FRT and Glock Switch: What's The Difference Let's Take a LOOK

Gregory Kielma • January 9, 2026

Will FRTs Go the Same Way as Glock Switches?

Glock Switch and FRT’s: What’s The Difference?

Gregg Kielma

01/09/2026

Will FRTs Go the Same Way as Glock Switches?

Kielma’s say’s; Short answer: No — at least not right now. Legally, FRTs and Glock switches are in very different places at the Federal Level.

Here’s the Breakdown Kielma say’s “Let’s Take A LOOK”

1. Federal Status: FRTs vs. Glock Switches

Glock Switch (Auto Sear)

• Always classified as a machine gun under federal law.

• Possession = felony, even if not installed.

• No court rulings have changed that.

Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs)

• As of the May 2025 DOJ settlement, FRTs are NOT classified as machine guns under federal law because each shot still requires a separate trigger pull.

• Federal courts agreed that FRTs do not meet the NFA machine gun definition.

• ATF has even begun returning seized FRTs to owners.

So federally, FRTs are not in the same category as Glock switches.

2. State-Level Reality

This is where things get messy.

Even though FRTs are federally legal:

• Several states still ban them outright (CA, CT, HI, MD, NJ, etc.).

• Sixteen states are actively challenging the federal settlement in court.

So while Glock switches are universally illegal, FRTs are in a patchwork legal environment.

3. Could FRTs Be Reclassified Later?

It’s possible — but not guaranteed.

Factors:

• Ongoing appeals in the Fifth Circuit.

• Potential Supreme Court involvement.

• Political pressure from states arguing FRTs increase rate of fire.

But right now, the legal trend is moving in the opposite direction of Glock switches — toward less federal restriction, not more.

Kielma’s Parting Shot:

FRTs are not on the same legal trajectory as Glock switches. Glock switches = always illegal machine guns. FRTs = currently federally legal, but with state bans and ongoing litigation.

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