Gun Laws/New York/Reviewed September 16, 2026
Are forced reset triggers legal in New York?
Quick answer
No
New York: Treated as a machine gun or rapid fire device under state law.
3 of New York's 5 neighboring states have the same status. Check each one before you cross a state line with forced reset triggers.
Not legal advice. Source: GunPartPicker state law review, September 16, 2026
Forced reset trigger laws by state
Triggers that stay legal in New York
A forced reset trigger is treated as a machine gun in New York. A fast single stage drop in is not.
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New York law in detail
- New York is one of fifteen states, plus the District of Columbia, whose trigger activator or rate of fire statutes reach forced reset triggers. The 2025 federal settlement does not override a state ban.
- Search New York's code for "multiburst trigger activator" and "trigger activator", not "forced reset trigger". Most of these statutes predate FRTs and never use the phrase, which is why people search, find nothing and conclude they are in the clear.
- A standard fast single stage or two stage drop in trigger is not affected by any of these statutes.
The federal rule
Under the 2025 Justice Department settlement with Rare Breed Triggers, ATF no longer treats a forced reset trigger that fires one round per trigger function as a machine gun. That settles federal law only; a state can still ban FRTs under its own machine gun, rapid fire device or multiburst trigger statute.
FRTs in neighboring states
Next steps
Frequently asked questions
Are forced reset triggers legal in New York?
No. New York: Treated as a machine gun or rapid fire device under state law. Reviewed September 16, 2026.
What is the federal rule on forced reset triggers?
Under the 2025 Justice Department settlement with Rare Breed Triggers, ATF no longer treats a forced reset trigger that fires one round per trigger function as a machine gun. That settles federal law only; a state can still ban FRTs under its own machine gun, rapid fire device or multiburst trigger statute.
How many states restrict forced reset triggers?
Nationwide by our review: 35 states: no state ban; 15: restricted.
More New York gun laws
Legal disclaimer: This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can be stricter. Confirm with the New York statutes, the state attorney general or a licensed attorney before buying, building or traveling.