FRT Triggers Are Legal Again… So Why Can They Still Get You Arrested?

Quick Answer: Certain forced reset triggers are no longer treated as machineguns under current federal policy following the 2024 NAGR v. Garland decision and the federal government’s 2025 settlement with Rare Breed Triggers. That does not make FRTs legal everywhere. State laws can independently prohibit them, and Rare Breed currently refuses FRT shipments to California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Washington, D.C.

California is especially clear: the California Department of Justice says FRTs qualify as prohibited “multiburst trigger activators,” and possession, sale, manufacture, importation, giving, or lending can be criminal offenses under state law.

So yes, the federal FRT fight changed dramatically.

No, that does not mean you should order one before checking your ZIP code.

What Is a Forced Reset Trigger?

A forced reset trigger, or FRT, is a semiautomatic trigger system that uses movement generated during the firearm’s operating cycle to mechanically push the trigger back toward its reset position.

That distinction is the entire legal fight.

With the FRT designs covered by the federal litigation and settlement, the trigger mechanically resets after every shot, and another function of the trigger is required before another round fires.

FRT Is Not the Same Thing as Full Auto

Mechanically, an FRT-equipped firearm remains semiautomatic under the theory accepted in the federal litigation: one shot occurs for each separate trigger function.

The practical sensation can feel dramatically different because the reset happens very quickly.

That is why these triggers generate so much confusion. Rate of fire and legal firing mechanism are related questions, but they are not the same question.

Are FRT Triggers Federally Legal in 2026?

For the FRT designs covered by the 2024 judgment and 2025 settlement, the current federal answer is yes.

That remains the practical federal baseline in August 2026.

The important qualification is that a manufacturer cannot simply label any rapid-fire trigger an “FRT” and automatically receive the same legal treatment. How the mechanism actually operates matters.

What States Do Not Allow FRT Triggers?

Federal legality does not override an independent state prohibition.

Rare Breed’s current published policy says it does not ship FRTs to California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, or Washington, D.C.

A manufacturer’s shipping policy is not itself the statute, however. Some states expressly name FRTs while others use broader language such as “multiburst trigger activator,” “rapid-fire trigger activator,” or similar terminology.

Always verify the current law in your state and any jurisdiction through which you intend to transport the firearm or trigger.

This is sure to be a short window of time these triggers are going to be legal, and it is very likely based on past similar full auto type accessories, that the companies and small shops cashing in on this will get shit down hard by the ATF and DOJ when there is a change in perspective in the government.

…best advice, GET EM WHILE YOU CAN! – they wont be around for long.

California: No, the Federal Win Did Not Legalize FRTs Here

For Cross Armory readers, this deserves its own section.

California DOJ specifically addressed the federal FRT settlement in 2025 and stated that it does not change California law.

California considers FRTs prohibited multiburst trigger activators.

That means an otherwise California-compliant AR configuration does not make an FRT lawful.

A fixed magazine does not cure an FRT prohibition.

A featureless rifle does not cure it.

These are separate sections of California firearms law.

That distinction is important because Cross Armory products such as the AR FIXED MAG, SAFE MAG 2, QUICK PINS, and other compliance-oriented components can address particular rifle-configuration requirements, but they do not convert a prohibited trigger device into a lawful one.

What Forced Reset Triggers Are Actually Available in 2026?

The current market extends far beyond the original Rare Breed FRT-15 but they are the dominant player, outside of small machine shops cashing in on the wave of demand .  If you want a good one from a real brand, this is what we would go with.

Keep in mind, the majority of the price you pay, is for the risk these guys are taking.  The cost to make these is 20% of the asking price, but given the demand and the inevitable legal headwind, the companies selling FRTs will need every penny.

Rare Breed FRT-15L3

Platform: AR-15
Intended cartridges: 5.56/.223 and .300 Blackout
Modes: Safe / Semi / FRT
Approximate price: $450
Trigger type: Single-stage

The L3 adds the conventional semiautomatic position that the original two-position FRT-15 lacked.

In FRT mode, the reset is very positive and noticeably mechanical. The trigger actively pushes back toward the shooter’s finger as the rifle cycles.

Rare Breed FRT-15C3

Platform: AR-15
Modes: Safe / Semi / FRT
Approximate price: $450
Semi mode: Two-stage
FRT mode: Single-stage

The C3 provides a two-stage conventional semi mode and separate forced-reset mode.

The C3 is the more interesting option if you still care about having a good conventional semiautomatic trigger.

Its semi mode provides a traditional two-stage feel, while FRT mode changes to the heavier single-stage forced-reset operation.

