Yes, binary triggers are generally legal under both Texas and federal law. But that “yes” comes with real conditions. Recent federal court rulings, the ATF’s shifting positions on different trigger systems and the clear illegality of certain conversion devices make this an area where you need to stay informed. Binary triggers remain legal, but other trigger-modifying devices especially forced-reset triggers and auto-sears—are treated very differently. The bottom line: Texas is firearm-friendly, but federal law still governs what counts as a machine gun, and that rule is the line you must never cross.
What a Binary Trigger Actually Is
A binary trigger is a special aftermarket trigger system that fires one round when you pull the trigger and another when you release it. You can switch the firearm back to normal semi-automatic mode when you want. Even though the rate of fire can be fast, the key is that each shot is tied to an independent trigger action one on pull and one on release. That’s why, as of 2026, binary triggers are treated as legal semi-auto components rather than machine-gun conversions.
Texas Law: No State Ban on Binary Triggers
Texas Penal Code Chapter 46 does not list binary triggers as prohibited weapons or parts. There is no state law that bans possession, sale or installation of binary triggers. If your rifle is legal and you install a binary trigger, the firearm is still legal under Texas law as long as it remains semi-automatic and doesn’t fire multiple shots per single trigger function.
Texas tends to defer to federal definitions on what counts as a “machine gun,” so the important rules come from federal law and ATF interpretation.
Federal Law: Where Things Get Complicated
Federal law defines a machine gun as a firearm that shoots more than one round with a single function of the trigger. Because a binary trigger has two separate mechanical actions (a pull and a release), it doesn’t meet that definition.
But here’s where the nuances matter:
1. Binary Triggers — Generally Legal (as of 2026)
Binary triggers are still being sold, still being installed and still treated as lawful. No federal rule has classified them as machine guns.
2. Forced-Reset Triggers (FRTs) — Previously Banned, Now in Legal Limbo
The ATF had classified many forced-reset triggers as machine guns and even seized them. But in late 2023–2024, a federal judge vacated the ATF’s rule, forcing the agency to return seized FRTs and leaving the legal status unsettled.
As of 2026, FRTs are not currently classified as machine guns, but the issue is under active litigation and could change again.
3. Auto Sears / “Glock Switches” / “Kill Switches” — Completely Illegal
Unlike binary triggers, these tiny parts are designed to convert a semi-auto into a true automatic weapon with continuous fire from a single trigger pull.
Under federal law and Texas law, these are considered unregistered machine guns, even if they aren’t installed. Possession alone is a federal felony. There is no gray area here.
Why the Distinction Matters in Texas
Texas may be one of the most firearm-friendly states, but it does not override federal gun law. You can legally own a binary trigger here, but:
- You must ensure your rifle never fires more than one round per single trigger pull.
- A modified firearm that behaves like an automatic, even unintentionally, could be treated as a machine gun under federal law.
- If the ATF changes its interpretation—something that has happened before—your device could suddenly fall into a restricted category.
For that reason, even though binary triggers remain legal, owners must stay alert to federal developments. Texas won’t prosecute you for owning one, but federal agencies can.
Practical Things Texans Should Keep in Mind
- Keep all documentation for your trigger system, including manuals and proof of how it works.
- Never modify the trigger beyond the manufacturer’s design. Any homemade tweaks could change how the firearm functions and create legal risk.
- Do not mix trigger systems (binary + aftermarket reset springs + adjustable sears), which could unintentionally create automatic fire.
- Train carefully: binary triggers behave differently, and accidental double-fires can happen.
- Transport with caution: if law enforcement hears rapid fire, you may face questioning or seizure until your firearm’s mechanism is confirmed.
- Traveling out of state? Some states outright ban binary triggers. The moment you cross the Texas border, the law changes.
Final Take
In Texas, binary triggers are legal, but they exist in a tight space between full legality and potential federal scrutiny. Forced-reset triggers are in a temporary gray zone because of shifting court rulings. Auto-sears and conversion devices—often called “kill switches”—are universally illegal. If you choose to own or use a binary trigger in Texas, make sure you understand how it works, keep your firearm firmly within semi-auto behavior, and stay updated on federal rule changes. Used responsibly and legally, binary triggers are allowed in Texas but they require knowledge and caution.
