An In-Depth Look at a Binary Triggers

A way to enhance your firearms

In the realm of firearm technology, innovations continually push the boundaries of efficiency and control. You have things like foregrips, optics, different stocks, and so on. One such advancement that has gained attention among shooting enthusiasts is the binary trigger. This mechanism, known for its unique firing capabilities, offers an intriguing blend of speed and precision, really enhancing your shooting experience. However, does a binary trigger make your gun fire in a “burst” setting? Is it fully automatic?

Let’s delve deeper into what a binary trigger is and how it functions.

What is a Binary Trigger?

First and foremost, let’s take a look at exactly what this specialized trigger is. A binary trigger is a type of firearm trigger that allows for two shots to be fired within one motion of the trigger pull – one shot when the trigger is pulled, and another when it is released. This dual-action system contrasts with standard semi-automatic triggers, which fire a single round per trigger pull, but no rounds are fired upon release. 

The binary trigger achieves this by incorporating a special sear mechanism. When the trigger is pulled, the firearm discharges a round as usual. However, upon releasing the trigger, the sear is activated again, firing another round. This rapid-fire capability essentially doubles the rate of fire compared to standard triggers, and can make your shooting experience that much more fun.

How Does a Binary Trigger Work?

It is not as simple as just pulling and releasing the trigger, there is a whole set of mechanics behind binary triggers that allow them to operate the way they do. To understand the mechanics of a binary trigger, it's crucial to grasp the role of the sear and the trigger. In a traditional semi-automatic firearm, pulling the trigger releases the sear, allowing the firing pin to strike the primer and discharge the round. When the trigger is released, the sear resets, preparing the firearm for the next shot.

In a binary trigger system, pulling the trigger initiates the firing sequence, as with any firearm. However, unlike standard triggers, the sear in a binary trigger is designed to engage again upon trigger release, thus firing another round. This mechanism enables rapid and controlled double-tap firing without the need for complex modifications.

Benefits and Considerations

The binary trigger's unique firing sequence offers several advantages for shooters:

Increased Rate of Fire: By allowing a shot upon trigger pull and another upon release, binary triggers can significantly increase the rate of fire, providing faster follow-up shots. This can be great for life and death situations, or when you just want to let loose at the range (make sure that your range allows for rapid fire before using these devices). 

Enhanced Control: Despite the faster rate of fire, are great devices to train for control. Think about it, if you are able to continuously land your rapid follow up shots on target, then you can become a pretty effective shooter.

Versatility: Binary triggers can be adapted to various firearms, from pistols to rifles, enhancing their utility across different shooting disciplines.

However, it's important to note that the binary trigger's distinct characteristics also warrant careful consideration:

Training and Familiarization: Due to the unique firing pattern, users must undergo proper training and familiarization to safely and effectively operate firearms equipped with binary triggers.

Regulatory Compliance: Regulations regarding binary triggers vary by jurisdiction. For example, something that is legal in Pennsylvania may not be legal in California or New York, and more than likely will not be legal in New Jersey. Users should be aware of legal restrictions governing the use of such mechanisms.

Cost and Availability: Binary triggers may come at a higher cost than standard triggers due to their specialized design and manufacturing. Also, if you purchase a firearm that is already equipped with a binary trigger, it may also cost you a bit more than a firearm that does not have one (it technically is an upgrade). 

Does a Binary Trigger Make Your Gun Fully Automatic?

One common misconception of binary triggers is that they will make your firearms fire in “burst” or “full auto” settings. However, this is not true, and if you were to get a firearm that is capable of shooting in those settings, then you would need special licenses. 

Defining Full Auto and Burst Fire

To break it down a bit further, fully automatic weapons will continue to fire rounds as long as the trigger is being pulled. So if you hold the trigger down for ten seconds, the gun will fire all ten seconds, permitted you don’t run out of ammo before that.

Burst fire is when the weapon fires a certain amount of rounds (2-3 rounds) per trigger pull.

To reiterate, binary triggers allow your gun to fire one round on the trigger pull, and one on the release, so no, they do not make your guns burst fire or fully automatic. Now, just because you have a binary trigger equipped does not mean that your gun will always fire in that setting. You are actually able to switch off the binary trigger, and go back to just standard semi automatic fire.

What Guns Are Best For Binary Triggers?

Many people think that binary triggers are only able to be used in AR platforms, but that is not true at all. You can put a binary trigger in many different guns, such as the AK platforms, some 9mm platforms, and others. There are also plenty of different options for these types of triggers, they are not a “one size fits all” piece of equipment. 

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of firearm technology, binary triggers represent an intriguing innovation that combines speed with precision. By enabling rapid follow-up shots within a controlled framework, these triggers cater to the needs of enthusiasts seeking enhanced performance. As with any firearm modification, responsible use and adherence to safety protocols are paramount. Whether for competitive shooting or tactical applications, the binary trigger opens new possibilities for firearm enthusiasts seeking to optimize their shooting experience.