If you’ve been around guns for any appreciable time, you’ve likely heard of binary triggers. Especially if you hang around the “tacti-cool” crowd. The first time I heard binary triggers mentioned, I pictured two actual triggers, like on a double-barreled shotgun. Needless to say, I was wrong and I soon learned differently. If you’ve heard of a binary trigger, but aren’t sure about them yourself, read on.
Binary Trigger: What It Is
Binary triggers are designed to increase the potential fire rate of semi-automatic firearms. But to understand how binary triggers accomplish that, we must first understand how a regular semi-auto trigger works.
When a shooter pulls a normal semi-auto trigger, the sear drops, releasing the hammer to strike the firing pin. The energy released by the firing process cycles the gun’s action and re-cocking the hammer. The disconnector holds the trigger to the rear as the hammer re-cocks, preventing fully automatic fire. Releasing the trigger causes the disconnector to release the hammer, allowing the sear to engage the hammer once again.
A binary trigger, however, has two sears. In binary mode, the hammer re-cocks and the disconnector prevents fully automatic fire, just as in semi-auto mode. But in this case, the secondary sear engages the hammer and then releases it when the shooter allows the trigger to move forward, firing a second shot. Simply put, a binary trigger fires a shot when it’s pulled back, and another when it moves forward.
Binary triggers have semi-auto and binary modes. They are self-explanatory. You just move the selector switch to choose what you want. An AR-15 binary trigger also replaces the selector switch, adding the “Binary” option to the normal “Fire” and “Safe.” The “Fire” option changes to “Semi.” But, when in binary mode, the shooter can switch to semi-auto mode while the trigger is depressed, thus precluding the second shot.
Binary Trigger: What It Is Not
Skilled binary trigger users can seem to mimic automatic fire. It’s not that fast, but it’s clearly faster than semi-auto fire. But because each shot results from a distinct operator-initiated action, binary trigger-equipped firearms are not automatic weapons or machine guns.
You may have also heard of Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs). FRTs operate on a different principle, in which an AR-15’s cycling bolt carrier group forces the trigger to reset without the shooter consciously releasing the trigger. FRT-equipped rifles do not fire on the trigger’s forward movement, so they are not binary triggers. The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has classified FRTs as machine guns. Legal battles over that definition are ongoing. Many folks confuse binary triggers with FRTs, but they are quite different, and ATF has clearly defined why binary triggers are not machine guns or FRTs.
Fun With Binary Triggers
I got my first taste of binary trigger fun at last year’s Media Day at the Range at SHOT Show. Mike Searson and I dropped by the Franklin Armory booth and were treated to a partial magazine on a binary trigger-equipped Ruger 10/22 and an AR-15. That was all it took. I soon had a Franklin Armory BFSIII binary trigger on my Aero Precision AR.
Binary triggers are a blast, but you have to put in the work to get the most from them. That requires time and ammo. The great thing about binary triggers is that you can shoot really fast. The bad thing about binary triggers is that you can shoot really fast. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you blow through some ammo, and 5.56 rounds aren’t as cheap as they used to be. But…it is some serious fun!
Why Go Binary?
Binary triggers aren’t really necessary for anything. But they do have their uses, depending on your activities and philosophies. Used properly, meaning you put the work in, binary triggers can help competition shooters fire more quickly, thus shaving off those hundredths of a second that mean winning or losing. But keep in mind that speed does not trump accuracy and binary triggers are harder to shoot accurately than a semi-auto trigger. Only some competitions allow binary triggers, so make sure you know the rules.
Some folks like binary triggers for home defense. Again, the training and proficiency have to be there, but a well-employed binary trigger can quickly even your odds against multiple assailants. But keep in mind, once again, that proper training is paramount. Binary triggers alter the recoil rhythm from what you’re used to with semi-auto fire. Do the work.
You should also consider the proven fact that prosecutors like to go after what they perceive as hot-rodded guns, even if they were used for self-defense. Even if you’re in the right, a prosecutor might take a dim view of certain upgrades, including a binary trigger. Only you can weigh the risks and rewards.
Honestly, I got my binary trigger just because it’s fun. It’s another shooting challenge. Yeah, I use more ammo, but I’m judicious about it. I don’t use the binary all the time. Mainly, I shoot it just enough to remain reasonably proficient or if I want to blow off some steam for a moment.
Legal Considerations
The ATF says binary triggers are legal under federal law. However, certain states do not allow them. As of this writing, the following No Fun states outlaw binary triggers: California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington, plus Washington, DC. Delaware does not allow binary triggers on rifles but does permit them on pistols. Check your state laws if you’re unsure of anything.
You Decide
Binary triggers aren’t for everyone. Some folks like them and some don’t. I don’t have binary triggers on my home defense guns for the reasons discussed previously. I’m not a competition shooter, nor will I ever be. I have exactly one binary trigger-equipped firearm. I shoot mine because it’s fun, and that’s enough for me.
You may see things differently or have different needs. Maybe binary triggers sound like the best thing ever. Maybe they sound like monumental ammo wasters. Either way, you’re not wrong. But the great thing is that you get to choose. And you won’t be wrong there, either.