Rare Breed FRT-MR3

Platform: HK MR223 / MR556
Modes: Safe / Semi / FRT
Approximate price: $525

A purpose-designed forced-reset system for compatible HK MR rifles.

This is a purpose-designed HK application rather than an AR fire-control group forced into another platform.

Rare Breed FRT-RD3

Platform: MP5-pattern firearms
Approximate price: Roughly $600+ depending on configuration

Compatibility deserves extra attention because SP5, SP5K, AP5 and other MP5-pattern firearms do not all use identical housings and geometry.

Rare Breed FRT-SG3

Platforms: B&T SPC9, GHM9 and GHM45
Not compatible with: APC platform
Approximate price: $525

The SG3 is one of the newest platform-specific FRTs and uses a two-stage conventional mode with a single-stage forced-reset mode.

What About the Original FRT-15, WOT and Alamo-15?

The original FRT-15 was a two-position Safe/FRT design.

The WOT and Alamo-15 are better treated as legacy products because patent litigation substantially affected their manufacture and sale.

That matters when shopping used equipment because “I saw one online” does not mean the product still has normal factory support.  These and others represent small shops popping up to cash in but not a real brand or company that makes anything else of note.

What Does an FRT Actually Feel Like to Shoot?

The reset is the defining characteristic.

With a good conventional trigger, reset is something you feel.

With an FRT, reset becomes an active mechanical event.

The gun also feels busier. Faster strings create more muzzle movement, vibration, heat, ammunition consumption and visual movement through the optic.

An FRT increases potential cadence. It does not make your barrel more accurate, your ammunition more consistent, or your fundamentals better.

FRT Trigger Pros and Cons

Pros

• Extremely fast follow-up capability
• Modern three-position designs retain normal semi-auto
• Multiple firearm platforms are now supported
• Newer designs such as the C3 provide a legitimately better conventional trigger mode
• Mechanically fascinating solution for shooters in jurisdictions where possession is lawful

Cons

• State legality varies dramatically
• Legal treatment can change
• $450–$600+ is expensive for a trigger system
• High-cadence shooting consumes ammunition quickly $$$
• More heat is generated during rapid strings
• Compatibility is platform- and receiver-specific
• Cheap clones and questionable sellers deserve additional scrutiny

Cross Armory CA-TAC2: The AR-15 Trigger Alternative That Makes an FRT Harder to Justify

If you are reading about $450 FRTs because your factory AR trigger feels terrible, look very closely at what you actually want the rifle to do.

The Cross Armory CA-TAC2 is currently $149.99 and is a true two-stage, flat-faced, drop-in AR-15 trigger.

It is tuned around a 3.5-pound pull, abbreviated first-stage take-up, crisp second-stage break and short tactile reset. Cross Armory designed it for precision, competition, range and duty-oriented applications.

The $149.99 CA-TAC2 package includes the trigger, ambidextrous 45/90-degree safety selector, anti-rotation pins, SmoothLock selector parts and installation hardware.

The TAC-2 Kit Includes More Than the Trigger

This is one of the strongest parts of the value proposition.

The current CA-TAC2 package includes:

• CA-TAC2 two-stage drop-in trigger
• ambidextrous 45/90-degree safety selector
• SmoothLock selector pin and high-cycle spring
• anti-rotation pins
• selector hardware
• installation/alignment tool
• required springs and related hardware

The trigger uses hardened-steel sear and hammer components with corrosion-resistant finishes, along with 7075-T6 components.

Shop the Cross Armory CA-TAC2 AR-15 trigger kit

Why the TAC-2 Is Such a Strong Value Next to an FRT

Look at the numbers.

Trigger	Type	Current Price	Normal Precision Trigger	Safety Selector Included	Extra Hardware Included
Cross Armory CA-TAC2	Conventional two-stage	$149.99	Yes, 3.5-lb two-stage	Yes — ambidextrous 45/90°	Yes — anti-rotation pins, SmoothLock parts, tool
Rare Breed FRT-15L3	FRT / conventional semi	About $450	Single-stage semi	Selector integral to FRT system	FRT-specific components
Rare Breed FRT-15C3	FRT / conventional semi	About $450	Two-stage semi	Selector integral to FRT system	FRT-specific components

The CA-TAC2 costs roughly one-third of the price of the $450 Rare Breed AR models.

More importantly, Cross Armory includes the safety selector and supporting hardware in the $149.99 package.

For the shooter whose actual priorities are trigger control, short travel, a clean break and fast reset, the TAC-2 competes in the areas that matter during ordinary semiautomatic shooting without charging for the forced-reset mechanism.

