ATF Director SCHOOLS Anti--Gun Senator On FRTs During Senate Hearing!

This video analyzes a Senate hearing where ATF Director Robert Cicada clarified the legal definition of a machine gun in relation to forced reset triggers (FRTs), specifically the Rare Breed FRT-15. Cicada emphasized that FRTs, under a specific DOJ settlement, are not classified as machine guns because they require a distinct trigger pull for each shot, unlike true machine guns which fire multiple rounds with a single trigger function. The video contrasts this legal definition with Senator Jack Reed's arguments based on rate of fire and personal experience, highlighting the importance of adhering to statutory text over subjective interpretations.

Quick Summary

ATF Director Robert Cicada clarified during a Senate hearing that Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs), like the Rare Breed FRT-15, are not legally classified as machine guns. He emphasized that federal law defines machine guns by their ability to fire multiple shots with a single trigger function, a criterion FRTs do not meet as they require a distinct pull for each shot.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: FRTs & Senate Hearing
  2. 01:10Context: Forced Reset Triggers Explained
  3. 02:05Senator Reed's Questioning on FRTs
  4. 03:28ATF Director's Response & Legal Nuances
  5. 05:00The Legal Definition of a Machine Gun
  6. 06:40Critique of Senator Reed's Arguments
  7. 08:05Rate of Fire vs. Statutory Definition
  8. 09:30Conclusion: FRTs are Legal Under Settlement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal definition of a machine gun according to federal law?

Under 26 USC section 5845(b), a machine gun is defined as any weapon that 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 means one pull of the trigger results in multiple shots.

Are Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs) considered machine guns?

No, generally not. While FRTs like the Rare Breed FRT-15 can increase the rate of fire, they require a distinct trigger pull for each shot. This differs from machine guns, which fire multiple rounds with a single trigger function, as per federal law.

What was the outcome of the Senate hearing regarding FRTs?

ATF Director Robert Cicada clarified that, due to a Department of Justice settlement, Rare Breed's FRT is currently considered a legal forced reset trigger and not a machine gun. He emphasized that the legal classification depends on the 'single function of the trigger' definition.

Why did Senator Jack Reed argue against forced reset triggers?

Senator Reed cited the high rate of fire achievable with FRTs (e.g., 30 rounds in four seconds) and his personal experience with M16s, suggesting these devices should be treated as automatic weapons. However, ATF Director Cicada maintained that rate of fire is not the statutory definition of a machine gun.

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