Are Forced Reset Triggers Legal in North Dakota? 2026

Are Forced Reset Triggers Legal in North Dakota?

No, forced reset triggers (FRTs) are effectively illegal to possess in North Dakota. While North Dakota state law does not specifically ban FRTs, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) classifies them as machine guns, making their possession a federal felony without NFA registration.

The Legal Crossroads: State Permissiveness vs. Federal Prohibition

Forced reset triggers, or FRTs, represent a significant point of contention in American firearms law. These devices are designed to dramatically increase the potential rate of fire of a semi-automatic rifle, a feature that has attracted both enthusiasts and regulators. For residents of North Dakota, a state known for its strong Second Amendment protections, the question of their legality is not as simple as checking state statutes. The issue is a classic example of federal oversight preempting state-level firearm laws.

At its core, the legal status of FRTs in North Dakota hinges on a direct conflict. The North Dakota Century Code does not contain explicit language outlawing forced reset triggers by name or by their specific function. However, the federal ATF has issued rulings classifying these devices as machine guns under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 and the Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968. This federal classification makes possession of an unregistered FRT a serious crime, regardless of what North Dakota state law does or does not say. Understanding this distinction is critical for any gun owner in the state considering such a modification.

Technical Breakdown: How an FRT Actually Works

To grasp the legal arguments, one must first understand the mechanics of a forced reset trigger. Unlike a standard semi-automatic trigger where the shooter's finger must release the trigger to allow the disconnector to reset the hammer, an FRT uses a different method. In an FRT-equipped firearm, the forward motion of the bolt carrier group physically forces the trigger to reset after a shot is fired. The shooter's finger is pushed forward, ready for the next shot.

The key element is that the shooter can maintain constant rearward pressure on the trigger. As the bolt carrier cycles, it forces the trigger forward, causing it to break contact with the shooter's finger for a split second before the finger, still under pressure, pulls it again. This cycle repeats as long as the shooter maintains pressure and ammunition is present, resulting in a very high rate of fire that can approach that of a fully automatic weapon. This mechanical action is the entire basis for the ATF's legal interpretation, which we will explore next.

Analyzing North Dakota Firearm Statutes

A review of the North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) reveals a legal framework that is generally permissive regarding firearms and accessories. Title 62.1, which covers weapons, does not mention forced reset triggers, binary triggers, or other trigger modifications by name. The state's definition of a "machine gun" in NDCC § 62.1-01-01(7) is crucial. It 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 definition is nearly identical to the federal definition. On its face, it doesn't automatically include FRTs, as the trigger is technically being pulled for each individual shot. North Dakota has not issued any state-specific rulings or guidance clarifying whether an FRT meets this definition under state law. Therefore, from a purely state-level perspective, there is no explicit prohibition. However, this local silence is overshadowed by federal action, making the state law analysis largely academic for the individual gun owner. It's also worth checking out our blog for more detailed analyses on various firearm topics.

The ATF's Decisive Ruling on FRTs

The legal landscape for FRTs changed dramatically with the ATF's open letter in March 2022. The agency officially clarified its position, stating that some FRTs, like those manufactured by Rare Breed Triggers, are machine guns. The ATF's reasoning focuses on the phrase "single function of the trigger." They argue that because the shooter simply holds the trigger to the rear, the subsequent shots are part of a continuous process initiated by that single, sustained pull. The trigger's forced reset and the shooter's immediate re-engagement are seen not as separate functions, but as an automated firing sequence.

This interpretation effectively reclassifies the device, placing it under the strict regulations of the NFA. This means that to be legally possessed, an FRT would need to be registered with the ATF in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR), a process that is functionally impossible for devices manufactured after 1986 due to the Hughes Amendment. The consequences of this ruling are severe, as possession of an unregistered machine gun is a federal felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and substantial fines. The legal situation in neighboring Minnesota is similarly dominated by this federal stance.

Distinguishing FRTs from Binary Triggers

It's common for gun owners to confuse forced reset triggers with binary triggers, but they are mechanically and legally distinct. A binary trigger fires one round when the trigger is pulled and a second round when the trigger is released. Each action—the pull and the release—is considered a separate function of the trigger, resulting in one shot per function. This is why the ATF has, to date, generally not classified most binary triggers as machine guns at the federal level, though some states have banned them individually.

An FRT, by contrast, does not fire on release. It uses the firearm's cycling action to reset the trigger, enabling a much faster rate of fire than a binary system if the operator has sufficient skill. The fundamental difference lies in the ATF's interpretation: they see the binary trigger's pull-and-release as two distinct functions, while they view the FRT's continuous cycle under a single sustained pull as one function. Understanding the different legal status of binary triggers helps highlight the unique federal jeopardy associated with FRTs.

What This Means for Gun Owners in North Dakota

The conclusion for North Dakota residents is clear and sobering. Despite the absence of a specific state law against forced reset triggers, the controlling authority is federal law. The ATF's classification of FRTs as machine guns makes owning one in North Dakota a significant legal risk. Federal law enforcement agencies, such as the ATF and FBI, can and do enforce these regulations within state borders, irrespective of local statutes. An individual could find themselves in compliance with North Dakota law but facing serious federal felony charges.

For those who may have purchased an FRT before the ATF's ruling became widely known, the situation is precarious. The ATF has treated these devices as contraband. Anyone possessing one should seek legal counsel from an attorney specializing in firearms law to understand their options, which are limited and may involve surrendering the device to the ATF. Attempting to browse a wide variety of firearm parts and accessories or sell the trigger privately is also a federal crime, as it would constitute the transfer of an unregistered machine gun. Properly navigating the rules of selling firearm components is essential, and with FRTs, it's a federal minefield.

Ultimately, the risk of federal prosecution far outweighs any perceived benefit of owning an FRT. Until and unless federal court rulings successfully overturn the ATF's classification—a process that could take years and has no guarantee of success—the safest course of action is to avoid these devices entirely. A thorough grasp of understanding the legal landscape of firearm ownership is paramount, and in the case of FRTs, the federal landscape is hostile.