Are FRTs Legal in Washington?

Short answer: No, forced reset triggers are generally illegal in Washington state. Under Engrossed Substitute House Bill 5078 (ESB 5078), devices designed to accelerate the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm, including forced reset triggers, are classified as 'rapid-fire devices' and are prohibited from manufacture, sale, or possession.

Are Forced Reset Triggers Legal in Washington?

No, forced reset triggers are generally illegal in Washington state. Under Engrossed Substitute House Bill 5078 (ESB 5078), devices designed to accelerate the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm, including forced reset triggers, are classified as 'rapid-fire devices' and are prohibited from manufacture, sale, or possession.

Understanding Forced Reset Triggers

Forced reset triggers, often abbreviated as FRTs, represent a category of firearm trigger mechanisms designed to significantly increase the rate at which a semi-automatic firearm can be fired. Unlike traditional semi-automatic triggers, which require the shooter to fully release the trigger and then pull it again for each shot, an FRT actively pushes the trigger forward to its reset point after each shot. This mechanical assistance allows for quicker follow-up shots, often mimicking the rapid-fire capability of a fully automatic firearm.

The core mechanism of an FRT involves an internal spring or system that applies forward pressure on the trigger shoe immediately after the firearm cycles. As the bolt carrier group moves rearward and then forward, it interacts with the trigger mechanism, forcing it to reset at an accelerated pace. This design allows a shooter, with proper technique, to maintain continuous firing by simply holding constant pressure on the trigger, rather than performing distinct pulls and releases. While technically still requiring a separate 'pull' for each shot, the expedited reset significantly blurs the line between semi-automatic and automatic fire in terms of practical application and rate of fire.

Federal Interpretations and Regulatory Shifts

At the federal level, the legality of devices that increase a semi-automatic firearm's rate of fire has been a subject of evolving interpretation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Historically, the primary legal distinction has revolved around the definition of a 'machine gun' under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and the Gun Control Act (GCA). A machine gun is defined 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. This definition is crucial.

For many years, devices like bump stocks and, initially, forced reset triggers, were not classified as machine guns by the ATF because they technically still required a separate trigger pull for each round fired, even if that pull was facilitated or sped up. However, following high-profile incidents, the ATF reevaluated its stance on bump stocks, eventually classifying them as machine guns through a final rule change. This reinterpretation set a precedent for how devices that alter the rate of fire might be viewed. While the specific ruling on bump stocks did not directly address FRTs, it signaled a broader regulatory inclination to scrutinize devices that achieve machine gun-like rates of fire, regardless of the 'single function of the trigger' nuance. Later, the ATF issued specific cease-and-desist letters and technical branch rulings indicating that many FRT designs *do* meet the definition of a machine gun, requiring owners to surrender or destroy them. This created a complex federal landscape for FRT owners, shifting them from a grey area to a prohibited category for many designs.

Washington State's Prohibitions: ESB 5078

Washington state has taken a definitive stance on devices designed to increase a firearm's rate of fire, largely through the enactment of Engrossed Substitute House Bill 5078 (ESB 5078), which became effective on July 1, . This legislation specifically targets what it terms 'rapid-fire devices.' The law broadly defines a rapid-fire device as any item that, when installed in or attached to a semi-automatic firearm, increases the rate of fire of the firearm or allows the firearm to discharge multiple rounds with a single function of the trigger. Crucially, the law explicitly includes 'forced reset triggers' in its definition.

ESB 5078 prohibits the manufacture, import, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of any rapid-fire device within Washington state. It also makes it illegal for any person to possess a rapid-fire device. This comprehensive ban covers both commercial activities and individual ownership. The legislative intent behind ESB 5078 was to prevent the modification of semi-automatic firearms to achieve rates of fire comparable to those of machine guns, thereby enhancing public safety. The inclusion of 'forced reset triggers' by name eliminates any ambiguity regarding their legal status under state law, irrespective of federal interpretations or prior rulings.

For firearm owners in Washington, ESB 5078 means that possessing an FRT, even if it was acquired legally before the law's effective date, is now a criminal offense. The law provides no grandfathering clause for existing owners, placing the onus on individuals to comply by disposing of such devices. Understanding the specific language of Washington gun laws is critical for compliance, as penalties for violating this statute can be severe, including felony charges and significant fines.