That is what we mean when we call it the best-value route.

We would not claim that the TAC-2 “matches an FRT” in firing cadence—it does not, and that is not what it was designed to do.

What it does match is the performance conversation that matters to most shooters: quality materials, predictable control, a short reset, improved trigger geometry, a competition-capable pull weight and a much more complete package than its price initially suggests.

CA-TAC2 Pros

• $149.99 complete kit
• true two-stage operation
• 3.5-pound tuned pull
• short tactile reset
• flat-faced shoe
• hardened steel hammer/sear components
• 7075-T6 components
• ambidextrous 45/90-degree safety selector included
• anti-rotation pins included
• SmoothLock selector hardware included
• installation tool included
• conventional semiautomatic fire-control system

Where the FRT Still Has an Advantage

One thing.

Firing cadence.

If forced-reset operation is specifically what you want, and it is lawful where you possess and use the firearm, then a conventional trigger obviously cannot duplicate that operating mechanism.

But if what you want is simply an AR that feels dramatically better every time you press the trigger, spending $450 on an FRT is not automatically the smartest answer.

The CA-TAC2 deserves to be part of that calculation.

FRT vs. Binary Trigger vs. Cross Armory TAC-2

Feature	FRT	Binary Trigger	Cross Armory CA-TAC2
Conventional semiautomatic operation	Model dependent	Yes	Yes
Forced mechanical reset	Yes	No	No
Fires on release in special mode	No	Yes	No
Two-stage precision pull	C3 and select models	Model dependent	Yes
3.5-lb tuned pull	Model dependent	Model dependent	Yes
Ambidextrous safety included	FRT-specific selector	Model dependent	Yes, 45/90°
Major state-law complications	Yes	Often	No
Typical price discussed here	$450–$600+	Varies	$149.99
Best use	Maximum “legal” rapid-fire capability	Binary-mode shooting	Precision, control, competition, duty and general range use

That last row gets to the heart of it.

These products solve different problems.

Related Cross Armory Trigger and Compliance Upgrades

For someone coming to this article because they want to improve a firearm rather than simply own an FRT, these are the Cross Armory products worth knowing:

CA-TAC2 AR-15 Two-Stage Trigger Kit — 3.5-pound two-stage trigger, short reset, ambidextrous 45/90-degree selector, anti-rotation pins and supporting hardware for $149.99. See the Cross Armory CA-TAC2

Cross Armory Gen 1–3 Glock Flat-Faced Trigger — complete $109.99 drop-in fire-control package for listed Gen 1–3 applications. See the Gen 1–3 Glock trigger

Cross Armory G43/G43X/G48 Flat-Faced Trigger — complete $109.99 slimline trigger package. See the G43/G43X/G48 trigger

Cross Armory Gen 5 Glock Drop-In Trigger — complete $109.99 Gen 5 fire-control assembly for listed models. See the Gen 5 Glock trigger

Cross Armory Gen 5/6 Trigger on Bar — $84.99 trigger-and-bar assembly specifically cataloged for compatible Gen 5 and Gen 6 models. See the Gen 5/6 Glock trigger on bar

AR FIXED MAG, SAFE MAG 2 and QUICK PINS — compliance-oriented AR components for jurisdictions and configurations where their respective mechanisms are applicable.

Remember: none of these compliance products changes the legal status of an FRT if your state separately prohibits an FRT.

 

Want a Better Trigger Without an FRT? Cross Armory Has Better-Value Conventional Options

This is the part of the FRT conversation that often gets missed.

Not everyone actually needs a forced reset trigger.

If what you really want is:

• less pre-travel,
• cleaner trigger manipulation,
• a defined break,
• shorter reset,
• better ergonomics,
• better materials,
• and more control during ordinary semiautomatic shooting,

a good conventional performance trigger can deliver the characteristics you use on every single shot without turning the rifle or pistol into an FRT project.

That is exactly where Cross Armory’s trigger lineup makes sense.

Cross Armory Glock Triggers: Serious Performance Without the Premium-Trigger Price

Cross Armory developed its flat-faced Glock-compatible triggers around a simple idea: offer the ergonomics, materials and complete-component approach shooters expect from expensive aftermarket triggers without an inflated price.

The trigger shoe is CNC-machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum and anodized for corrosion resistance. Cross Armory uses a hybrid flat-face geometry with a slight lower curve, reduced pre-travel and an integral trigger safety.

Depending on the model, a complete drop-in package can include the trigger, trigger bar, connector, trigger housing, ejector and spring assembly rather than selling the shooter only a replacement shoe. Cross Armory’s Gen 1–3 and G43-family complete trigger assemblies are currently listed at $109.99.

