Forced Reset Trigger Victory: A Landmark Win for Gun Rights and the Constitution

After years of legal overreach, government intimidation, and unconstitutional enforcement tactics, the forced reset trigger (FRT) is back—and this time, with a resounding court-backed green light. Thanks to the grit of Lawrence DeMonaco, the National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR), and legal support tied to the Trump-era DOJ leadership, gun owners can claim a serious win against federal tyranny.

Key Wins in the Settlement

• Government case dismissed with prejudice – The ATF cannot refile charges against FRT owners or manufacturers under this claim again.

• FRTs will be returned – Anyone whose property was seized (or “voluntarily surrendered” under duress) has until September 30, 2025 to request its return.

• Rare Breed Triggers is back in business – Manufacturing has resumed. If you legally owned one, it’s legal again.

• The DOJ dropped its appeal in multiple courts, including the 5th Circuit, finalizing a federal judge’s decision declaring FRTs are NOT machine guns.

• Future-proof ruling – This agreement bars the ATF or future anti-gun administrations from reclassifying FRTs as machine guns.

Background: What Are FRTs and Why the Fight?

FRTs are mechanical triggers that force a reset after each shot—they do not fire more than one round per pull of the trigger, which is the legal definition of a machine gun under federal law. But that didn’t stop the Biden ATF from stretching the law and launching an armed crackdown on gun owners and retailers.

What This Means for Gun Owners

• If you had your FRT seized, you can get it back—but you must file a return request by 9/30/25.

• Legal precedent now protects similar firearm components from future misclassification attempts.

• NAGR members and plaintiffs in the associated suits will have their property returned without further litigation.

Why This Matters

• This ruling reins in federal abuse of administrative power—especially by the ATF under Biden.

• It strengthens legal protections for accessory manufacturers, hobbyists, and responsible gun owners.

• It's a reminder that courts matter—and that elections can lead to major policy changes even within the DOJ.

Final Thoughts from a SACFLA Perspective

The unconstitutional seizure of property, armed raids, and threats against law-abiding citizens over a legal gun accessory should never happen in America. But they did. And Lawrence DeMonaco’s fight proves the power of standing up to government overreach with legal firepower and grassroots support.

This isn’t just a win for FRT owners—it’s a win for constitutional rights, due process, and the right to bear arms without bureaucratic harassment.