In the world of firearms enthusiasts, few upgrades generate as much excitement as a forced reset trigger (FRT). If you’re a fan of the Taurus TX22 – already a standout .22LR semi-automatic pistol for its affordability, threaded barrel, and fun factor – then the Freedom Fingers Trigger takes it to another level. Drawing from a recent video review by YouTuber Print Shoot Repeat (PSR), this article dives into the mechanics of this innovative FRT, including a detailed look at slow-motion footage that confirms its forced reset functionality. We’ll also explore the evolving legality of forced reset triggers in the US as of 2025 and what this means for the broader FRT market. Whether you’re considering an upgrade or just curious about rapid-fire tech, read on for the full breakdown.
What is the Freedom Fingers Trigger for the Taurus TX22?
The Freedom Fingers Trigger, specifically the 22TY model, is a drop-in forced reset trigger designed exclusively for the Taurus TX22 pistol. Manufactured by Freedom Finger Triggers LLC, this stainless steel component replaces the factory disconnector, enabling faster cycling without converting the firearm into a full-auto machine gun. Priced around $115, it’s marketed as the world’s first .22LR pistol FRT, appealing to shooters looking for enhanced performance on a budget-friendly platform.
In PSR’s video, the host demonstrates the trigger on a borrowed TX22, highlighting its “torqued” capabilities. The setup includes accessories like a Holosun optic and extended 22-round magazines, turning the pistol into a rapid-fire beast. Unlike traditional triggers, the FRT uses the slide’s recoil to physically force the trigger forward, resetting it for the next shot while maintaining semi-automatic classification. This results in split times that rival some full-auto firearms, with PSR clocking it at around 1,900 rounds per minute – insanely fast for a .22LR.
Key features from the review:
- Compatibility: Fits Taurus TX22 models, including the TORO variant with optics cut.
- Installation: Simple drop-in replacement for the disconnector.
- Performance Boost: Allows burst firing or full mag dumps in under a second, making it a “hoot” for range fun.
- Limitations: The light slide can cause cycling issues with suppressors unless weight is added (e.g., via an optic or rail).
If you’re searching for “Taurus TX22 upgrades” or “best FRT for .22 pistol,” this trigger stands out for its innovation and accessibility.
Slow-Motion Analysis: Proving It’s a True Forced Reset Trigger
One of the video’s highlights is the super slow-motion footage shot at 960 frames per second, which clearly demonstrates the Freedom Fingers Trigger’s forced reset mechanism. PSR emphasizes this to address potential concerns from regulators or skeptics, showing that each shot requires a single function of the trigger – the key to its semi-auto legality.
In the footage:
- As the slide cycles back after firing, it engages the modified disconnector.
- This action physically pushes the trigger forward, resetting it and “forcing” the shooter’s finger to release momentarily.
- The reset is visible: the trigger moves forward slightly (not a “ginormous” amount, as PSR notes, but enough to disengage and re-engage).
- Unlike full-auto triggers, where the hammer stays down during continuous fire, the FRT resets the trigger assembly with each cycle, ensuring one round per pull.
PSR manually tests this by pulling the trigger and racking the slide, feeling the forward push on his finger. The slow-mo confirms it during live fire: “You can see it’s basically a disconnector that’s in here… catching the slide and then forcing that trigger forward.” This visual proof debunks any notion of it being a machine gun conversion; it’s rapid semi-auto, plain and simple.
For those optimizing their setup, PSR suggests burst mode for better control, as full dumps are “over so fast.” Malfunctions were minimal, mostly attributed to dirty .22 ammo, underscoring the need for clean, high-velocity rounds.
Legality of Forced Reset Triggers: What It Means for the FRT Market in 2025
The rise of products like the Freedom Fingers Trigger comes amid significant legal shifts in the US firearms landscape. As of 2025, forced reset triggers are legal under federal law following a landmark settlement between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Rare Breed Triggers in May. The DOJ agreed to cease regulating FRTs as machine guns, affirming that they allow only one shot per trigger function – aligning with semi-automatic definitions.
However, this doesn’t mean blanket approval:
- Federal Status: FRTs like the 22TY are not classified as machine guns, allowing their sale and possession nationwide where not restricted by state law.
- State Variations: States like California, Illinois, and Maryland have enacted bans, treating FRTs as illegal conversion devices. The ATF has committed to returning seized devices only to legal jurisdictions, creating a patchwork of regulations.
- Market Impact: The settlement has revitalized the FRT market, encouraging companies like Freedom Finger Triggers to expand into handguns and calibers like .22LR. This could lead to more innovations, such as FRTs for popular pistols (e.g., M&P 2.0, as teased on their site), larger magazines, or suppressor-compatible designs. However, ongoing lawsuits and state pushback may limit growth, with critics arguing FRTs skirt machine gun bans and pose public safety risks.
THE MOST ADVANCED 22LR RIMFIRE PISTOL ON THE MARKET, Even Without an FRT
The Taurus TX22 has quickly become a super popular plinker regardless of this trigger. Now, however, there is literally no reason not to check out this .22 Plinker.
Engineered to deliver best-in-class accuracy and reliability, this rimfire polymer sporting pistol shoots and feels every bit like a custom-tuned competition model—without any costly upgrades or modifications. From the short, smooth pull of its precision-designed Taurus Performance Trigger System (PTS) to the built-in comfort of its ergonomic grip, the TaurusTX™ 22 is one performance-driven full size that’s ready to race. Right out of the box.
Guns & Ammo 2019 Handgun of the Year.
The TaurusTX™ 22 pistol comes with a suppressor adapter collar so that it can be used with a suppressor. The suppressor adapter collar features an external thread of 1/2-28 which is compatible with the majority of .22LR suppressors available on the market.
You can order yourself one here!