Gun owners across the country have been asking the same question: Can I finally get my Forced Reset Trigger (FRT) back? According to a recent update from Armed Attorneys Richard Hayes and Emily Taylor, the answer, for now, is yes. In a major turn of events, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has dropped its appeal in the long-running legal fight over FRTs and settled with Rare Breed Triggers, opening the door for previously seized devices to be returned. The change stems directly from legal fallout following the Cargill v. Garland Supreme Court decision in 2024.
Supreme Court Decision Changed Everything
The dominoes started to fall with the Cargill v. Garland case, where the Supreme Court ruled that a bump stock does not convert a semi-automatic firearm into a machine gun. As Emily Taylor explained on Armed Attorneys, this case effectively pulled the rug out from under the ATF’s authority to reclassify firearm accessories beyond what Congress explicitly defined. The Northern District of Texas then used the same logic to declare that FRTs do not meet the federal definition of a machine gun either.
DOJ Pulls Back – And Why It Matters
The DOJ’s press release, dated May 16, 2025, confirmed that the government has now settled with Rare Breed and will no longer pursue appeals in related lawsuits. Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated that the 2nd Amendment is “not a second-class right” and emphasized that the settlement aligns with President Trump’s Executive Order Protecting Second Amendment Rights. The message is clear: the government doesn’t see FRTs as illegal machineguns – at least under current federal law.
The NRA’s Take: A Big Win for Gun Owners
In a detailed breakdown by the NRA-ILA, the settlement was framed as a victory not only for Rare Breed and other plaintiffs like the National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR), but also for individual Americans who had surrendered their FRTs under the threat of felony prosecution. While some limitations remain (such as a ban on developing FRTs for handguns), the settlement clears the way for Rare Breed to continue manufacturing FRTs for rifles, pending compliance with strict safety and patent requirements.
How the FRT Works – and Why It Was Misunderstood
FRTs are aftermarket trigger assemblies that forcibly reset after each shot, allowing rapid follow-up shots. But, and this is crucial, each bullet still requires a separate trigger function, meaning the shooter must pull the trigger for every shot. That alone disqualifies them from being classified as machineguns under federal law, as Richard Hayes repeatedly pointed out. In fact, if a user simply holds the trigger to the rear, the gun malfunctions – proving it’s not a “one-function, multiple-shot” system.
A Messy Past, A Clearer Future
According to the NRA-ILA, the ATF’s initial crackdown on FRTs started in 2021 under the Biden administration, issuing threatening letters and seizing devices from sellers and individuals. This heavy-handed approach sparked outrage and numerous lawsuits, culminating in the recent legal reversals. While no one from Rare Breed was ever charged with a federal crime, the specter of prosecution loomed over every owner of an FRT. That’s what makes the settlement so significant – it ends the chilling effect the ATF’s actions created.
Yes, You Can Get Your FRT Back – If You Act Fast
During their YouTube video, Emily Taylor confirmed that individuals who surrendered FRTs can now request their return, but only if they act before September 30, 2025. The ATF has provided an online form and process for individuals to claim their property back, but it’s not automatic. You must request it – and if you don’t, you may lose your chance. Richard Hayes added that the ATF may treat the return like a typical firearm transfer, including a background check in some cases.
But What About State Laws?
One major caveat: this decision only affects federal law. Some states, including California, New York, and even Florida, still ban devices like bump stocks and FRTs outright. “If you live too far west, too far northeast, or in the bonkers state of Florida,” as Taylor humorously put it, “you’ve probably got problems.” In those states, owning or even receiving your FRT back could still land you in hot water. Always check your local and state laws before making any moves.
Will You Get Compensation for Surrendered Devices?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. As Hayes and Taylor explained, even though the government wrongly classified FRTs and seized private property, there will be no compensation for individuals who lost devices. It’s what Taylor bluntly called “a taking” – and a frustrating one. “They’re going to justify it a thousand different ways that make zero legal sense,” she added. “But they’ll probably win because they’re the government.”
Rare Breed Still Faces Restrictions
According to the DOJ settlement, Rare Breed agreed not to design or market FRTs for use in handguns and must take steps to prevent others from copying their designs. The company also committed to promoting safe use of their triggers. These terms seem like a compromise to ensure public safety while respecting gun rights. As the NRA-ILA noted, Rare Breed’s willingness to stand firm helped make this resolution possible.
Why This Case Is Fascinating
What stands out here isn’t just the legal victory – it’s the larger story about federal agencies pushing past their boundaries. The ATF’s behavior, as described by both the NRA-ILA and the Armed Attorneys, shows how quickly a rule can become a weapon against ordinary citizens. This settlement feels like a rare instance where the tide turned the other way. It’s fascinating to see how a combination of grassroots legal pressure and a Supreme Court decision forced the government to back down.
Looking Ahead – A Cautious Win
This isn’t the end of the story. While FRTs are no longer considered machineguns under federal law (so long as they meet the court’s criteria), gray areas remain. The government still reserves the right to withhold some devices used in crimes or other investigations. Other companies besides Rare Breed could still face legal scrutiny. Still, this settlement offers real hope for gun owners who’ve been burned by regulatory overreach.
Bottom Line: FRTs Are Back – for Now
To sum up, you can legally request your FRT back, and if you do it soon, there’s a good chance the ATF will return it – assuming you live in a state where it’s legal. This dramatic shift came about thanks to Cargill v. Garland, the DOJ’s settlement with Rare Breed, and strong advocacy from groups like NAGR and coverage from Armed Attorneys. It’s a win for gun owners – but only if they move quickly and stay informed.
Raised in a small Arizona town, Kevin grew up surrounded by rugged desert landscapes and a family of hunters. His background in competitive shooting and firearms training has made him an authority on self-defense and gun safety. A certified firearms instructor, Kevin teaches others how to properly handle and maintain their weapons, whether for hunting, home defense, or survival situations. His writing focuses on responsible gun ownership, marksmanship, and the role of firearms in personal preparedness.
