Trigger crank

A trigger crank is a device that allows a semi-automatic firearm to fire at an increased rate. The trigger crank typically consists of a screw-tight clamp and crank assembly. The crank assembly positioned in front of the trigger and clamped onto the trigger guard of a semi-automatic firearm. When the crank is turned, teeth on a gear-like wheel depress the trigger and cause the weapon to fire.

Internally, the firearm is not altered; hence, only one round is fired with every stroke of the trigger. This makes the "trigger crank" avoid classification as a machine gun for purposes of gun law in the United States, as stated in an IRS revenue ruling[1] and various other private-letter rulings by ATF.[2][3] However, a "trigger crank" driven by a motor (and by extension Gatling gun) is a machine gun as was determined by the ATF in 2004.[4]

The devices have elicited scrutiny by gun control advocates and media commentators because of the perceived lax regulation placed upon them.[5][6]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Rev. Ruling 1955–528 – Classification of crank-operated gear-driven Gatling guns". ATF. Internal Revenue Service. Retrieved May 31, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  2. ^ Bartlett, Curtis (January 2, 2001). "ATF Gatling Crank Approval Letter". 1919A4.com. ATF. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  3. ^ Owen, Edward (January 5, 1997). "ATF Gatling Gun Letter". National Firearms Act Trade & Collectors Association. ATF. Archived from the original on May 19, 2011. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  4. ^ "ATF Ruling 2004–5 – Minigun Ruling". ATF. August 18, 2004. Archived from the original on May 4, 2017. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  5. ^ Smith, Aaron (April 1, 2021). "Biden's Gun Control Doesn't Target Gat Cranks Mimicking Machine Guns". Forbes. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  6. ^ Chipman, David; Nichols, Lindsay (November 15, 2017). "Legal and Lethal: 9 Products That Could Be The Next Bump Stock" (PDF). Brady Campaign. Brady Campaign. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 2, 2019. Retrieved May 31, 2023.