What the DOJ Settlement Means for Gun Owners and 2A Advocates

In a major legal development that’s been hailed by Second Amendment advocates and firearm enthusiasts alike, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has reached a settlement that effectively lifts the ban on the Rare Breed FRT-15 trigger. This shift sends shockwaves not only through the firearms industry but also across the legal and political landscape surrounding gun rights and overbearing regulation.

Unpackaging the FRT-15 Settlement

The FRT-15 (Forced Reset Trigger) has been the target of ATF scrutiny since 2021, when Rare Breed Triggers began manufacturing and selling this aftermarket component. The ATF labeled the product a machine gun – a categorization that not only baffled firearms experts but outraged Second Amendment supporters. This reclassification attempted to criminalize otherwise law-abiding gun owners for nothing more than customizing their semi-automatic rifles with innovative technology.

Now, the recent DOJ settlement lifts the ban on Rare Breed FRT-15 Trigger, classifying it no longer as a machine gun. For those of us who support the right to keep and bear arms, this is a victory for liberty, personal property rights, and the recognition that the government does not have the final say when it comes to vague technical interpretations.

Why the ATF’s Overreach Matters

Let’s call it what it is—regulatory overreach. The ATF has a long track record of backdoor attempts to legislate without the consent of Congress. This was evident in their original classification of the FRT-15 as a machine gun—an interpretation that rested more on political expediency than technical merit.

The ATF’s legal justification leaned on the idea that the trigger could cause multiple rounds to fire with a “single function of the trigger” – a definition that flies in the face of logic, physics, and longstanding industry standards. In truth, the Rare Breed FRT-15 only fires one round per trigger pull, retaining its classification as a semi-automatic mechanism by any honest standard.

Gun-Control Advocates Show Their True Colors

As expected, gun-control activists are alarmed by the settlement. They argue that this legal outcome sets a dangerous precedent, making it “easier” to own devices that increase the efficiency of firearms. Efficiency, however, is not synonymous with lethality, and the outcry highlights a core misunderstanding about firearms function among anti-gun groups.

It’s revealing how quick these advocates are to vilify law-abiding gun owners and manufacturers while ignoring the real root causes of violence in our communities. Instead of addressing mental health crises, broken family systems, and soft-on-crime policies, they target legal gun owners and constitutionally protected devices like the FRT-15.

The Importance of Training and Responsible Ownership

Here at Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, we view this settlement not just as a political win, but as a reminder of the responsibility gun owners carry. That’s why proper firearms training remains essential in this ever-changing legal environment.

Whether you’re new to shooting or seasoned with decades of experience, staying sharp through training is your best defense—both in the field and in courtrooms where your constitutional rights may be questioned. We offer a range of classes tailored to empower gun owners with:

• Real-world defensive shooting techniques
• Firearms safety protocols to prevent accidents
• Legal education to navigate complex gun laws
• Confidence-building drills for concealed carry holders

Our training is rooted in the belief that every American has a God-given right to self-defense, and that right is not contingent on political whim or bureaucratic reinterpretation.

The Need to Push Back Against Political Pressure

Let’s not ignore the broader implications of this DOJ settlement. The DOJ settlement lifts ban on Rare Breed FRT-15 Trigger, but it didn’t happen in a vacuum. It happened because Rare Breed stood firm, challenged the government in court, and demanded due process—something all of us should be prepared to do.

If we allow unelected bureaucrats to redefine terms like “machine gun” on a whim, what’s next? Semi-automatics? Magazines over 10 rounds? Concealed carry permits? When the legal definitions of weapons can be changed at the flick of a pen for political gain, no gun owner is truly safe from prosecution.

Points Every Gun Owner Should Consider

Now more than ever, every Second Amendment supporter should keep the following in mind:

• Legal clarity matters: Words like “machine gun” must be based on technical truth, not political agendas.
• Training is essential: Know your rights, your firearm, and how to exercise your freedoms responsibly.
• Advocate for your freedom: Use your voice—and your vote—to challenge anti-gun legislation.
• Stay informed: The rules are changing rapidly. Keeping up could mean the difference between freedom and a felony charge.

Final Thoughts

The DOJ settlement lifts ban on Rare Breed FRT-15 Trigger, marking a hard-earned victory for gun owners, firearms manufacturers, and constitutional advocates. But if there’s anything history teaches us, it’s that freedom is never free. It takes vigilance, training, and a steadfast refusal to compromise on essential liberties.

At Fortress Firearms Training, we’re proud to stand with those who choose to carry, train, and defend their rights. If you’re in South Carolina, visit us at fftcwp.org and take the next step in your firearms education. Let’s keep our communities safe by keeping our rights intact—and our skills razor-sharp.