That makes these some of the strongest-value Glock trigger upgrades in the Cross Armory catalog.

Cross Armory offers platform-specific flat-faced trigger assemblies for Gen 1–3, G43-family and later-generation Glock-compatible pistols.

Which Cross Armory Glock Trigger Fits My Gun?

Glock Platform	Cross Armory Trigger	Verified Compatibility	Current Listed Price	What You Get
Gen 1–3 / G-Series	Enhanced Flat-Faced Drop-In Trigger	G17, G19, G22, G23, G27, G31, G32, G33, G34, G35; product page also lists PF940/PF940C	$109.99	Complete drop-in assembly with trigger, bar, 3.5-lb connector, housing, ejector and spring assembly
G43 / G43X / G48	Enhanced Flat-Faced Drop-In Trigger	G43, G43X, G48	$109.99	Complete compact-family drop-in assembly with trigger, bar, 3.5-lb connector, housing, ejector and spring assembly
Gen 5	Gen 5 Flat-Faced Hybrid Drop-In Trigger	Product page lists G17, G19, G19X, G26, G34, G43 and G47 Gen 5	$109.99	Complete Gen 5 drop-in assembly with trigger, bar, 3.5-lb connector, housing, ejector and spring assembly
Gen 5 / Gen 6	Flat-Faced Trigger on Bar	G17, G19, G19X, G26, G34, G45, G47; Gen 5 and Gen 6	$84.99	CNC aluminum trigger already installed on compatible trigger bar

Cross Armory Glock Gen 1–3 Flat-Faced Drop-In Trigger

The Cross Armory Enhanced Flat-Faced Drop-In Trigger for Glock Gen 1–3 and compatible G-Series frames is currently listed at $109.99. The kit includes the aluminum trigger, trigger bar, 3.5-pound connector, trigger housing, ejector and spring assembly. Cross Armory lists compatibility with G17, G19, G22, G23, G27, G31, G32, G33, G34 and G35 models, plus specified compatible frames.

The trigger geometry is designed to reduce pre-travel and put a broad, consistent surface against the trigger finger. That matters because changing trigger-shoe geometry alters leverage and finger placement even before spring weights or connector geometry are considered.

Shop the Cross Armory Gen 1–3 Glock flat-faced trigger

Cross Armory G43 / G43X / G48 Flat-Faced Trigger

The Cross Armory G43/G43X/G48 drop-in trigger carries the same $109.99 current list price and follows the same complete-system approach.

It includes:

• CNC-machined 6061-T6 trigger
• trigger bar
• 3.5-pound connector
• trigger housing
• ejector
• spring assembly

Cross Armory specifically verifies the product for the G43, G43X and G48.

That makes it particularly appealing on the slimline guns because a better trigger shoe can be felt immediately on a pistol where the grip and trigger reach are already compact.

Shop the Cross Armory G43, G43X and G48 trigger

Cross Armory Gen 5 Complete Drop-In Trigger

For Gen 5 pistols, Cross Armory offers the Gen 5 Flat-Faced Hybrid Drop-In Trigger at a current listed price of $109.99.

The complete kit again includes the trigger, bar, 3.5-pound connector, trigger housing, ejector and spring assembly. The current product page lists G17, G19, G19X, G26, G34, G43 and G47 Gen 5 applications.

A verified owner review published on the product page reports a measured break settling into roughly the mid-3-pound range after a 600-round range session. That is a customer report, not a Cross Armory laboratory specification, but it is useful real-world feedback and should be identified as such.

Shop the Cross Armory Gen 5 complete drop-in Glock trigger

Cross Armory Gen 5 / Gen 6 Trigger on Bar

For the newest pistols, the current Cross Armory Gen 5/6 Flat-Faced Trigger on Bar is the option specifically cataloged for both generations.

It is currently listed at $84.99 and fits the listed Gen 5/Gen 6 G17, G19, G19X, G26, G34, G45 and G47 applications. The product consists of the Cross Armory aluminum trigger preinstalled on its trigger bar. It does not include the complete housing/connector package included with the $109.99 drop-in kits.

Cross Armory also specifically states that this version does not fit Gen 3 or Gen 4 models and is not compatible with .45 ACP applications.

That is exactly why matching the trigger to the generation matters. Glock fire-control parts are not universally interchangeable simply because two pistols look nearly identical externally.

Shop the Cross Armory Gen 5 / Gen 6 flat-faced trigger on bar

Why We Consider the Cross Armory Glock Trigger One of the Best Values

There are plenty of good aftermarket Glock triggers.

