DOJ Backs Down: A Win for Gun Rights and a Reminder to Stay Vigilant

Gun owners across America just scored a significant victory. The U.S. Department of Justice has backed down from its attempt to ban forced reset triggers (FRTs), acknowledging in a sweeping agreement that not all FRTs are illegal. For those of us in the firearms training and pro-Second Amendment community, this stands as a powerful reminder that our constitutional rights still matter — but only if we’re willing to stand up and defend them.

Here at Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, we take pride in not only educating responsible gun owners but also standing firm against overreach that threatens our freedom. This latest development serves as a call to action, not to relax, but to stay informed and engaged. As we break down what this agreement really means, we’ll explore why proper firearms training matters now more than ever.

Understanding Forced Reset Triggers

Forced reset triggers allow for faster follow-up shots by forcing the trigger forward after each round, resetting it immediately for the next pull. Despite not being machine guns by any reasonable definition, the ATF, backed by the DOJ, previously claimed they were. This legal maneuvering bypassed legislation and instead relied heavily on subjective agency interpretation — a dangerous precedent for gun rights in America.

Here’s why the attempt to ban FRTs was problematic:

• FRTs do not meet the legal definition of a machine gun. They still require one trigger pull per shot.
• The ATF attempted to re-classify these triggers without Congressional legislation.
• Owners of these devices were threatened with criminal prosecution, creating a chilling effect on gun ownership and innovation.

The withdrawal of the blanket ban is a powerful validation for those who stood their ground against this bureaucratic overreach. But this victory wasn’t handed to us — it was earned through the efforts of organizations like Rare Breed Triggers and pro-Second Amendment legal teams willing to fight it out in court.

Meet the Real Threat to Gun Owners: Administrative Overreach

What we’ve seen with the FRT situation is nothing new. Over the past several years, anti-gun bureaucrats have used alphabet agencies like the ATF to enact sweeping firearms regulations — not through elected representatives, but through regulation and vague enforcement threats. These methods almost always:

• Avoid democratic debate in Congress
• Infringe upon constitutional rights without due process
• Target law-abiding gun owners, not criminals

Just look at what has happened recently with pistol braces and unserialized firearm parts. The strategy is clear: if gun control legislation can’t pass Congress due to popular resistance, the next move is backdoor regulation.

As a firearms training center deeply rooted in the legal and practical ownership of firearms, we’re not surprised. We’ve long warned our students about the dangers of weaponizing government agencies against civilian self-defense rights. That’s why we emphasize not only safe, responsible carry — but also staying legally informed as part of our curriculum.

The Importance of Firearms Training in an Increasingly Hostile Legal Environment

Whether you’re a new gun owner or a seasoned enthusiast, navigating the fast-changing regulatory landscape can be as critical as learning marksmanship. Training centers like Fortress Firearms Training exist to equip citizens with both the practical and legal tools to responsibly exercise their 2A rights. Here’s why training matters more than ever:

• Understanding evolving gun laws keeps you protected — Ignorance of ATF regulations or court rulings can land lawful owners in hot water.
• Skillful gun handling reduces the risk of accidents and misuse — especially as anti-gun advocates push fear-based restrictions based on media narratives.
• Situational awareness prepares you for threats — while left-wing lawmakers focus on disarming lawful citizens, crime rates in many areas have climbed.

We go beyond the basics at Fortress Firearms Training. Our SC Concealed Carry Permit classes teach you not just how to shoot, but also how to act responsibly, legally, and decisively in real-world defense scenarios.

To learn more about our firearms courses, legal education, and advanced concealed carry training, check out our main site at https://www.fftcwp.org.

The Real Fight Is Far from Over

While the DOJ’s reversal is undeniably a win, don’t celebrate just yet. The agency’s official language is disturbingly ambiguous: some FRTs may still be considered machine guns if they “enable more than one round with a single function of the trigger.” That’s lawyer-speak for: “We’ll keep coming after you — just a little differently next time.”

This ruling sets no binding precedent. It’s a settlement, not legislation. The federal government could easily revisit this issue when politically convenient, especially under an administration that views the Second Amendment as a relic instead of a guarantee.

Gun owners would be wise to treat this as a momentary break — not a final victory.

What You Can Do to Stay Ahead

If you’re serious about protecting your right to bear arms and your family’s safety, now’s the time to get off the sidelines. Being proactive helps shield you from unnecessary legal risks and strengthens our entire Second Amendment community.

Here are a few ways to take action:

• Sign up for advanced firearms training classes in your area, like those offered here in Fountain Inn at Fortress Firearms Training.
• Join gun rights organizations that are leading the fight legally and politically.
• Stay informed through truthful, independent sources like The Truth About Guns.
• Contact your representatives and demand they support the Second Amendment and reject bureaucratic gun control by regulation.

Conclusion: Education and Training Are Your Best Defense

The DOJ’s backtrack on the forced reset trigger ban reaffirms what many of us already knew: their attack on lawful firearms owners was unjustified and unconstitutional. But like all temporary victories, this one must be followed with vigilance, training, and an unwavering commitment to defending our freedoms.

At Fortress Firearms Training, we don’t just teach you how to pull the trigger — we teach you how to protect your rights from those who aim to take them. The Second Amendment wasn’t written for a time of peace and silence. It was written for times like these.

Strengthen your skillset. Know your rights. Oppose overreach. And as always — stay trained, stay free.