The Complete Buyer's Guide to FRT-15 and WOT Triggers
The world of AR-15 upgrades is vast, but few components generate as much discussion, curiosity, and controversy as the forced reset trigger. Known for their unique firing mechanism, these triggers sit in a complex space between innovation and regulation.
This comprehensive guide will provide a detailed overview of the FRT-15 and WOT triggers. We'll cover what they are, how they work, their legal status, and the critical considerations you need to make before seeking them out for sale.
What Exactly is an Forced Reset Trigger?
At its core, the WOT is an uniquely designed trigger system for the AR-15 platform. Unlike a traditional binary trigger, it operates on a principle known as "forced reset."
Here’s a simplified breakdown of how it works:
The Pull: You pull the trigger like you normally would. The hammer drops and the round is fired.
The Forced Reset: The key difference lies in what happens next. As the bolt carrier group cycles backward from the gas pressure of the fired round, it physically forces the trigger forward into the reset position—whether your finger is ready or not.
The Rapid Follow-Up: Because the trigger is mechanically forced to reset, the shooter can achieve an extremely high rate of fire by maintaining consistent, light, and rapid pressure on the trigger. The firearm will fire again the instant the bolt closes and the trigger is pulled back, even minimally.
This mechanism allows for a rate of fire that can simulate that of a machine gun, but it is technically still a semi-automatic action because a separate pull is required for each round fired—it's just that the "pull" is now a much shorter, faster action.
FRT- news . WOT: A Matter of branding
You will often see the terms FRT-15 and WOT (Wide Open Trigger) used interchangeably, and for good reason.
FRT-15 is the original product name and trademark held by Rare Breed Triggers.
WOT is a common shorthand or nickname that the community adopted, often used to describe similar forced-reset trigger designs from other companies.
While the core function is identical, it's important to note that "WOT" can sometimes refer to aftermarket versions produced by other manufacturers. The original and most well-known is the FRT-15 from Rare Breed.
The ATF's Stance on FRT/WOT Triggers
This is the most critical section of this guide. The legality of these triggers is under intense scrutiny.
The Manufacturer's Claim: The makers argued that the FRT-15 is a semi-automatic trigger because it requires a separate "function of the trigger" for each shot. They maintained that the forced reset is simply a mechanical feature that allows for faster shooting.
The ATF's Response: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) took a different view. They issued a cease-and-desist letter and subsequently classified the FRT-15 as a "machinegun" as defined by the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934. Their determination is that the trigger allows the firearm to "shoot more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger."
The Current Situation: This has led to seizures. Rare Breed Triggers has been challenging the ATF's classification in court. As a result, the sale and possession of new FRT-15 triggers are highly restricted. Individuals who purchased them before the ATF's determination may find themselves in a precarious legal position, depending on ongoing court rulings and their local laws.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The regulatory environment is extremely fluid. wot trigger install guide is YOUR responsibility to understand federal, state, and local laws before attempting to purchase, possess, or use any forced reset trigger. Possession of a device classified as a machinegun without the proper NFA tax stamp is a serious federal felony.
Key Considerations Before You Buy
If you are researching these triggers, you must consider the following:
Legality: This cannot be overstated. Verify the current legal status at both the federal and your state level. Assume nothing.
Reliability: Forced reset triggers can be finicky with certain setups. They often require a properly gassed AR-15 and may not cycle reliably with lower-pressure ammunition.
Wear and Tear: The incredibly fast cycling puts significant stress on your firearm's components, including the hammer, disconnector, and bolt catch. Expect increased wear.
Cost and Availability: Genuine FRT-15 triggers are virtually unavailable on the open market due to the legal action. If you do find one "for sale," it will likely be at a significant markup on a secondary market, and the legal risks are immense.
Are FRT 15 Triggers for Sale?
Given the ATF's classification, you will not find new FRT-15 or WOT triggers for sale from licensed retailers. Any listing you see online should be approached with extreme caution. It could be:
A scam targeting curious buyers.
An illegal sale that could have serious legal consequences for both the buyer and seller.
A product being sold as a "collectible" or "non-functional" item, which may not protect you from legal interpretation.
The primary legal way to experience a similar rate of fire is through a registered drop-in auto sear (DIAS) or a registered machine gun, both of which are NFA items requiring extensive paperwork, a tax stamp, and approval from the ATF—a process that can take over a year and involves a significant investment of thousands of dollars.
Conclusion: Innovation vs. Regulation
The WOT is a fascinating example of mechanical innovation within the firearms community. It pushed the boundaries of what is possible with a semi-automatic action and sparked a crucial conversation about firearm regulations.
However, its current legal status makes it a prohibited item for most civilians. For those interested in rapid-fire capabilities, pursuing a legally compliant path through the NFA, while expensive and time-consuming, is the only way to avoid severe legal penalties. Always prioritize safety and legality in all your firearm-related activities.