What Is a Binary Trigger?
A binary trigger is a specific firearm device that can significantly increase the speed with which you can fire. Furthermore, a binary trigger does not require an extensive amount of paperwork, which is typically required for a Tommy Gun. Unlike a standard semi-automatic trigger, a binary trigger has two separate firing options. The first option allows you to fire a single round of ammunition every time you press the trigger. It is very similar to any other semi-automatic weapon. On the other hand, with a single flip of the switch, you can switch the weapon to a binary mode. When you press the trigger, you will fire a single round of ammunition. Then, when you release the trigger, you will fire another round of ammunition. Essentially, it allows you to double your rate of fire.
Are Binary Triggers Legal in the United States?
Yes. It may come as a surprise to hear that binary triggers are legal in the United States. For now, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms has allowed binary triggers to be used in the United States. Furthermore, binary triggers are not considered illegal under the Bump Stock Ban, which was passed in 2018. A bump stock essentially allows a semi-automatic weapon to fire a continuous stream of ammunition even though the trigger might only be pressed once. Furthermore, binary trigger weapons are not considered fully automatic. Therefore, they do not fall under the category of machine guns.
Are There States That Have Banned Binary Triggers?
Even though binary triggers are legal on the federal level, there are still some states that have decided to outlaw them because of the impressive rate of fire they can produce. The states that have passed laws banning binary triggers include California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, and Washington D.C. Of note, binary triggers are only illegal in Delaware for rifles. If you have a pistol that uses a binary trigger, it is considered legal. In addition, Florida and Idaho have relatively vague gun laws. It could be possible that binary triggers are illegal in Florida and Idaho depending on how the law is interpreted.
What Is the Benefit of a Binary Trigger?
A binary trigger can provide a wide range of benefits. The biggest benefit of a binary trigger is that it allows you to more closely control the rate of fire. If you are in a situation where you do not need a high rate of fire, and you are interested in conserving ammunition, you can keep the binary trigger flipped off. Then, if the situation changes, and you need to increase your rate of fire, you can do so with a single push of a button. There are a lot of people who are interested in using binary triggers for competitions, but it can also come in handy for self-defense purposes. Keep in mind that binary triggers could be illegal depending on where you are located.