What the Lifted Ban on Aftermarket Trigger Devices Really Means for Law-Abiding Gun Owners

In a major, yet underreported development, the U.S. Department of Justice has effectively lifted a six-year federal ban on aftermarket triggers by settling a lawsuit that challenges how the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) classified these devices. While anti-gun activists have sounded the alarm—once again pushing their fear-driven narrative—Second Amendment supporters recognize this move for what it truly represents: a small, but important victory for personal liberty and the restoration of lawful firearms ownership rights.

At Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, we understand that decisions like this can shape the way responsible citizens engage with their Second Amendment rights, not just in the Southeast but across the country. It’s time to set the record straight on what this decision means, why it’s important, and how it reflects the broader direction of gun legislation in America.

The Core Issue: What Are Aftermarket Triggers?

Aftermarket triggers are replacement or upgraded components that improve the functionality, feel, and responsiveness of a firearm. For responsible gun owners—especially those using firearms for home defense, competition shooting, or skill development—these upgrades can provide:

• Enhanced accuracy through more consistent trigger pull
• Improved performance during training and competition scenarios
• Customization to fit an individual shooter’s skill level and hand strength

The device at the center of the recent legal case was the “FRT-15” trigger manufactured by Rare Breed Triggers. The ATF had improperly classified the FRT as a machine gun under federal law, supposedly for its ability to fire more rapidly by resetting after each shot without manual assistance. But make no mistake—this is not a machine gun, and equating it with one belies a misunderstanding (or purposeful misrepresentation) of firearm mechanics.

Justice Department Settlement: A Step in the Right Direction

The lawsuit brought by Wide Open Enterprises challenged the ATF’s move to classify their ‘Wide Open Trigger’ as a machine gun. The Justice Department’s settlement marks an official reversal of that classification, notably agreeing that the product does not fall under the National Firearms Act or the Gun Control Act. This quietly but effectively lobs a major shot across the bow of those who continue to exploit regulatory overreach to infringe on lawful gun owners’ rights.

The implications of this are massive for 2A defenders:

• It places a check on bureaucratic power—demonstrating that the ATF cannot arbitrarily redefine what a firearm is.
• It protects sports shooters and law-abiding owners who rely on aftermarket parts to harness better accuracy and efficiency, without running afoul of legal ambiguity.
• It reveals the shaky legal ground that so much of today’s gun control legislation rests upon—largely subjective interpretations that shift with politics, not facts.

We see this happening too often: overreaching agencies that attempt end-runs around Congressional inaction by crafting policy through interpretation instead of legislation. Unfortunately, those interpretations disproportionately harm law-abiding citizens rather than targeting the real source of gun violence: criminal misuse of firearms.

Anti-Gun Advocates Outraged—But Why?

Following the news, left-leaning gun control groups such as Everytown for Gun Safety issued statements expressing their outrage. They fear that legalizing such devices might somehow contribute to mass shootings or criminal misuse. But the facts don’t add up. There is no credible evidence that aftermarket triggers like the FRT-15 have played an outsized role in recent violent crimes. This is key: when emotion triumphs reason, bad policy follows. And time and again, we see the media amplify the alarmist tone rather than taking a balanced look at what’s truly at stake—freedom and due process for American citizens.

It’s important to challenge this narrative. The notion that trigger upgrades equate to lawlessness is as flawed as arguing that having a sharper kitchen knife makes someone more likely to commit a crime. Tools require intent. Responsible ownership is the deciding factor—not the accessibility of lawful equipment.

Why This Matters to Firearms Owners in South Carolina

Here in the Palmetto State, firearms ownership is part of our heritage and daily life. At Fortress Firearms Training, we train responsible citizens—mothers, veterans, business owners, and hunters—to handle their firearms safely, confidently, and lawfully. Aftermarket triggers and similar devices are not only legal tools; they are sometimes necessary enhancements that make firearms more reliable during high-stress defensive encounters and professional use.

By lifting the unjust ban, the DOJ affirms the reality that gun owners cannot be criminalized for using legal equipment to improve their own readiness and safety. We see direct benefits for our students here in Fountain Inn and throughout South Carolina. And while national narratives may work to smear pro-gun decisions as dangerous or extreme, the truth is that such rulings only reaffirm the values of our founding documents.

The Bigger Picture: Pushback Against Arbitrary Gun Control

The lifting of this ban fits into a broader pattern we’re seeing nationwide: more Americans awakening to the problematic nature of “gun control through confusion.” Whether it’s ‘brace rules’ for AR-pistols, redefinitions of what constitutes a suppressor, or now aftermarket trigger bans, bureaucracies have become increasingly emboldened to legislate by fiat.

But moments like these remind us all that judicial oversight and legal action can provide a necessary counterbalance. The right to bear arms shall not be infringed—yet the fine print and shifting definitions too often act as de facto restrictions. Fortunately, gun owners are beginning to push back—and win.

Gun Owners, Stay Alert and Informed

While this development is a win, it is by no means the end of the road. Ongoing vigilance is required. Know the laws, follow them, and be ready to stand up when those in power try to blur the lines between lawful ownership and criminality. The lifting of the ban on aftermarket trigger devices is a reminder that knowledge, training, and unity are key for preserving our rights.

At Fortress Firearms Training, we’re more than just a firearms school—we’re a community of citizens who believe in self-reliance, personal responsibility, and the Constitution. Whether you are new to firearms ownership or looking to enhance your skills with professional training, we invite you to learn more about what we offer at Fortress Firearms Training.

Conclusion

While the mainstream media focuses on fearmongering, we focus on facts. The Justice Department lifting its ban on aftermarket trigger devices is not a threat to public safety—it’s a return to legal clarity and rightful ownership. Stay safe, stay trained, and most importantly, stay free.