Best Binary Triggers: Are They Even Legal?

If you own an AR-15, you’ve probably heard of binary triggers and wondered if your gun game would benefit from one. Or maybe you’ve heard of binary triggers and just want to learn a little more about them—how they work, if they’re worth it, and the legalities of their use. Whatever the reason for your interest in binary triggers, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of the best binary triggers and we’re going to get into how they work and why you might want one in your rifle.

Types of triggers

Before we get into binary triggers themselves, let’s consider the types of triggers. We can break triggers down into one of these categories:

Single-action triggers – Commonly found in guns like 1911s and perform one action: drop the hammer to fire a round. With a single-action trigger, you meet a single level of resistance before firing the gun.

Double-action only triggers – Perform two actions: cock and release the hammer. These are commonly found in revolvers. These triggers are heavier and longer than single-actions.

Double-action/single-action (DA/SA) triggers – Found in a lot of revolvers and take you through two actions, meaning there are two separate trigger pull weights to fire the gun. First, you meet the greater resistance of the double-action, then the lighter resistance of the single-action.

Two-stage triggers – Often found in competition rifles, although there are hunters and target shooters who prefer them as well. They require two stages of pull to fire the gun, meaning two separate pull weights.

Binary triggers – Designed to allow you to fire one round when you pull the trigger, then fire a second round after the trigger resets. This means you must reset the trigger and allow it to move forward to fire that second round. If you hold the trigger after firing, the second round won’t fire until you release and reset it.

Forced reset triggers – Should not be confused with binary triggers. These triggers do exactly what their name implies: they force the trigger to reset through the use of a spring. As the trigger is pulled rearward, one round is fired, and another round is fired as the spring in the trigger forces it to return to the forward position. A forced reset trigger is not the same thing as a binary trigger.

Are binary triggers legal?

It’s common for binary triggers and forced reset triggers to be confused when it comes to legality. It was the forced reset trigger the ATF ruled on and had manufacturing cease (Rare Breed Triggers was the manufacturer in that case). Of course, there are restrictions by state on binary triggers. As a gun owner, it is your duty to know the laws regarding binary triggers in your state and any other place you plan to bring your gun with a binary trigger. At the time of this writing, these are the states with restrictions in place (meaning manufacturers also won’t ship to them):

• California
• Connecticut
• Washington, D.C.
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Maryland
• New Jersey
• New York
• Rhode Island
• Washington State

When the ATF ruled that forced reset triggers couldn’t be manufactured without regulations, they sent out an open letter to FFL holders. A portion of that open letter stated:

“Both the NFA and GCA regulate machineguns. “Machinegun” is defined under 26 U.S.C. § 5845(b) and 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(23) as—

Any weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. This term shall also include the frame or receiver of any such weapon, any part designed or intended solely and exclusively, or combination of parts designed and intended, for use in converting a weapon into a machinegun, and any combination of parts from which a machinegun can be assembled if such parts are in the possession or under the control of a person.

ATF’s examination found that some FRT devices allow a firearm to automatically expel more than one shot with a single, continuous pull of the trigger.”

Bottom line was that Rare Breed Triggers was ordered to end production of their forced reset triggers. Remember: binary triggers do not perform the same action as forced reset triggers. While that doesn’t mean they will never come under scrutiny or be regulated by the federal government, it hasn’t happened yet. Specific states listed above have put their own regulations of binary triggers into effect, but it’s worth noting that those are the same states that have stricter gun control than most states already.

If you’re curious about the legality of binary triggers in your area, do the legwork and find the current laws. This is the type of detail you need to know and find for yourself.

Gun University’s Choices for the best binary trigger

There might not be as many binary triggers on the market as you think, but there are still options. We’ve narrowed it down to a few for you to consider based on your platform and what you want it to do. These are the best binary trigger categories:

• Best overall binary trigger
• Best AK-47 binary trigger
• Best assisted reset binary trigger
• Best 10/22 binary trigger

Best Binary Triggers

Best overall Franklin Armory BSFIII AR-S1		3 Positions, Safe, Semi, Binary Release round can be canceled by user Works in most AR platforms	Check Price
Best for AK-47 Fostech Echo AK-47 Drop In Binary		3 settings, Safe, Semi, Echo works with stamped AK receivers	Check Price
Best assisted reset Tac-Con 3MR Trigger		3 Modes, safe, semi, positive reset Drop In 4.5lb pull	Check Price
Best for 10/22 Franklin Armory BFSIII 22-C1-P		3 positions, safe, semi, binary works on most 10/22 firearms Release round can be canceled by user	Check Price

Best Binary Triggers

Here is our list for the best binary triggers by category.

1. Best Overall: Franklin Armory BSFIII AR-S1
2. Best for AK-47: Fostech Echo AK-47 Drop In Binary Trigger
3. Best Assisted Reset: Tac-Con 3MR Trigger
4. Best for 10/22: Franklin Armory BFSIII 22-C1-P

Best Binary Triggers – Reviews

Should you get a binary trigger?

Whether you enjoy the use of a binary comes down to purpose and personal preferences. These triggers are more for fun and range use than anything else. If you spend time plinking and punching holes in paper, you might enjoy adding a binary trigger to the mix. And if you like to use your 10/22 for shooting squirrels or other small pets, a binary trigger might serve you well, too. I do not recommend these triggers for installation in firearms meant for dedicated defensive purposes. In addition, if you’re a hunter, remember that shot placement is key for an ethical hunt, meaning it would be best not to install a binary trigger for something like a deer rifle.

Overall, binary triggers can be a lot of fun and can certainly have niche tactical applications. When used correctly, they can also help teach you greater trigger control and awareness of reset, which is a huge bonus.

What’s your favorite binary trigger? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section.