The reason Cross Armory’s stands out as a value proposition is what is included for the money.

On the $109.99 complete versions, you are not merely purchasing an aluminum shoe. You are purchasing an assembled fire-control package with the trigger, bar, 3.5-pound connector, housing, ejector and spring components supplied together.

The trigger itself is CNC-machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, uses reduced-pretravel geometry, and comes in numerous color combinations while retaining its mechanical trigger safety.

That combination makes it easy to call the Cross Armory line a best-value Glock trigger option in our lineup: performance-oriented geometry and complete components without pushing the price into the premium aftermarket tier.

It is important to distinguish that statement from an unsupported claim that one trigger will objectively outperform every competing product for every shooter. Trigger feel is highly personal, and the correct setup depends on the firearm’s purpose.

Which Trigger Makes the Most Sense?

If your only objective is the fastest lawful semiautomatic cadence possible, an FRT occupies its own category.

If you want a better AR trigger you can actually appreciate on every carefully aimed shot, the Cross Armory CA-TAC2 at $149.99 is difficult to ignore.

If you want a Glock trigger with reduced pre-travel, CNC-machined aluminum geometry and a complete replacement assembly without spending premium-trigger money, Cross Armory has dedicated options for Gen 1–3, G43/G43X/G48 and Gen 5, plus a Gen 5/6 trigger-on-bar for the newest compatible models.

That is the more useful way to shop triggers:

Start with the job the gun needs to do.

Then buy the mechanism that improves that job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are FRT triggers legal federally in 2026?

Certain FRT designs covered by the federal litigation and settlement are currently treated as semiautomatic rather than machineguns under federal law. State prohibitions remain independent.

Are FRT triggers legal in California?

No. California DOJ identifies FRTs as prohibited multiburst trigger activators.

Does a Cross Armory fixed-magazine system make an FRT legal in California?

No. Fixed-magazine compliance and California’s prohibition on multiburst trigger activators are separate legal issues.

What is the best-value AR-15 trigger if I do not need an FRT?

For Cross Armory customers, the CA-TAC2 is our strongest value proposition. The current $149.99 package includes the 3.5-pound true two-stage trigger, ambidextrous 45/90-degree safety selector, SmoothLock selector components, anti-rotation pins and installation hardware.

Does the Cross Armory TAC-2 include a safety selector?

Yes. The current kit includes an ambidextrous selector capable of 45/90-degree configuration along with the associated selector hardware.

What Cross Armory trigger fits a Glock Gen 3?

Cross Armory’s complete Gen 1–3 flat-faced drop-in assembly is listed for G17, G19, G22, G23, G27, G31, G32, G33, G34 and G35 applications on its current product page. Always verify the exact model and caliber before ordering.

Does Cross Armory make a trigger for the G43X?

Yes. The dedicated Cross Armory compact trigger is specifically listed for G43, G43X and G48 pistols.

Does Cross Armory have a Gen 6 Glock trigger?

Yes. The current Gen 5/6 Flat-Faced Trigger on Bar is specifically categorized for Gen 5 and Gen 6 and is listed for compatible G17, G19, G19X, G26, G34, G45 and G47 applications. It is a trigger-and-bar assembly rather than the complete $109.99 drop-in housing kit.

Is the Gen 5 complete Cross Armory drop-in trigger the same as the Gen 5/6 trigger?

No. Cross Armory currently lists them separately. The $109.99 Gen 5 kit includes the housing, connector and additional components; the $84.99 Gen 5/6 product is the trigger installed on a trigger bar (without housing and components).

 

Sources & Further Reading

• U.S. Department of Justice — 2025 Rare Breed FRT settlement
• Congressional Research Service — federal FRT legal analysis
• California Department of Justice — FRT/multiburst trigger activator bulletin
• Rare Breed Triggers — current legal status, specifications and product documentation
• Cross Armory — current Glock Gen 1–3 trigger specifications.
• Cross Armory — current G43/G43X/G48 trigger specifications.
• Cross Armory — current Gen 5 complete trigger specifications and owner feedback.
• Cross Armory — current Gen 5/6 trigger-on-bar compatibility.
• Cross Armory — current CA-TAC2 specifications, included components and $149.99 pricing.

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not legal advice. Firearm and firearm-accessory laws can change through legislation, regulation, litigation and local ordinance. Verify current federal, state and local law before acquiring, possessing, installing, transporting or using an FRT or other regulated device.

About the Author

Wes Cross is the Founder and Chief Product Officer of Cross Armory, where he leads product development and R&D. His professional work centers on product design, engineering and design for manufacturing.

Written by Wes Cross