ATF GUIDELINES

ATF Guidelines –

Stay Legal, Stay Safe: ATF Guidelines for Firearm Owners

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) enforces federal laws to regulate firearms, ensuring public safety while upholding Second Amendment rights. As a responsible owner, knowledge of these guidelines is non-negotiable—non-compliance can lead to severe penalties. This page breaks down the essentials for purchasing, possessing, and maintaining firearms. Always verify with ATF.gov for the latest rules (last major updates via Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, 2022; ongoing 2025 clarifications on pistol braces and ghost guns).

Key ATF Guidelines for Responsible Ownership

• Purchasing Firearms: Must be 18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns from FFL dealers. Complete ATF Form 4473 accurately—no felons, fugitives, unlawful drug users, or those adjudicated mentally defective. NICS background check required; private sales vary by state (Texas: no universal check, but report theft/loss within 48 hours).

• Prohibited Persons: Cannot own/possess if convicted of felony, domestic violence misdemeanor, under restraining order, illegal drug user (including marijuana, even if state-legal), dishonorably discharged, or fugitive. Restore rights via expungement or pardon where possible.

• Transfers & Sales: Use a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) for interstate transfers. Private intrastate sales don't require FFL in Texas, but both parties must be eligible. Suppressors, SBRs, and AOWs need ATF approval via Form 4 (tax stamp required).

• Secure Storage & Safety: No federal mandate, but recommended: Lock up to prevent unauthorized accessATF Guidelines – Page Summary / Compliance Overview

  Pro Tip: Use ATF's eForms portal for approvals and check state laws via Texas DPS. Ignorance isn't a defense—empower yourself with compliance.

  Federal law regulates firearms to protect the public while respecting rights.” Reference: ATF.gov/firearms. Consult a legal expert for personal advice. Lock,

ATF Rules on Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs)

Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs) are aftermarket devices designed for semi-automatic firearms (primarily AR-15 platforms) that mechanically force the trigger to reset forward after each shot, enabling a faster rate of fire during a continuous pull. While they do not convert a firearm into a fully automatic machinegun—requiring a separate trigger function per shot—they have been a flashpoint in federal regulations. Below is a breakdown of the ATF's current rules, based on the latest developments.

Historical Context and Classification

• Pre-2025 Stance: In 2021–2022, the ATF classified certain FRTs (e.g., Rare Breed Triggers' FRT-15 and Wide Open Triggers' WOT) as "machineguns" under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and Gun Control Act (GCA). This was because they allegedly allowed "more than one shot... by a single function of the trigger," subjecting them to strict NFA requirements like registration, $200 tax stamps, and prohibitions on civilian possession without approval. The ATF issued an open letter to FFLs in March 2022 warning against their sale, leading to seizures, lawsuits, and voluntary surrenders.

• Key Legal Shift: In July 2024, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor ruled in NAGR v. Garland (N.D. Tex.) that FRTs do not meet the statutory machinegun definition, as each shot requires a distinct trigger pull (even if rapid). This aligned with the Supreme Court's 2024 Garland v. Cargill decision on bump stocks. The Fifth Circuit upheld skepticism toward the ATF's ban in late 2024.

Current Federal Rules (Post-Settlement)

• 2025 Settlement Agreement: On May 16, 2025, the Trump DOJ/ATF settled multiple lawsuits (including with Rare Breed Triggers and the National Association for Gun Rights). Key terms:

  • The ATF will no longer enforce FRT classifications as machineguns under federal law for devices meeting the court's criteria (i.e., those requiring separate trigger functions per shot).

  • Return of Seized Devices: The ATF is returning over 12,000 previously seized or surrendered FRTs to eligible owners. Notifications began in February 2025, with mailings completed by June 30, 2025. Owners must request returns by September 30, 2025, via ATF's website or email (FRT.Return@atf.gov). Provide your name, address, phone, and any ATF case/item numbers.

  • No Future Prosecutions: The DOJ agrees not to pursue GCA/NFA actions against compliant FRTs, even beyond the current administration. This effectively legalizes their manufacture, sale, possession, and use federally.

• Exclusions: The settlement does not cover true machinegun conversion devices (e.g., auto sears, switches, or lightning links). FRTs mimicking full-auto fire may still face scrutiny.

State-Level Variations

• Federal legalization does not override state laws. As of December 2025:

  • Prohibited in 16+ States: California (classified as "multiburst trigger activators" under Penal Code §32900), Minnesota, Maryland, New York, and others ban FRTs outright. A June 2025 lawsuit by 17 AGs secured commitments from ATF/Rare Breed to block returns/sales in these jurisdictions. Owners in banned states should not request returns; designate a legal proxy elsewhere if possible.

  • Legal in Texas and Others: No statewide ban; aligns with federal rules. Check local ordinances.

• Pro Tip: Verify your state's status via the AG's office or ATF's resources. In prohibited states, possession remains a felony.

Compliance and Safety Recommendations

• Purchasing/Selling: Available via FFLs or online in legal areas. No NFA paperwork needed federally.

• Installation/Use: Ensure proper function—malfunctions can occur if the trigger isn't released fully. Follow all firearm safety rules.

