Are Forced Reset Triggers Legal in Wyoming? State vs…

Are Forced Reset Triggers Legal in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, no state law explicitly bans forced reset triggers (FRTs). However, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has classified common FRT designs as machine guns. This federal classification makes possessing them illegal under federal law, regardless of Wyoming's permissive state statutes.

Understanding the Core Conflict: Federal vs. Wyoming State Law

For gun owners in Wyoming, the question of forced reset trigger legality isn't straightforward. The core of the issue lies in a direct conflict between state-level firearm laws and federal administrative rulings. Wyoming, known for its strong Second Amendment protections, has not passed any legislation that specifically names or outlaws forced reset triggers or similar firearm accessories. On paper, under Wyoming statutes, an FRT is not explicitly illegal.

However, this state-level silence is overshadowed by aggressive federal action. In March 2022, the ATF issued an open letter clarifying its position that certain FRT designs are, by their definition, machine guns. According to the National Firearms Act (NFA) and Gun Control Act (GCA), a machine gun is 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 ATF's interpretation hinges on that last phrase, and it creates a significant legal risk for Wyoming residents who might own one of these devices.

This federal interpretation means that even if a Wyoming state trooper wouldn't charge you under state law for possessing an FRT, a federal agent could. The federal government's classification supersedes state law in this matter, placing any owner in legal jeopardy. The debate over FRT legality is a nationwide issue, with gun owners in many states trying to understand the implications. The legal questions are not unique to Wyoming; gun owners in Kansas face a similar dilemma between state law and federal enforcement.

The Mechanics of an FRT and the ATF's Rationale

To grasp the ATF's reasoning, it's essential to understand how a forced reset trigger functions. In a standard semi-automatic AR-15, after a round is fired, the shooter must consciously release the trigger to allow it to reset before the next shot can be fired. An FRT changes this process. The FRT uses the energy from the reciprocating bolt carrier group to physically and forcibly push the trigger forward, resetting it instantly. The shooter's finger is still on the trigger, and the forward pressure from the reset can cause the shooter to immediately pull the trigger again.

This rapid, forced reset is what enables a much higher rate of fire, approaching that of a fully automatic weapon. The ATF argues that the continuous pressure from the shooter's finger combined with the trigger's forced reset constitutes a single 'function of the trigger' that results in multiple shots. In their view, the shooter is not performing a series of distinct trigger pulls. Instead, they are initiating a continuous mechanical process that fires until the pressure is removed or the ammunition is exhausted. This is the entire basis for classifying the device as a machine gun, and it's a highly contentious interpretation within the firearms community.

This technical distinction is crucial. Unlike a bump stock, which the ATF also reclassified, an FRT does not use the firearm's recoil to 'bump' the trigger finger. It is an internal fire control group component. Many argue that since the trigger does, in fact, move forward and backward for each shot, it is still firing one round per pull, making it a semi-automatic device. This legal and semantic battle is at the heart of several lawsuits filed against the ATF by trigger manufacturers.

Wyoming's Definition of a Machine Gun

Wyoming state law addresses machine guns directly, but its definition does little to clarify the FRT issue in a way that would protect a resident from federal law. Wyoming Statute § 6-8-101 defines a 'machine gun' in a manner that mirrors the federal definition, focusing on a firearm that shoots 'more than one (1) shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger'.

Because Wyoming's definition is nearly identical to the federal one, it offers no specific legal sanctuary. If a federal court upholds the ATF's interpretation that an FRT facilitates more than one shot per 'single function of the trigger,' then the device would likely be considered a machine gun under Wyoming law as well. The state has not issued its own opinion or guidance on FRTs, leaving the federal interpretation as the de facto standard. Lawmakers in neighboring states like Colorado have seen similar legal questions arise, where federal definitions often set the precedent in the absence of specific state guidance.

Essentially, Wyoming law defaults to the federal standard. There are no 'Second Amendment Preservation Acts' or similar state-level statutes in Wyoming that have been successfully used to nullify the ATF's NFA regulations regarding machine guns. Therefore, a Wyoming gun owner cannot rely on state law as a shield against federal prosecution for possessing an unregistered FRT. The risk is entirely at the federal level, but it is a severe one, as possession of an unregistered machine gun is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and significant fines.

Comparing FRTs to Other Trigger Systems

The firearms market includes various trigger systems designed to enhance performance, and it's useful to compare FRTs to them. Standard mil-spec triggers are reliable but basic. Match-grade triggers offer a lighter, crisper pull for improved accuracy. Then there are devices that increase the rate of fire, like FRTs and binary triggers. While both can fire rapidly, their mechanism and legal status are different.

A binary trigger fires one round when the trigger is pulled and a second round when the trigger is released. Each action—pull and release—is considered a separate function of the trigger, resulting in two distinct shots. The ATF has generally found these to be compliant with the NFA's definition of a semi-automatic, though some states have banned them. The operation of binary triggers has its own set of legal complexities depending on location. An FRT, by contrast, only fires on the pull, but it forces the reset so another pull can happen almost instantaneously.

This mechanical distinction is what places the FRT in the ATF's crosshairs while binary triggers have largely avoided the 'machine gun' label at the federal level. For anyone looking to modify their firearm, it is critical to understand these nuances. Before you buy any firearm or accessory, researching its specific legal status at both the state and federal level is a necessary step to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal trouble. You can also explore a wide variety of legal firearm parts and accessories to see what options are available.

Legal Precedent and Ongoing Court Battles

The ATF's 2022 letter was not the final word on the matter. Manufacturers of FRTs, most notably Rare Breed Triggers, immediately challenged the ATF's classification in federal court. These lawsuits argue that the ATF overstepped its authority, effectively creating new law through reinterpretation rather than through the proper legislative or regulatory process. This is similar to the legal arguments made in the bump stock cases, one of which reached the Supreme Court.

The outcome of these court cases will have a massive impact on the legality of FRTs in Wyoming and across the country. If the courts rule in favor of the manufacturers, it could invalidate the ATF's classification and make FRTs federally legal as semi-automatic accessories. Conversely, if the courts side with the ATF, it will solidify the 'machine gun' classification and confirm that possessing an unregistered FRT is a federal crime.

For now, the situation remains in a state of flux. While the ATF's position is clear and enforcement is a real possibility, the final legal status is still being decided in the judicial system. Wyoming gun owners with FRTs are in a precarious position, caught between an agency's enforcement action and pending court decisions that could go either way. Staying informed on these cases is the only way to track the evolving legal landscape. For more information on firearm laws and news, you can visit our American Gun Trader blog.