If you’ve spent any time looking at high-performance triggers, you’ve probably seen the videos. A shooter pulls the trigger once—bang. They release it—bang. It looks fast. It looks fun. It almost looks like a machine gun, but technically, it isn't. Because of that, people are constantly asking: are binary triggers legal in California?
The short answer is a hard no.
Actually, it's more than just a "no." It’s a "don’t even think about it unless you enjoy dealing with felony charges." California has some of the most restrictive firearm laws in the United States, and when it comes to anything that increases the rate of fire, the state legislature doesn't mess around. They’ve essentially built a legal wall around the definition of "multiburst precision triggers," and binary triggers are trapped right in the middle of that definition.
The Legal Definition That Changed Everything
To understand why these are banned, you have to look at how California defines a "multiburst precision trigger." This isn't just a fancy term; it's a specific legal category under California Penal Code Section 16930.
Most people assume that if a gun isn't "fully automatic," it's fine. In most of the country, that's true. The federal definition of a machine gun involves a weapon that fires more than one shot with a single function of the trigger. Since a binary trigger requires two distinct motions—a pull and a release—the ATF has generally (though the legal landscape fluctuates) viewed them as semi-automatic.
California doesn't care about the federal nuance here.
The state law is written much more broadly. It defines a multiburst precision trigger as any device that can be attached to a firearm to allow it to fire "two or more shots in conjunction with a single pull or activation of the trigger," or a device that "increases the rate of fire." Because a binary trigger ensures a round is fired on the release—which is part of the "activation" sequence in the eyes of California prosecutors—it is strictly prohibited.
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Penal Code 32900: The Real Stakes
Walking into a gun store in Reno or Phoenix might make you think these parts are easy to get. They are. But bringing one across the border into the Golden State triggers California Penal Code 32900.
This isn't a "fix-it" ticket. Possession, manufacture, importation, or sale of a multiburst precision trigger is a "wobbler" in California. That’s legal jargon meaning a prosecutor can charge it as either a misdemeanor or a felony. If you're caught with one installed in your AR-15 at a public range in Los Angeles or the Bay Area, you aren't just looking at a fine. You’re looking at potential prison time and the permanent loss of your firearm rights.
The California Department of Justice (DOJ) has been very clear about this. They view these devices as a way to circumvent the state’s assault weapon bans. Even if your rifle is "California compliant" with a fixed magazine or a featureless grip, adding a binary trigger instantly turns that compliant rifle into an illegal weapon.
Why the "Release Phase" is the Killer
Binary triggers work on a pull-and-release system. Companies like Franklin Armory—who, ironically, are based in Nevada but have roots in California—pioneered this technology. In a standard semi-auto, the sear resets when you let go. In a binary system, the release of the trigger trips the sear again.
California’s legal framework sees the "pull" and "release" as one continuous activation of the firing cycle.
Some enthusiasts argue that since you can "cancel" the second shot by holding the trigger down and flipping the safety selector, it shouldn't count as a multi-shot device. That argument has failed repeatedly in California. The courts here lean toward the strictest possible interpretation of "rate of fire." If the device makes the gun go faster than a standard finger-pull, the state wants it gone.
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The Ghost Gun Connection and Increased Scrutiny
Lately, the heat has turned up even more. With the rise of "ghost guns" and 3D-printed components, California law enforcement is on high alert for modified fire control groups.
You might see "forced reset triggers" (FRTs) mentioned in the same breath as binary triggers. While they are mechanically different—FRTs use the cycling of the bolt to literally push your finger forward—the legal result in California is identical. They are both illegal. There is no loophole. There is no "special permit."
If you are a competitive shooter or a hobbyist moving to California, you have to leave these parts at the state line. You can't just "unplug" them. Having the components in a box next to your rifle can sometimes be enough for a "constructive possession" charge if a DA is feeling particularly aggressive.
What About Rare Breed and Franklin Armory?
Franklin Armory actually developed something called the "CSW" (California Special Weapon) years ago to try and navigate these waters, but that’s a very different beast than a drop-in binary trigger. As for the popular BFSIII triggers you see advertised online, most reputable retailers will simply block your shipping address if you try to order one to a California ZIP code.
If you find a website willing to ship a binary trigger to California, they aren't doing you a favor. They are putting you in a position to commit a felony while they stay safe behind a screen in a different state.
The Difference Between Federal and State Heat
It is worth noting that the Supreme Court's 2024 ruling on bump stocks (Cargill v. Garland) changed the federal landscape for some rapid-fire devices. The Court basically said the ATF overstepped by calling bump stocks "machine guns."
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People got excited. They thought, "Hey, if bump stocks are okay federally, maybe California's ban is toast!"
Slow down.
California's ban is a state law, not a federal regulation. While the Cargill case might provide a roadmap for future lawsuits against California’s Penal Code, it did not magically legalize binary triggers in San Diego or Sacramento. Until a specific court case strikes down California's "multiburst precision trigger" statute, the ban remains the law of the land. Given the current makeup of the Ninth Circuit and California's legislative priorities, that law isn't going anywhere soon.
Practical Steps for California Residents
If you currently live in California and you’re looking for a better shooting experience, you have to look elsewhere. You cannot have a binary trigger. Period.
- Look into Match Triggers: You can still buy high-quality, single-stage match triggers from companies like Geissele or Timney. These have a lighter pull and a crisp reset, which improves accuracy and speed without breaking the law.
- Focus on Reset Training: Most people who want a binary trigger really just want to shoot faster. Working on your "split times" with a standard, legal trigger is a much better use of time than risking a felony.
- Check Your Parts: If you bought a used firearm or inherited one, check the trigger group. If it fires on the release, it’s illegal. Swap it out for a standard MIL-SPEC trigger immediately.
- Stay Informed on Litigation: Organizations like the Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) and the California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA) are constantly fighting these bans in court. If the law changes, they will be the first to announce it.
Basically, the risk-to-reward ratio for binary triggers in California is terrible. You're risking your freedom for a novelty that, frankly, is mostly just a way to burn through expensive ammunition faster. Keep it legal, keep it single-action, and keep your guns in your own hands rather than in an evidence locker.
Actionable Next Steps
- Audit your collection: Ensure no rifles brought from out-of-state have binary or forced-reset components installed.
- Verify shipping policies: If you are shopping for triggers online, ensure the product is specifically listed as "California Legal" or is a standard semi-automatic trigger.
- Support legal challenges: If you disagree with these restrictions, consider supporting the CRPA or FPC, as they are currently litigating various aspects of the California Penal Code.
- Consult a local expert: If you are unsure about a specific modification, speak with a California-based FFL (Federal Firearms Licensee) who deals with compliance daily.