We’re often asked if Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs) are legal in Minnesota.
Generally, we believe a Minnesota Court would likely find them prohibited under Minn. Stat. § 609.67 because Minnesota’s updated definition of “trigger activator” is written to capture devices that use recoil/energy to speed up cycling and produce rapid fire without the shooter doing a fresh, ordinary trigger press each time.
Here’s the key statutory language (emphasis added):
d) “Trigger activator” means:
(1) a removable manual or power driven trigger activating device constructed and designed so that, when attached to a firearm, the rate at which the trigger may be pulled increases and the rate of fire of the firearm increases to that of a machine gun;
(2) a device that allows a semiautomatic firearm to shoot more than one shot with a single pull of the trigger or by harnessing the recoil or energy of the semiautomatic firearm to which it is affixed so that the trigger resets and continues firing without additional physical manipulation of the trigger; or
(3) a device that allows a firearm to shoot one shot on the pull of the trigger and a second shot on the release of the trigger without requiring a subsequent pull of the trigger.
Why courts might find FRTs fit this definition:
Subdivision (2) is the bullseye. FRTs are marketed around using the firearm’s cycling/energy to force/reset the trigger so the gun can keep firing at a very high rate with minimal additional trigger work.
Minnesota’s language specifically targets devices that harness recoil/energy so the trigger “resets and continues firing” without “additional physical manipulation.”
Subdivision (1) can also apply if the device is “constructed and designed” to increase the rate the trigger can be pulled and the rate of fire. Debatable, but you’re at the mercy of the court.
Subdivision (3) is more “binary trigger” territory (shot on pull + shot on release). Some FRT designs may not match this one neatly, but (2) doesn’t need (3) to do the job.
Minnesota doesn’t just regulate use—the statute generally criminalizes owning/possessing/operating a “trigger activator.”
Bottom line: because the statute is written to capture recoil/energy-driven “keep firing” trigger devices, courts would likely find FRTs are in the prohibited bucket under Minnesota law, and you’re likely to face an expensive court battle to get a definitive answer should you possess one, regardless of the technical validity of your argument.
Consult with Counsel
We are unable to provide specific legal advice.
We recommend consulting with competent counsel, licensed in Minnesota, for legal advice specific to your situation.