In a significant shift in federal firearms policy, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has reached a settlement with Rare Breed Triggers, effectively lifting the federal ban on forced-reset triggers (FRTs). These devices, which increase the firing speed of semi-automatic rifles, had been previously classified as illegal machine gun conversions under the Biden administration. The settlement mandates the return of any previously seized or surrendered FRTs to their owners, marking a notable change in the interpretation of firearm regulations.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the settlement, stating, “This Department of Justice believes that the 2nd Amendment is not a second-class right.” The agreement resolves ongoing litigation between the federal government and Rare Breed Triggers, which had challenged the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) classification of FRTs as machine guns. Under the terms of the settlement, Rare Breed Triggers has agreed not to develop similar devices for handguns and to enforce its patents to prevent unauthorized reproductions.
The decision has been met with mixed reactions. Gun rights advocates hail it as a victory for Second Amendment protections, emphasizing the importance of limiting governmental overreach. Lawrence DeMonico, president of Rare Breed Triggers, commented, “This victory is a landmark moment in the fight against unchecked government overreach.”
Conversely, gun control organizations express deep concern over the potential implications for public safety. Vanessa Gonzalez, vice president of government and political affairs at GIFFORDS, criticized the move, suggesting it may undermine recent efforts to curb gun violence. Critics argue that the increased availability of FRTs could lead to higher rates of gun violence and mass shootings.
The legal landscape surrounding FRTs has been contentious. In July 2024, the Northern District of Texas ruled that FRTs could not be classified as machine guns, citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Cargill v. Garland, which held that the ATF had exceeded its authority in classifying bump stocks as machine guns. This precedent played a pivotal role in the DOJ’s decision to settle with Rare Breed Triggers, avoiding further appeals and litigation.
Under the settlement, the DOJ has agreed not to enforce the machine gun ban against devices functioning like FRTs, provided they are not designed for use in handguns. Additionally, the ATF is required to return thousands of FRTs previously seized or surrendered by owners. This aspect of the agreement has raised alarms among gun control advocates, who fear it could set a precedent for the deregulation of other firearm modifications.
The settlement also underscores the ongoing debate over the balance between Second Amendment rights and public safety. While proponents argue that the decision protects constitutional freedoms and corrects regulatory overreach, opponents warn of the potential dangers posed by increased access to rapid-fire weapon modifications. As the nation grapples with the implications of this policy shift, the discourse surrounding gun rights and regulations is poised to intensify.
