Forced Reset Triggers, commonly called FRTs, have been at the center of one of the most closely watched firearm-related legal battles in recent years. After years of litigation and significant changes in federal policy, many Texas gun owners are asking the same question: Are FRTs legal, and can I shoot one at my local range?
At Texas Gun Experience in Grapevine, Texas, FRTs are welcome on our range.
Because FRT-equipped firearms can allow significantly faster rates of fire than a conventional semiautomatic trigger, however, we ask FRT shooters to take a few additional steps before shooting. These simple precautions help our Range Safety Officers maintain a safe environment for everyone while allowing customers to enjoy their firearms responsibly.
A Forced Reset Trigger (FRT) is a firearm trigger mechanism designed to use the firearm’s cycling action to force the trigger forward into its reset position after a shot.
Unlike a conventional semiautomatic trigger, where the shooter manually releases the trigger to reset it, an FRT mechanically assists with resetting the trigger. When used as designed, this can allow a shooter to fire substantially faster than with a conventional trigger.
That rapid-fire capability is what put FRTs at the center of a major federal legal dispute.
FRTs are sometimes confused with machine guns or other trigger-activating devices. The legal distinction has been the subject of extensive litigation, and the exact legal status of a particular device can depend on its design and the applicable federal and state law.
For several years, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) treated certain FRTs as machine guns under federal law. That position led to enforcement actions, seizures, litigation, and disputes involving manufacturers and owners.
A major turning point came in July 2024, when the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas ruled in National Association for Gun Rights v. Garland that the Rare Breed FRT-15 and Wide Open Trigger (WOT) at issue could not be classified as machine guns under the federal statute based on the court’s interpretation of the statutory definition. ATF subsequently acknowledged that decision in its public guidance.
The following year brought an even larger change.
On February 7, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14206, “Protecting Second Amendment Rights.” The order directed the Attorney General to review federal actions affecting Second Amendment rights.
Then, in May 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice announced a settlement resolving federal litigation involving Rare Breed Triggers and related FRT cases. The DOJ stated that the settlement was reached in accordance with President Trump’s executive order and the Attorney General’s Second Amendment Enforcement Task Force.
The DOJ specifically referenced the 2024 Northern District of Texas decision and stated that the court had concluded that FRTs could not be classified as machine guns under the circumstances addressed in that litigation.
As part of the settlement, the federal government agreed to resolve the pending litigation and, subject to the settlement’s terms, stop treating the covered FRTs as machine guns under the federal government’s previous position.
ATF subsequently announced procedures for returning certain seized Rare Breed FRT-15s and WOTs to eligible owners. ATF’s current guidance also specifically notes that some states independently prohibit FRTs or other trigger-activating devices.
That last point is important.
Federal treatment of FRTs does not automatically mean that every FRT is legal everywhere in the United States. State laws can be different.
Texas law defines a “machine gun” as a firearm capable of shooting more than two shots automatically, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.
The federal litigation surrounding FRTs focused heavily on whether a trigger such as the FRT-15 actually satisfies the federal statutory definition of a machine gun.
Texas Gun Experience is located in Grapevine, Texas, and FRTs are permitted on our range subject to our range rules and Range Safety Officer instructions.
For customers, the important distinction is this:
An FRT is not something that should simply be treated like a conventional trigger when it comes to range operations.
The increased rate of fire means target placement, firearm control, and communication with range personnel are especially important.
At Texas Gun Experience, our goal is to provide a safe, professional environment where firearm owners can enjoy a wide variety of shooting experiences.
Our indoor facility features 26 shooting lanes at 25 and 50 yards, professional Range Safety Officers, and a broad selection of firearm rental and shooting experiences.
We allow rapid fire under our range rules, and our published range guidance instructs shooters to communicate with a Range Safety Officer before engaging in rapid fire.
FRT shooters should let our Range Check-In team know that they intend to use an FRT before heading onto the range.
This isn’t about taking away from the experience.
It’s about making sure our team knows what is happening and can help place you in a range position appropriate for the type of shooting you intend to do.
If you’re planning to shoot an FRT-equipped firearm, tell our Range Check-In staff when you arrive.
This gives our team an opportunity to place you in a range position better suited to this type of shooting and lets our Range Safety Officers know what to expect.
Communication between shooters and Range Safety Officers is an important part of maintaining a safe range.
