Unraveling the Mysteries of Binary Triggers

Depending on your level of firearms expertise, you may be familiar with the use of what are known as binary triggers. If not, they are aftermarket accessories that can be installed on certain semi-automatic weapons to convert them into guns that fire more rapidly. That is to say that, while a standard semi-automatic handgun or rifle will fire a single bullet for every pull of the trigger, a gun with a binary trigger will fire one bullet for each pull of the trigger as well as for a release of the trigger. In effect, this means that a weapon with such an accessory attached will fire two rounds for each squeeze of the trigger, resulting in a rate of fire similar to that of a fully-automatic weapon. It’s important to note that, while binary triggers are commonly sold as an accessory for many kinds of firearms, the sale and installation of those accessories are illegal in some states.

The Legal Landscape of Firearm Modifications

While modified firearms have long been used in the United States, the laws surrounding some accessories and modifications are still somewhat unclear. Firearms considered “destructive weapons” by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are strictly prohibited by federal law, while other accessories, such as laser sights, scopes, lights, and forward grips, are generally regarded as acceptable. When it comes to are binary triggers legal in oregon, however, legality is more difficult to parse. Although they have been around since the 1980s, binary triggers have long been classified as semi-automatic modifications that do not convert them into fully-automatic weapons. As such, their sale and purchase were mostly unrestricted. Recently, however, ATF officials have begun to classify binary triggers as fully-automatic components, which has led to confusion within the gun industry. No federal regulations on the matter have yet been put into place, but those in the firearms industry are keeping a close watch on the situation.

The Mysterious Case of Oregon’s Binary Triggers

Oregon has some of the strictest firearm laws in the country, and while most of those laws regulate the use of handguns and rifles, others extend to the phases of manufacturing and modification. Though binary triggers are not specifically banned in Oregon, there are some questions about their acceptability. According to Oregon law, binary triggers can fall under the definition of a trigger crank, which consists of a free-moving part that accelerates the rate at which a trigger is pulled. Still, some sources place binary triggers in a unique category since they require a more significant action on the part of the user. Further complicating the situation is the fact that Liberty Gun Works, a manufacturer of binary triggers, has been ruled as a manufacturer of a machine gun by the Oregon state police. At this time, it remains to be seen whether binary triggers will be specifically mentioned within future legislation in Oregon. Individuals looking for guidance on the legality of binary triggers as well as other firearm modifications are encouraged to consult local gun shops or firearms experts. Additionally, to avoid penalties, it is paramount that business owners in the tool supply industry stay abreast of updates in local laws and how those laws may affect their sales procedures.

For more information on firearm laws, you can visit the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.