DOJ’s Forced-Reset Trigger Ban Overturned: A Win for Freedom and the Second Amendment

In a significant victory for constitutional rights and responsible gun owners nationwide, the U.S. Department of Justice has officially rescinded its unconstitutional ban on aftermarket forced-reset triggers (FRTs). This swift reversal, in response to mounting legal pressure and public outcry, marks a major course correction and a powerful example of liberty pushing back against creeping federal overreach. Here at Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, we stand firm with the many patriots who continue to defend their rights and the Second Amendment from those who seek to erode them.

What Was the Forced-Reset Trigger Ban?

In 2022, the DOJ, under the direction of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), abruptly classified forced-reset triggers as machine guns under the National Firearms Act. Without new legislation from Congress, the agency claimed authority to criminalize the mere possession of this aftermarket gun part — a clear case of bureaucratic overreach. Gun owners found themselves suddenly in legal jeopardy, facing potential felony charges and even firearm confiscation for legally owned accessories.

The ATF claimed the triggers enabled semi-automatic firearms to fire more rapidly and therefore should be treated the same as automatic weapons. However, forced-reset triggers do not create fully automatic fire by legal definition, and no legislative body ever passed a law banning them. As several lawsuits pointed out, this bureaucratic redefinition directly violated the Administrative Procedure Act and the Second Amendment itself.

The Legal Battle: Citizens Fight Back

Conservative groups, firearms rights advocates, and gun owners across America quickly mobilized. When overreach happens, Americans respond — and this was no different. Legal teams argued that the DOJ’s move to criminalize FRTs by fiat, rather than following the democratic legislative process, was a blatant abuse of power.

Just this month, following a series of court challenges and pressure from gun advocacy groups, the DOJ quietly withdrew the rule, admitting legal defeat and abandoning enforcement. This is a massive moment for gun rights advocates and a strong reminder that overreach meets resistance in the United States of America.

Why This Matters for South Carolina and American Patriots

Here in South Carolina and all across the country, law-abiding firearm owners have increasingly come under scrutiny by unelected bureaucrats who think they know better than the American people. What we are seeing is not about safety or “common-sense reform”; it’s about control. The DOJ’s attempt to label legitimate, legal accessories as machine guns reveals a troubling trend of government intrusion into private firearm ownership — without due process and without legislative authority.

This is why firearms training isn’t just a skill — it’s a defense against tyranny. At Fortress Firearms Training, we help South Carolina citizens become knowledgeable, prepared, and empowered. Through gun safety, tactical training, and legal education, we equip people to responsibly exercise their Second Amendment rights — the foundation of American freedom.

What Gun Owners Need to Know

The rescinding of the forced-reset trigger classification doesn’t grant anything new — it simply restores what was already a right. It reaffirms that we must hold agencies accountable when they try to legislate from behind a desk. While the DOJ has backed down for now, the fight is far from over.

Gun owners across the country need to stay vigilant. Here’s what you need to remember:

• Forced-reset triggers are no longer classified as machine guns by the DOJ
• No felony charges will be pursued against Americans for possession of these triggers
• This reversal is not a gift — it’s a correction of an unlawful abuse of agency power
• Continue to follow updates on state and federal legislation that could affect your Second Amendment rights

Fortress Firearms Training: Defending Liberty in the Upstate

At Fortress Firearms Training, based in Fountain Inn, SC, we’re more than just a firearms school — we’re part of the movement standing guard over your rights. As government pressure increases, proper firearms training becomes a duty for every responsible American. Our expert instructors blend real-world tactical experience with a strong commitment to constitutional principles, helping our students understand not just how to shoot, but why they must be ready.

Why Train With Us?

• Hands-On Training in Concealed Carry, Home Defense, and Tactical Skills
• Prepares You Legally and Mentally for Responsible Firearms Ownership
• Supportive, Constitutionally-Minded Community of Patriots and Veterans
• Empowerment through Education — Know Your State and Federal Gun Rights

When Washington tries to chip away at the Second Amendment, it’s not just theory — it impacts real people. At Fortress, we ensure that South Carolinians remain both legally informed and fully equipped to protect their families and their freedoms. We don’t just teach firearms safety; we teach you how to stand boldly in your right to bear arms.

Looking Ahead: Stay Vigilant, Stay Free

This recent DOJ decision shows that pressure from informed, disciplined gun owners can still defeat unconstitutional regulation. It also sends a broader message to unelected federal agencies: The American people will not be steamrolled. However, this win doesn’t mean the war is over. Anti-gun politicians and bureaucrats are already working on new ways to infringe on our rights, from expanded background checks to restrictions on magazine capacity to gun registry efforts disguised as “safety measures.”

Now is the time to double down on advocacy and training. The more educated and prepared the American gun-owning public is, the harder it becomes for unconstitutional infringements to take root. Whether you’re new to firearms or a seasoned shooter, now is the time to train, understand your rights, and connect with your local firearms community.

Conclusion: Liberty Prevails (For Now)

The DOJ stepping back from the FRT ban is a victory — not just for the manufacturers or gun owners but for the Constitution itself. It’s a sign that freedom still finds a way when patriots stand up and say, “Enough.” At Fortress Firearms Training, we’ll continue to raise our voice and train responsibly, because the Second Amendment isn’t about hunting — it’s about preserving freedom.

To learn more about how you can take charge of your Second Amendment rights with the best firearms training in South Carolina, visit us today at Fortress Firearms Training.