The ATF Director Refused To Bend The Law On FRTs

Published on June 7, 2026
Duration: 2:03

This video explains the ATF Director's refusal to classify Force Reset Triggers (FRTs) as machine guns, despite a senator's assertion based on rate of fire. The ATF's stance aligns with current law, which defines machine guns by the single function of the trigger, not rate of fire. The discussion highlights the actual threats of 3D-printed and imported illegal firearm modifications.

Quick Summary

US law defines a machine gun by the single function of the trigger, not by its rate of fire. The ATF Director confirmed that Force Reset Triggers (FRTs) are not machine guns because they fire one round per pull, and the DOJ has conceded this in court. Real threats involve 3D-printed firearms and imported illegal switches.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Senator's Definition of Machine Gun
  2. 00:05Rate of Fire vs. Legal Definition
  3. 00:19Force Reset Trigger Explained
  4. 00:25DOJ Concession on FRTs
  5. 00:30Real Machine Gun Threats
  6. 00:42Illegal Switches and Imports
  7. 00:51Senator Ignores Law for Hobbyists
  8. 00:54Senator's Rate of Fire Argument
  9. 01:03Rate of Fire Not in Statute
  10. 01:08Supreme Court Confirmation
  11. 01:15Competition Shooters & Machine Guns
  12. 01:20Ban Risk for Semi-Autos
  13. 01:25Director Confirms Law Doesn't Cover FRTs
  14. 01:30Senator Wants to Change Statute
  15. 01:35Legal Status of FRTs

Frequently Asked Questions

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

US law defines a machine gun by the single function of the trigger, meaning it fires automatically with one pull. Rate of fire, while a characteristic of automatic weapons, is not the defining legal factor for classifying a firearm as a machine gun under current statutes.

Why did the ATF Director refuse to classify Force Reset Triggers (FRTs) as machine guns?

The ATF Director refused because FRTs, by design, still fire only one round per trigger pull, adhering to the legal definition of a semi-automatic firearm. The DOJ has also conceded this point in court, and the law does not define machine guns by their rate of fire.

What are the real machine gun threats identified by the ATF?

The ATF Director pointed to 3D-printed firearms and illegal 'switches' manufactured overseas and shipped into the US by the container load as the primary machine gun threats. These are already illegal modifications.

Can a fast-shooting semi-automatic firearm be considered a machine gun?

No, according to current US law and Supreme Court precedent, simply shooting fast does not make a semi-automatic firearm a machine gun. The legal definition relies on the trigger's function, not the speed at which rounds are discharged.

Related News

All News →

More 2nd Amendment & Law Videos You Might Like

More from Colion Noir

View all →