Binary Trigger

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Overview

A binary trigger refers to any firearm trigger mechanism designed to fire one round when pulled and another when released.

Initially designed to increase the rate of fire of semi-automatic firearms, binary triggers have become popular among the shooting sportsmen community for recreational and competitive shooting. Overview

These triggers often come with legal and safety considerations, making them a subject of interest and debate while offering an increase in rates of fire.

 

How Does a Binary Trigger Work?

Mechanism

• Conventional semi-automatic firearms fire one round per one trigger pull.
• Binary triggers introduce a release phase wherein one can squeeze off an additional shot on release of the trigger.

 

Modes

Most binary trigger systems have three settings:

• Safe Mode: The firearm does not fire.
• Semi-Auto Mode: One pull-one round fired.
• Binary Mode: One pull, one round; one release, one round.

 

Customization

• Generally added as aftermarket modifications, binary triggers remain popular with both the AR-15 and other modular firearm platforms.

 

History of Binary Triggers

Origin: Origin of the binary triggers came into existence to increase the firing rates in semi-automatic firearms, which first materialized in civilian markets during the dawn of the 21st century.

Innovation: Franklin Armory is one such company among many others that pioneered binary trigger systems, which introduced accessories that would increase shooting performance without turning the firearms into fully automatic ones.

 

Advantages of Binary Triggers

Increased Rate of Fire

• The follow-up shots could be much quicker.
• This would definitely please competitive shooters and avid enthusiasts.

Control and Precision

• Keeps its classification as semi-automatic.
• It provides more control than a full-auto system would.

Recreational Use

• A unique addition to the hobby of shooting.

Tactical Applications

• Firing more quickly in critical situations, though rarely, if ever, professionally done in either military or law enforcement settings.

 

Legal Considerations

Federal Laws in the U.S.

Binary triggers are federally legal since they do not fall under the definition of a "machine gun" as outlined in the NFA. A machine gun is defined as firing more than one round with one trigger pull.

State Laws

For example, binary triggers have been banned in California, New York, and New Jersey.

International Context

Most countries classify them in the class of fully automatic firearms and hence prohibit them.

Legislations in Flux

As firearms continue falling under increased scrutiny, binary triggers may face changing the nature of many laws and regulations in the coming years.

 

Safety Considerations

Trigger Discipline

Negligent discharges due to lack of experience with binary mode.

Training

One is safe with binary triggers if well-trained on how to use them.

Compatibility

It has to be compatible with the firearm, or else it will be prone to malfunction.

Usage Scenarios

Be responsible with binary triggers in public or crowded ranges.

 

Pros and Cons of Binary Triggers

Pros

• Increased rate of fire.
• Legal in many jurisdictions of the U.S.
• Easy to install on modular platforms.
• Enhances recreational and competitive use.

 

Cons

• Higher risk of accidental discharge
• Banned in several states and countries
• May void manufacturer warranties
• Challenging for inexperienced users to master

 

Alternatives to Binary Triggers Standard

Semi-Automatic Triggers: More forgiving, easier to stay in control of.

Fully Automatic Systems: Confined to military and police use or highly restricted ownership by civilians.

 

Binary triggers are innovation and controversy combined in their own right within the world of firearms. While offering very unique benefits to recreational shooters and competitors alike, they also require a tremendous level of responsibility, training, and awareness in terms of the legal envelope.

To the enthusiast of firearms and the policymaker alike, a knowledge of the mechanics, applications, and implications of binary triggers makes them an integral component of modern firearm technology.