Are FRTs Legal in Michigan?

Short answer: Forced reset triggers (FRTs) are considered illegal machineguns in Michigan. This is based on the federal ATF ruling classifying them as such. Michigan law (MCL 750.224) defines a machine gun in a way that aligns with the federal definition, making possession of an FRT a potential felony.

Are FRTs Legal in Michigan?

Forced reset triggers (FRTs) are considered illegal machineguns in Michigan. This is based on the federal ATF ruling classifying them as such. Michigan law (MCL 750.224) defines a machine gun in a way that aligns with the federal definition, making possession of an FRT a potential felony.

The Federal Stance: Why the ATF Classified FRTs as Machineguns

The legal status of forced reset triggers in Michigan is dictated almost entirely by federal action. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) issued an open letter clarifying its position, stating that some FRT designs constitute machineguns under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and Gun Control Act (GCA). This decision was not a new law passed by Congress but an interpretation of existing statutes.

The core of the ATF's argument rests on the definition of a machinegun: 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. The key phrase is "single function of the trigger." The ATF contends that with an FRT, the single pull of the trigger initiates a continuous firing cycle that is only stopped when the shooter releases pressure. The trigger's forced forward movement, or reset, is considered part of that single function, making the device a machinegun.

This interpretation has been highly controversial and has led to significant legal battles. Companies like Rare Breed Triggers have challenged the ATF's classification in court, arguing that the trigger is still resetting and requires a separate pull for each shot, therefore not meeting the machinegun definition. However, as it stands, the ATF's official position is that these devices are prohibited machineguns. This federal classification has direct and serious implications for gun owners in every state, including Michigan.

A Mechanical Breakdown: How an FRT Differs from a Standard Trigger

To understand the legal controversy, one must first grasp the mechanics. A standard semi-automatic trigger in an AR-15 works through a series of interactions between the trigger, hammer, and disconnector. When you pull the trigger, the hammer is released to strike the firing pin. The bolt carrier group cycles, re-cocks the hammer, and the disconnector catches it, preventing it from falling again until you release the trigger. Only when the trigger is released does the sear reset, ready for the next pull.

A forced reset trigger fundamentally alters this process. An FRT uses the energy from the reciprocating bolt carrier group to push the trigger forward, resetting it almost instantaneously. The shooter's finger is still on the trigger, and the forward pressure from the reset can cause the shooter to reflexively pull the trigger again very quickly. This creates a rapid rate of fire that approaches that of a fully automatic weapon, but proponents argue it still fires only one round per trigger pull.

The debate centers on whether this rapid, assisted reset constitutes a continuous firing sequence from a single trigger function. Opponents of the ATF's view argue it's just an efficient semi-automatic trigger. The ATF, however, views the entire sequence—the initial pull and the subsequent shots fired while maintaining pressure—as a single function. This mechanical distinction is the entire basis for the device's classification as a machinegun. For platforms where trigger modifications are common, such as the SIG Sauer MPX, owners must be acutely aware of these legal distinctions to avoid installing a prohibited device.

Analyzing Michigan State Law: MCL 750.224

While much of the focus is on the ATF, Michigan's own state laws must be considered. Michigan does not have a statute that names forced reset triggers specifically. Instead, the relevant law is MCL 750.224, which defines and prohibits machine guns.

The Michigan statute defines a machine gun as "a firearm that shoots or is designed to shoot, automatically, more than 1 shot without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger." This language is nearly identical to the federal definition found in the NFA. Because of this parallel language, Michigan law enforcement and prosecutors will almost certainly defer to the ATF's technical interpretation. If the ATF classifies an FRT as a machinegun, Michigan will too.

Under this statute, possessing an unregistered machinegun in Michigan is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. There is no gray area or special exception in Michigan law that would protect an FRT owner from prosecution if the device is considered a machinegun at the federal level. The legal principle is straightforward: if it's a machinegun federally, it's a machinegun under state law, and possessing it is a serious crime. Therefore, the federal ban is effectively a state ban.

Legal Risks and Practical Consequences for Michigan Residents

The practical consequence for a Michigan resident possessing a forced reset trigger is severe legal jeopardy. Even if you believe the ATF's ruling is incorrect and will eventually be overturned, possession of an FRT today is a significant risk. A prosecutor could choose to file charges at both the state and federal levels.

It is crucial to understand that ignorance of the ATF's classification is not a valid legal defense. The open letter serves as public notice. If you are found with an FRT installed in a firearm, you can be arrested and charged. The burden would be on you to fight the classification in court, an expensive and uncertain process. Given the current legal climate, law enforcement agencies are actively aware of these devices.

For anyone considering acquiring a firearm or parts, this situation underscores the importance of due diligence. When browsing online gun listings, it is the buyer's responsibility to ensure every component is legal to own and possess in their jurisdiction. Before making any purchase, you must be certain the firearm is configured legally, and our guide on how to buy a gun provides essential steps for a compliant transaction. Owning an FRT in Michigan is, by any reasonable legal analysis, a high-risk gamble with felony charges as the potential outcome.

Comparison to Other Trigger Systems

It is helpful to compare FRTs to other common trigger modifications to understand why they are treated differently. The most common comparison is the binary trigger. A binary trigger fires one round when the trigger is pulled and one round when the trigger is released. Critically, these two actions (pull and release) are considered two separate functions of the trigger. The ATF has, to date, generally found these devices to not be machineguns because they still adhere to a "one shot per function" model.

Other modifications, like installing a lighter trigger spring or a polished sear, simply reduce the force needed to fire the weapon. They don't change the fundamental semi-automatic cycle of one pull, one shot. These modifications are legal. The FRT is unique because the ATF believes it creates a self-sustaining cycle of fire from a single, continuous action by the shooter (pulling and holding the trigger). This is the key difference that separates it from other legal rapid-fire systems. The legal status in states like Texas follows similar federal logic, as detailed in the analysis of forced reset triggers in Texas.

The Future of FRT Legality

The legal status of forced reset triggers is not set in stone, but the path to legalization is challenging. The issue is currently being litigated in various federal courts, with conflicting rulings from different circuits. Some courts have sided with the ATF, while others have issued injunctions against the enforcement of their rule.

Ultimately, this issue may be decided by the Supreme Court of the United States. A ruling from the highest court could either solidify the ATF's classification or strike it down, making FRTs legal nationwide. Until that happens, the legal landscape remains uncertain and risky for gun owners. The ATF has shown no signs of reversing its position, and enforcement continues.

For Michigan residents, the safest course of action is to assume FRTs are illegal and will remain so for the foreseeable future. Possessing one means accepting the risk of felony prosecution. Gun owners should stay informed about ongoing court cases and any changes in ATF guidance. You can follow the American Gun Trader blog for updates on this and other important Second Amendment legal topics.