The new Rare Breed Triggers FRT-15 trigger for the AR platform allows very rapid semi-automatic fire from an AR-15 rifle. Watch the video above, which shows the trigger in action and explains how it works.
The TL;DR is that the FRT-15’s sear forces the trigger to reset with every shot even if you keep continuous pressure on it. It cannot be considered anything but semi-automatic. Rare Breed notes that a heavy buffer and a full-auto bolt carrier group is required for use of the $380 FRT-15.
As I watched the video, when I got to the animated explanation of operation, all I could think was, “My God, they invented the bump trigger. ATF heads are going to explode.” In a morbid way, I’m looking forward to seeing what creative lingustic gymnastics they concoct to ban this.
Without having tried the FRT-15 personally, two things strike me about it. First is that using that safely using FRT-15 is going to take some practice. This isn’t for the amateur who’s going to drop it in his AR, then leave it in the gun case for months.
The second point is something I hope rare Breed Triggers considered carefully. The contact area between sear and hammer appears to be small compared to a more convention trigger group. That’s a potential point failure. If that wears too much, the rifle could go full auto.
I suspect heat treatment during manufacturing presented interesting challenges for the company. Too hard and the metal could fracture under stress.. Too soft and it wears too quickly.
If you buy one of these, I suggest inspecting those surfaces periodically.