texas and other pro-gun states arrives at the same conclusion.
Legal Alternatives to Forced Reset Triggers
For shooters interested in increasing their rate of fire without breaking federal law, several alternatives exist. The most well-known are binary triggers. A binary trigger fires one round when the trigger is pulled and one round when the trigger is released. Critically, each round requires a distinct and voluntary action from the shooter (a pull or a release), which is why the ATF has, to date, not classified them as machine guns.
Other options include competition-grade triggers with very short and light resets. While these do not use the firearm's action to force a reset, they can significantly reduce the time between shots for a skilled shooter. These triggers focus on ergonomic and mechanical efficiency rather than attempting to bypass the semi-automatic function. When looking for compliant firearms and accessories, it's always a good idea to browse firearms for sale from reputable sellers who understand current laws.
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