About Binary Triggers
Table of Contents
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to go over binary triggers today. These triggers are very popular among a wide variety of shooters. Our goal with this blog post is to go over what binary triggers are while also delving into some of their features and traits. Without further ado, let’s talk binary triggers.
What is a Binary Trigger?
The term “binary trigger” essentially refers to a fire control group which allows an end user to increase the potential fire rate of a semi-automatic firearm. These triggers are aftermarket accessories which are produced by a number of companies for various firearms. The units will typically replace, or in some cases, modify an existing trigger group.
Binary trigger groups will also generally include some form of safety selector which facilitates a user’s ability to switch between safe, standard fire, and binary fire mode. Some offerings, like some of Franklin Armory’s binary triggers, will feature some means to denote the new fire mode settings offered by a binary trigger.
How Do Binary Triggers Work?
Binary triggers have three potential modes of operation. While most semi-automatic firearms such as AR-15’s have two modes, safe and fire, binary trigger fire control units have three.
Binary triggers have safety, fire, and binary settings, allowing end users to deliberately select between standard fire and binary fire. When in binary mode, triggers of this type will fire once when the trigger is pulled and again when the trigger is released.
After the second shot has been fired, the firing cycle is complete for that initial trigger pull. Many binary triggers allow an end user to switch a firearm back into standard semi-automatic fire mode if they do not want to the fire the second shot upon reset.
Are Binary Triggers Full Auto?
Binary triggers, by definition and function, are not fully automatic in any way, shape, or form. Fully automatic firearms will repeatedly fire as long as the trigger is held down. This equates to one trigger pull translating to multiple actuations of the fire control group.
A fully automatic firing cycle can range from two rounds to greater capacities such as magazines and belts worth of ammunition. The defining factor is multiple rounds being fired as a result of a single, deliberate trigger pull.
As binary triggers only fire a single round upon the pull of the trigger, they are not considered fully automatic. The second round fired upon the release of the trigger also does not qualify as fully automatic as the trigger is not being pulled, it is being released and the firing cycle is ending. Simply put, binary triggers are not fully automatic.
Are Binary Triggers Forced Reset Triggers?
Binary triggers are also different than forced reset triggers. Forced reset triggers mechanically reset the trigger position after firing, meaning a shooter only has to pull the trigger again to resume firing rather than releasing the trigger to reset.
This type of trigger allows for a very high fire rate which still requires one pull of the trigger per round fired. Binary triggers operate much differently than these types of triggers.
Rather than assisting the reset of the trigger, binary triggers fire when the trigger is released. While both triggers help a shooter effectively increase their potential fire rate, they do so in different and distinct ways.
Simply put, binary triggers are not forced reset triggers.
Who Makes Binary Triggers?
Binary triggers are presently produced by a number of countries. Notable producers of binary triggers are Fostech and Franklin Armory. The two companies offer a variety of binary trigger products which are compatible with multiple types of firearms.
What Firearms Can Use Binary Triggers?
Binary triggers can be utilized by many firearms. Some of the most common firearms to host binary triggers are going to be AR-15s and firearms that utilize AR-15 trigger groups.
Companies such as Franklin Armory produce binary triggers for a variety of platforms beyond the AR-15. Supported platforms include HK firearms derived from the HK-91, HK-93, and MP5, CZ Scorpions, AK type rifles, and even Glocks.
Simply put, many firearms on the market can be equipped with binary triggers.
Are Binary Triggers Legal?
There are currently no federal laws or regulations barring the use or possession of binary triggers. Triggers of this type do not meet the criteria to be considered a machine gun according to previous ATF rulings and classifications.
While there are currently no federal restrictions or ATF rulings which target these types of triggers, it should be known that some state and local laws bar the possession and use of these triggers.
One should check with their state and local laws prior to investing in a binary trigger if they intend on staying out of potential legal trouble.
Conclusion
All in all, binary triggers continue to be popular among many shooters. They provide shooters with a means to easily shoot faster, allowing for a fun time at the range. Many types of shooters can utilize binary triggers due to them being produced for a wide variety of firearms.
We here at True Shot Ammo carry some binary triggers in addition to the wide variety of ammunition we carry. Whether you are after some ammunition or one of the binary trigger options we carry, we have got you covered. As always, happy shooting.
Need bulk ammo? At True Shot Ammo, we have a wide variety of handgun ammo and rifle ammo available to purchase. Please visit our website trueshotammo.com, call us at (888) 736-6587, or you can email us at sales@trueshotammo.com for more ammo options.
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