• Reporting: Report lost/stolen FRT-equipped firearms per state law (e.g., Texas: within 48 hours).

• Stay Updated: Rules evolve; monitor ATF.gov/firearms for changes. Consult a firearms attorney for personalized advice.

FRTs represent a win for 2A advocates, but responsible ownership means knowing your local laws to avoid unintended violations. For more, see ATF's FRT return page or NAGR v. Garland filings.

There is a specific restriction related to making Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs) for certain handguns, but it's not a broad federal law prohibiting them outright—it's a contractual term from the May 2025 settlement agreement between the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Rare Breed Triggers (the primary FRT manufacturer), and related parties (including the National Association for Gun Rights).

Key Details of the Restriction

Under the settlement terms:

• Rare Breed Triggers (and its officers) agreed not to develop, design, produce, market, advertise, or encourage the use of FRTs for "any handgun", where "handgun" is explicitly defined as "a firearm whose magazine loads into the trigger-hand grip".

• This targets traditional/conventional pistols (e.g., Glocks, Smith & Wesson M&P, Taurus models, 1911s, etc.), where the magazine inserts directly into the grip/handle.

• The restriction is part of the broader agreement that resolved multiple lawsuits, vacated prior ATF classifications of FRTs as machineguns, and allowed continued sales for rifles and other platforms.

• Rare Breed must also take reasonable efforts to enforce its patents against infringements that could threaten public safety, and promote responsible use.

This definition is carefully worded and does not apply to many semi-automatic "pistols" in the broader sense:

• FRTs remain permissible for designs where the magazine loads ahead of/forward of the grip (e.g., AR-15 style pistols, AK-style pistols, MP5-style pistols, TEC-9s, etc.).

• These are often classified as pistols federally (due to lacking a stock and having shorter barrels), but they fall outside the settlement's "handgun" definition.

Is This a "Law"?

• No, it's not a statute passed by Congress or a formal ATF regulation enforceable against everyone.

• It's a binding contractual obligation in the settlement, primarily applying to Rare Breed Triggers and its affiliates.

• Other manufacturers could theoretically attempt to make FRTs for grip-fed handguns, but:

  • They risk potential future ATF scrutiny or reclassification if the device doesn't strictly meet the court's criteria for not being a machinegun.

  • Rare Breed has committed to patent enforcement, which could lead to civil lawsuits blocking copies.

  • Some companies have released or attempted pistol FRTs (e.g., for Smith & Wesson or Taurus), but they've faced delays, sell-outs, or waits for ATF classification letters—indicating ongoing caution.

Current Federal Status (as of January 2026)

• Standard FRTs (like the FRT-15 for AR platforms) are not classified as machineguns federally, per the 2024 court ruling (National Association for Gun Rights v. Garland) and the 2025 settlement.

• No general federal prohibition exists on FRTs for grip-magazine handguns beyond the settlement's terms for the main parties.

• However, state laws may independently ban or restrict FRTs entirely (e.g., in states like California, New York, or others that prohibit rapid-fire devices or multiburst activators), regardless of federal status.

In summary, while there's no standalone federal statute banning FRTs specifically for grip-magazine-loading handguns, the 2025 DOJ/ATF settlement effectively prevents the leading manufacturer (Rare Breed) from making or marketing them for that category. This was a negotiated compromise to resolve litigation and allow FRTs elsewhere. Always consult a firearms attorney or check current ATF guidance/state laws for your specific situation, as interpretations can evolve.

States That Prohibit or Heavily Restrict FRTs

The following states have laws or official interpretations banning possession, sale, manufacture, importation, or transfer of FRTs (based on current statutes, attorney general guidance, and enforcement as of early 2026):

• California — Classified as "multiburst trigger activators" under Penal Code § 16930; possession/sale prohibited under § 32900. AG Bonta affirmed this post-settlement in June 2025.

• Connecticut — Bans "rapid fire devices" or rate-of-fire enhancements (including binary/FRTs) as part of bump stock legislation; possession often a Class D felony.

• Delaware — Prohibits rate-of-fire enhancement devices, covering FRTs/binary triggers.

• Hawaii — Restricts rapid-fire/conversion devices.

• Illinois — HB5728 prohibits "rate of fire enhancements" (any device to mechanically increase rate of fire).

• Maryland — Defines "rapid fire trigger activators" to include devices increasing rate of fire (explicitly covers binary/forced reset systems).

• Michigan — Listed in multistate actions and restrictions on rapid-fire devices.

• Minnesota — Statute 609.67 updated to prohibit trigger activators/machinegun-like devices (covers FRTs/binary).

• Nevada — AG confirmed no sales/distribution; joined lawsuits blocking returns.

• New Jersey — Bans via machinegun definitions or rapid-fire prohibitions (includes binary/FRTs).

• Oregon — Recent amendments (e.g., SB243 or 2026 rules) classify rapid fire activators (including FRTs) as prohibited or machineguns under state law.

• Others — Additional states like Massachusetts, Washington D.C., and potentially Colorado/Maine have joined multistate lawsuits or have broad rapid-fire bans that encompass FRTs.