Defining 'Rapid-Fire Device' Under Washington Law

The definition of 'rapid-fire device' in Washington's ESB 5078 is intentionally broad to encompass a range of mechanisms beyond just bump stocks. The statute states, '“Rapid-fire device” means any device that increases the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm, or allows a semi-automatic firearm to discharge multiple rounds with a single function of the trigger, including but not limited to, a bump stock, an auto-glove, a binary trigger, a forced reset trigger, a burst trigger, or a copy or a similar device.' This explicit enumeration ensures that forced reset triggers are unequivocally covered.

The critical aspect of this definition is 'increases the rate of fire' or 'allows...multiple rounds with a single function of the trigger.' While FRTs are not true 'multiple rounds with a single function' devices in the traditional sense of a machine gun (which would be explicitly illegal under federal and state law anyway), their ability to significantly accelerate the practical rate of fire places them squarely within the 'increases the rate of fire' clause. The legislature's decision to specifically list 'forced reset trigger' removes any potential for legal argument that these devices fall outside the scope of the ban. This contrasts with some other states where the legality of FRTs might hinge solely on interpretations of 'machine gun' definitions, which can be more ambiguous regarding devices that require a separate, albeit assisted, trigger pull for each shot. Washington's law is clear and direct on this point.

Enforcement and Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violations of Washington's rapid-fire device ban carry serious legal consequences. Possessing, manufacturing, selling, or distributing a rapid-fire device, including a forced reset trigger, is classified as a Class C felony. In Washington, a Class C felony is punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. These penalties underscore the state's stringent approach to regulating these firearm accessories.

For individuals who legally owned an FRT prior to the effective date of ESB 5078, the law did not provide a grace period for continued possession. This means that continued ownership after July 1, , constituted a violation. Law enforcement agencies in Washington are authorized to seize any rapid-fire devices found during lawful searches or encounters. Owners found in violation may face arrest and prosecution. It's imperative for firearm owners to stay informed about legislative changes, especially those impacting specific accessories, to avoid unintended legal entanglements. Ignorance of the law is not a valid defense, and the state has demonstrated a clear intent to enforce these prohibitions vigorously. Anyone with questions about compliance should seek legal counsel specializing in firearm law.

Considerations for Washington Firearm Owners

Given Washington's strict regulations on rapid-fire devices, firearm owners in the state must exercise extreme caution regarding any aftermarket trigger or firing mechanism modification. The explicit mention of forced reset triggers in ESB 5078 leaves no room for interpretation; these devices are prohibited. Owners who previously purchased an FRT and still possess it should consult with legal experts on the proper and lawful method of disposal or surrender to avoid felony charges. Options may include surrendering the device to law enforcement or destroying it in a manner that renders it permanently inoperable.

Beyond FRTs, the broad definition of 'rapid-fire device' means that other trigger modifications or accessories that significantly increase a semi-automatic firearm's rate of fire could also fall under the ban. This includes binary triggers, burst triggers, and any 'similar device.' Owners should carefully review the specifications and functionality of any accessory before purchasing or installing it on a firearm. When considering how to buy a gun or accessories, always verify compliance with both federal and state laws. Staying informed about current legislation is the best defense against accidental non-compliance.

For those looking to trade or sell firearms in Washington, understanding these accessory prohibitions is equally important. Listing a firearm equipped with a prohibited rapid-fire device could lead to legal issues for the seller. Platforms facilitating firearm sales must also ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations. When browsing all gun listings, it is always the buyer's responsibility to verify the legality of the firearm and its components in their jurisdiction, though reputable sellers will also adhere to legal standards.

Navigating the Broader Landscape of Firearm Accessory Laws

The legal status of forced reset triggers in Washington is a stark reminder of the dynamic and often complex nature of firearm accessory laws across the United States. While federal law sets a baseline for certain prohibitions, individual states have significant latitude to enact their own, often more restrictive, regulations. This patchwork of laws means that an accessory legal in one state might be a felony offense in another.

Beyond Washington, many other states have also moved to ban various forms of rapid-fire devices, often in the wake of federal reclassifications or high-profile legislative efforts. Some states have adopted definitions similar to Washington's, explicitly naming specific devices, while others rely on broader language that may still capture FRTs through interpretation. This disparity necessitates that firearm owners, especially those who travel or relocate, remain vigilant about the specific laws governing their jurisdiction.

The intent behind these laws is often to regulate the practical rate of fire of semi-automatic weapons, reflecting a legislative concern about devices that allow for rapid discharge of ammunition. For enthusiasts, this means a continuous need for education and due diligence when considering modifications or purchases. Resources like state gun law databases and legal counsel are invaluable for ensuring compliance. Understanding the full scope of state firearm laws is not just about the firearm itself, but also about every component and accessory that alters its function.