An FRT doesn’t change the fundamentals of firearm safety.
Always:
Texas Gun Experience has Certified Range Safety Officers present throughout the range to assist customers and help maintain a safe shooting environment.
This is especially important with rapid-fire shooting.
Before shooting, make sure your target is positioned at the appropriate height and distance and that the rounds will impact the intended backstop.
Rounds should not be striking:
Rapid fire can make it more difficult to recognize an improperly positioned target until after several rounds have been fired.
Taking a few seconds to check target placement before shooting can prevent unnecessary damage and help keep the range safe for everyone.
The answer is simple: communication.
Texas Gun Experience is designed to accommodate many different types of shooters and shooting activities, from first-time shooters to experienced firearm owners.
Our range offers 25- and 50-yard shooting lanes and has Range Safety Officers available to assist customers throughout their experience.
When our staff knows that an FRT will be used, we can take the nature of that shooting into account when assigning a lane and monitoring the range.
That helps us protect:
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding FRTs is that using one eliminates the need for responsible trigger control.
The opposite is true.
The ability to fire rapidly makes control and awareness even more important.
Shooters should remain aware of where every round is going and should immediately stop if they lose control of the firearm, their shots are no longer impacting the intended target area, or a Range Safety Officer instructs them to cease fire.
At Texas Gun Experience, our goal isn’t to take the fun out of shooting.
It’s to make sure you can enjoy it safely.
If you’re bringing your own FRT-equipped firearm to TGE, let our Range Check-In staff know when you arrive.
Our team can help get you checked in and make sure our Range Safety Officers are aware of your planned shooting activity.
Texas Gun Experience offers a premium indoor shooting environment in Grapevine with 25- and 50-yard lanes, professional Range Safety Officers, firearm rentals, training, memberships, and a large selection of shooting experiences.
FRT stands for Forced Reset Trigger. It is a trigger mechanism designed to use the firearm’s cycling action to force the trigger forward into its reset position.
Not necessarily. The classification of FRTs has been the subject of significant federal litigation. In 2024, a federal court in Texas ruled that the specific FRTs at issue in that case could not be classified as machine guns under the applicable federal statute. The DOJ subsequently settled related litigation in 2025.
The federal legal landscape changed substantially in 2025, and FRTs are permitted at Texas Gun Experience. However, the legality of a particular device can depend on its design and the laws that apply to it. Anyone purchasing, possessing, modifying, or transporting an FRT should verify current federal and state law.
Yes. FRTs are welcome at TGE, subject to our range rules and Range Safety Officer instructions.
Please notify Range Check-In staff before shooting one.
Yes. Please tell our Range Check-In staff when you arrive. This allows us to account for the type of shooting you’re planning and gives our Range Safety Officers a heads-up.
Texas Gun Experience’s published range policy allows rapid fire in 2–3 round bursts, provided the shooter communicates with a Range Safety Officer beforehand and maintains control of the firearm. TGE reserves the right to revoke permission if a shooter loses control of the firearm.
Customers should follow TGE’s standard firearm and range requirements and notify Range Check-In staff that they intend to use an FRT.
This article is provided for general educational and informational purposes and is not legal advice. Firearm and FRT laws can change, and the legality of a particular trigger or firearm may depend on its design, configuration, ownership, location, and applicable federal, state, and local law. Customers should consult a qualified attorney for advice concerning their individual circumstances. Texas Gun Experience's range policies are separate from questions of legal ownership or possession.
Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, ATF, Texas Penal Code, and current Texas Gun Experience range information.
Bryan is a former Marine with a deep passion for firearms and marksmanship. A dedicated gun enthusiast, he has extensive knowledge of weaponry, tactics, and firearm safety.
The Texas Gun Experience in Grapevine, Texas, offers a premier indoor shooting range, providing a range of experiences for both beginners and seasoned shooters. The facility features state-of-the-art gun ranges, including lanes for handguns, rifles, and shotguns, along with a variety of firearm rentals. They offer comprehensive training programs ranging from basic firearm safety courses to License to Carry (LTC) classes. Their retail store is stocked with firearms, ammunition, and accessories, and they also provide gunsmithing services. Visitors can enjoy special events like shooting competitions or VIP nights, as well as try shooting fully automatic weapons for a unique experience. With a luxurious and comfortable atmosphere, the Texas Gun Experience ensures an upscale unforgettable shooting experience!