WOT Trigger Legal Facts: Understanding Forced Reset Technology
At WOT Trigger Arms, we believe in transparency and education. As the WOT Trigger (Wide Open Trigger) has grown in popularity, so have questions regarding its legal status and mechanical operation. This page is dedicated to explaining the engineering behind the WOT and how it functions within the framework of federal firearms law.
1. The Mechanical Definition of Semi-Automatic
Under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and Gun Control Act (GCA), a machine gun is defined as any weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.
The WOT Trigger is engineered to be a semi-automatic fire control group because it adheres strictly to the “one shot per function” rule:
The Pull: When the shooter pulls the trigger, one round is discharged.
The Forced Reset: As the bolt carrier group cycles rearward and returns forward, it physically forces the trigger back into the “set” position.
The Second Shot: To fire a subsequent round, the shooter must allow the trigger to reset and then apply a new, separate pull.
Because the shooter must exert a new pull for every shot fired, the WOT remains fundamentally semi-automatic in its function.
2. Engineering for Compliance: The Locking Bar
The “magic” of the WOT Trigger’s legality lies in its internal locking bar. This component ensures that the hammer cannot drop again until the bolt carrier is fully in battery and the trigger has been physically forced forward.
Unlike a “bump stock” or other prohibited modifications that utilize recoil energy to move the entire firearm, the WOT Trigger is a self-contained mechanical system that internalizes the reset process. This distinction is critical: the firearm’s stock remains stationary against the shoulder, and the trigger finger remains the active participant in every discharge.
3. Federal Status and Current Climate
The legal landscape regarding forced reset triggers (FRTs) has seen significant discussion and litigation. At the federal level, the legality of FRT technology including the WOT is currently a subject of ongoing court challenges involving the ATF’s interpretation of “machine gun.”
As of today:
There is no federal law passed by Congress that explicitly bans forced reset triggers.
Recent court rulings in various jurisdictions have challenged the ATF’s authority to reclassify these mechanical parts as machine guns.
We advise all customers to stay informed on current litigation, as the regulatory environment can shift based on new court stay orders or appellate rulings.
4. State and Local Restrictions
While the WOT Trigger is designed to be federally compliant, certain states have enacted their own “Rapid Fire Device” bans or specific language that may prohibit forced reset triggers.
WOT Trigger Arms does not ship to the following states:
California
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Hawaii
Maryland
Massachusetts
New Jersey
New York
Rhode Island
Washington
Washington D.C.
It is the absolute responsibility of the buyer to research and comply with all local, state, and federal laws before purchasing or installing a WOT Trigger.
5. Safe and Lawful Ownership
The WOT Trigger is a high-performance tool intended for lawful use by responsible citizens. We encourage all owners to:
Seek Professional Installation: Ensure your WOT is timed correctly by a qualified gunsmith to prevent malfunctions.
Practice Range Safety: Due to the rapid reset, always maintain strict muzzle discipline.
Stay Educated: Follow organizations like the FPC (Firearms Policy Coalition) or GOA (Gun Owners of America) for the latest updates on FRT legal challenges.