Binary Triggers Legal Or Nah?

[Fizzik]

I’ve been trying to figure out if binary triggers are legal in Virginia. I’m new to the state and still getting the hang of all the laws. It's a bit confusing, right? I mean, I thought I had it all sorted out until I read some vague things online. I’ve seen some folks say they’re legal and others contradicting that completely. Are there specific regulations I should be aware of? If anyone has recent experience or knows the scoop, I’d really appreciate any clarity you can provide. And what about where to buy one if they are legal? Thanks!

 

[Jim0001]

I've been trying to figure out if binary triggers are legal in Virginia. I'm new to the state and still getting the hang of all the laws. It's a bit confusing, right? I mean, I thought I had it all sorted out until I read some vague things online. I've seen some folks say they're legal and others contradicting that completely. Are there specific regulations I should be aware of? If anyone has recent experience or knows the scoop, I'd really appreciate any clarity you can provide. And what about where to buy one if they are legal? Thanks!

Franklin Armory offers binary triggers and Palmetto State Armory (PSA) sells them. Look at Grey Market Research Super Safeties. I like them possibly better. To the best of my knowledge Binary triggers are legal in Virginia. If Abbie Spermburger gets elected Governor and the demorats keep their majorities in the senate and house of delegates, there is NO firearms restrictions they won't pass. I sure hope SW Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley comes out to vote otherwise NOVA will turn us into the Communistwealth of Virginia!

 

[ChesBayRtrvr]

Binary Triggers are legal in Va but Jim0001 is right. If Spanberger wins we all become felons on the next July 1st. To your question, you may want to look at FRTs [forced reset triggers] like Rare Breed. Binary Triggers shoot on pull and release. I imagine this would take a little time to get used to. FRTs, legal because they shoot one bullet on one trigger pull, have a forced reset which makes for faster follow up shots. I guess it depends on your preference but they are worth a look.

 

[Jim0001]

Binary Triggers are legal in Va but Jim0001 is right. If Spanberger wins we all become felons on the next July 1st. To your question, you may want to look at FRTs [forced reset triggers] like Rare Breed. Binary Triggers shoot on pull and release. I imagine this would take a little time to get used to. FRTs, legal because they shoot one bullet on one trigger pull, have a forced reset which makes for faster follow up shots. I guess it depends on your preference but they are worth a look.

The super safety works in a similar manner to the frt.

 

[Robert23430]

You guys should look at Virginia's Code Section 18.2-308.5:1.
It came into effect in 2020.Binary triggers are illegal. in Virginia.
Correction: After further review I am completely uncertain about the status of primary trigger legality in Virginia.

 

[Jim0001]

You guys should look at Virginia's Code Section 18.2-308.5:1.
It came into effect in 2020.Binary triggers are illegal. in Virginia

An FRT does not fit into this law as I read it. A "Glock switch" is what I would call a trigger activator.

[H2]§ 18.2-308.5:1. Manufacture, importation, sale, possession, transfer, or transportation of auto sears and trigger activators prohibited; penalty.[/H2]
A. As used in this section:

"Auto sear" means a device, other than a trigger activator, designed for use in converting a semi-automatic firearm to shoot automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.

"Trigger activator" means a device designed to allow a semi-automatic firearm to shoot more than one shot with a single pull of the trigger by harnessing the recoil energy of any semi-automatic firearm to which it is affixed so that the trigger resets and continues firing without additional physical manipulation of the trigger by the shooter.

B. It is unlawful for any person to manufacture, import, sell, offer for sale, possess, transfer, or transport an auto sear or a trigger activator in the Commonwealth.

C. A violation of this section is punishable as a Class 6 felony.

D. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a person from manufacturing, importing, selling, offering for sale, possessing, receiving, transferring, or transporting any item for which such person is in compliance with the National Firearms Act (26 U.S.C. § 5801 et seq.).

2020, c. 527; 2024, cc. 163, 164.

 

[Robert23430]

An FRT does not fit into this law as I read it. A "Glock switch" is what I would call a trigger activator.

[h2]§ 18.2-308.5:1. Manufacture, importation, sale, possession, transfer, or transportation of auto sears and trigger activators prohibited; penalty.[/h2]
A. As used in this section:

"Auto sear" means a device, other than a trigger activator, designed for use in converting a semi-automatic firearm to shoot automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.

"Trigger activator" means a device designed to allow a semi-automatic firearm to shoot more than one shot with a single pull of the trigger by harnessing the recoil energy of any semi-automatic firearm to which it is affixed so that the trigger resets and continues firing without additional physical manipulation of the trigger by the shooter.

B. It is unlawful for any person to manufacture, import, sell, offer for sale, possess, transfer, or transport an auto sear or a trigger activator in the Commonwealth.

C. A violation of this section is punishable as a Class 6 felony.

D. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a person from manufacturing, importing, selling, offering for sale, possessing, receiving, transferring, or transporting any item for which such person is in compliance with the National Firearms Act (26 U.S.C. § 5801 et seq.).

2020, c. 527; 2024, cc. 163, 164.

Jim, I was trying to answer the original posters question about Binary Triggers in Virginia. Many believe that since this law uses the words "Harnessing the recoil energy" that the law doesn't apply to a Binary Trigger. I'm not sure if this is a settled matter.

The use of FRT's is also murky in my opinion. A good article on the use of FRT's in Virginia is from the Virginia Citizens Defense League: https://vcdl.org/mpage/ImportantUpdateFRTs

 

[Jim0001]

Jim, I was trying to answer the original posters question about Binary Triggers in Virginia. Many believe that since this law uses the words "Harnessing the recoil energy" that the law doesn't apply to a Binary Trigger. I'm not sure if this is a settled matter.

The use of FRT's is also murky in my opinion. A good article on the use of FRT's in Virginia is from the Virginia Citizens Defense League: https://vcdl.org/mpage/ImportantUpdateFRTs

Thank you, Robert. I guess I missed this news letter. I am "old and medicated"!

 

[Robert23430]

Thank you, Robert. I guess I missed this news letter. I am "old and medicated"!

I'm with you on that as well!