Justice Department Reverses Course on Aftermarket Triggers

In a bold and much-needed move, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has opted to settle a case that effectively lifts the ban on a popular gun accessory—an aftermarket trigger device. This decision is more than just a technical legal shift; it’s a significant ideological correction in an environment that has far too often leaned toward overreach and overregulation. For the law-abiding firearms community, this is a victory worth recognizing and understanding. At Fortress Firearms Training here in Fountain Inn, SC, we know that the right to bear arms includes the right to responsibly improve and maintain your firearm.

The Case Against the Ban

The DOJ originally took action against the Rare Breed FRT-15 trigger, asserting under the Trump administration that it violated the National Firearms Act. The ATF, without clear legislative direction, chose to crack down on what they interpreted as machine gun components, even though these triggers were sold legally across the country and installed by informed, responsible gun owners.

For those unfamiliar with the device, the Rare Breed FRT-15 is designed to speed up the firing sequence of a semi-automatic rifle without converting it into an automatic weapon. According to firearms experts and even many within the law enforcement community, calling it a “machine gun” is a reach at best and a misrepresentation at worst.

Why the Decision Matters

The DOJ’s reversal sends a clear message: arbitrary and politically-motivated definitions of what constitutes an illegal firearm component will not stand up to legal scrutiny. This landmark decision matters for several reasons:

• Protects the rights of law-abiding citizens to modify their firearms lawfully for better performance, tactical advantage, or competitive shooting.
• Reduces the likelihood of future crackdowns on gun accessories that aren’t inherently dangerous or illegal.
• Challenges the bureaucratic overreach of administrative agencies like the ATF, which have routinely bypassed Congressional authority.

Gun-Control Advocates Panic Over Freedom

Unsurprisingly, this decision has alarmed gun-control advocates. Groups like Everytown for Gun Safety and Brady United have voiced outrage, labeling the decision dangerous and irresponsible. But these groups fail to grasp—or perhaps intentionally ignore—the reality that it is not gun accessories that cause violence, but criminals who disregard the laws already in place.

The lifting of the ban on the FRT-15 does not pose a risk to public safety. Instead, it protects Americans from unconstitutional restrictions and reaffirms that rights cannot be legislated away based on fear or misinformation. The Second Amendment doesn’t come with a caveat or an expiration date.

The Second Amendment: Still Vital, Still Under Attack

We at Fortress Firearms Training encourage everyone to see this decision for what it is: a restoration of individual liberty. Owning a firearm comes with immense responsibility, and enhancing that firearm through legal means should not be treated like a criminal offense. This is especially true in an era where gun-control legislation is increasingly being pushed through without adequate constitutional consideration.

Too often, lawmakers exploit emotional moments to implement sweeping regulations that penalize millions of responsible gun owners. This pattern erodes public trust and leaves defenders of the Second Amendment in a perpetual defensive stance.

Importance of Real Firearms Training

Unfortunately, well-meaning gun owners sometimes fall prey to the complexities of shifting legal landscapes. That’s why comprehensive and ongoing training is essential—both for personal safety and legal protection.

At Fortress Firearms Training, we make it our mission to empower firearm owners with:

• Professional-level firearms training from certified instructors with military and law enforcement backgrounds.
• Constitutionally-focused education that goes beyond merely how to shoot, but dives into why the Second Amendment is so vital.
• Legal rights and responsibilities associated with firearm ownership in South Carolina and beyond.

Celebrating a Win—But Staying Vigilant

The DOJ’s decision is cause for cautious celebration. It represents a rare pushback against the escalating bureaucratization of gun control. However, it does not mean the battle is over. Gun control advocates are already seeking legislative and regulatory alternatives to curb what they call “loopholes.”

Second Amendment defenders must stay informed, vocal, and willing to engage at local, state, and federal levels. This means voting for candidates who respect your right to self-defense and voicing opposition to unconstitutional policies.

What Comes Next for Gun Owners?

Expect continued court cases and administrative challenges targeting everything from pistol braces to magazine capacities. The freedom to bear arms is not something easily relinquished by bureaucrats, even when the courts clearly push back. That’s why firearms training, legal awareness, and constitutional education remain pillars of our mission.

Don’t wait until new legislation catches you off guard—get trained, get informed, and join a community that stands tall for the Second Amendment.

Visit us at Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn and see how professional, conservative-minded firearms training can elevate your preparedness and your confidence.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the DOJ lifts ban on aftermarket gun trigger in a landmark deal that echoes far beyond a single accessory. It’s a reaffirmation of what many of us already knew—common sense and constitutional law can still win the day. But the fight is far from over. Let’s stay educated and engaged, keeping South Carolina and the rest of America a stronghold for freedom and responsible gun ownership.

The Second Amendment is not a suggestion—it’s a right. Let’s treat it that way.