I finally got my hands on a wide open force reset trigger, and I've got to say, it's a pretty interesting piece of gear for anyone looking to change up their range day. If you've been hanging around the firearms community for more than five minutes lately, you've probably heard people talking about FRTs—forced reset triggers. The Wide Open version, often just called the WOT, has been making some waves, and after spending some quality time with one, I think it's worth breaking down what it actually feels like to use it and whether it lives up to the hype.
First Impressions and What's in the Box
When you first pull the wide open force reset trigger out of its packaging, the first thing you notice is that it feels solid. It doesn't have that "cheap" or flimsy feel that some aftermarket triggers sometimes have. It's a drop-in unit, which is a massive plus for those of us who aren't master gunsmiths. Everything is contained within a nice housing, usually made from 7075-T6 aluminum, which is the same stuff most high-end receivers are made from.
It looks clean, the finish is smooth, and you can tell the guys who designed it weren't just slapping something together. But as we all know, looks don't mean much if the thing doesn't run when you're actually out there putting lead downrange.
How the Forced Reset Actually Works
Before we get into the shooting, we should probably talk about what a "force reset" actually does. It's not a binary trigger, and it's definitely not a full-auto sear. The way the wide open force reset trigger works is pretty clever. When you pull the trigger and the bolt carrier group moves back after the shot, it physically pushes the trigger back into the "reset" position.
Basically, it forces your finger forward. If you're maintaining a steady, constant pressure on that trigger, it'll reset almost instantly, allowing you to follow up with another shot way faster than you could with a standard mil-spec or even a high-end match trigger. It's all about the rhythm. You aren't just pulling the trigger over and over; you're more or less interacting with the mechanical cycle of the rifle.
The Installation Process
One of the best things about this specific trigger is that it's a true drop-in. You don't need to be fumbling with tiny springs or trying to hold four different pieces in place while you slide a pin through. You just pop your old trigger out, slide the WOT in, and secure it with your anti-walk pins.
Speaking of pins, you really want to use the anti-walk pins that usually come with these. Because of the way the forced reset mechanism works, there's a bit more vibration and mechanical movement happening inside that lower receiver than usual. Standard pins might start to walk out on you after a few mags, and that's a headache nobody wants to deal with at the range.
Getting the Buffer Right
If you're planning on running a wide open force reset trigger, you need to understand that your rifle's timing is everything. This isn't just a "plug and play and forget it" kind of deal for every single rifle setup. Most people find that a standard carbine buffer just doesn't cut it.
I've found that an H2 or even an H3 buffer is usually the "sweet spot" for getting the WOT to run reliably. If your buffer is too light, the bolt carrier might move too fast, and you'll end up with out-of-battery issues or malfunctions because the trigger didn't have enough time to reset properly. It's a bit of a balancing act, but once you find that right weight, it runs like a sewing machine.
Range Day: The Learning Curve
I won't lie to you—the first time you try to use a wide open force reset trigger, you're probably going to mess it up. It takes a little bit of practice to find that perfect amount of finger pressure. If you pull too hard and "trap" the trigger, it won't reset. If you're too light on it, you won't get that rapid-fire effect you're looking for.
But once you find that rhythm? Man, it's a blast. It's surprisingly controllable. Unlike some other fast-fire methods, the WOT feels very deliberate. You can definitely feel the mechanical feedback through your trigger finger. It doesn't take long to get the hang of it, and once you do, you'll be burning through ammo faster than your wallet probably likes.
Accuracy and Control
A common question is whether you can actually hit anything while using a forced reset trigger. Surprisingly, yes. Because you're not "slapping" the trigger with your finger—you're more or less holding a steady pressure—it's actually easier to keep the rifle steady than you might think. You aren't jerking the gun around with every shot. It's a smooth, consistent cycle. Obviously, it's not a precision long-range setup, but for close-to-medium range drills, it's incredibly effective.
Durability and Build Quality
I've seen some people worry about these triggers wearing out quickly because of the "force" part of the reset. However, the WOT uses hardened steel for the critical engagement surfaces. The "reset" bar and the sear are built to take the abuse of the bolt carrier group slamming back into them.
After a few thousand rounds, I haven't noticed any significant rounding of the edges or failure to reset. Like anything else mechanical, it's going to wear down eventually, but for the average shooter, it's going to last a long, long time. Just make sure you keep it clean and lightly oiled. Since it's a contained unit, grit can sometimes get in there, so a quick blast of compressed air and a drop of lube every now and then goes a long way.
Comparing the WOT to Other Options
There are a few other players in the forced reset game, most notably the Rare Breed FRT-15. The wide open force reset trigger is often seen as a direct competitor. In my experience, they feel very similar, but the WOT feels just a tiny bit more robust in the housing.
Some people argue about which one has a better "wall" or a cleaner break, but let's be real: you aren't buying this for a 2-pound competition break. You're buying it for the reset. In that department, the WOT holds its own against anything else on the market. It's snappy, it's reliable, and it gets the job done.
The Legal Side of Things
We can't really talk about the wide open force reset trigger without mentioning the elephant in the room. The legal status of forced reset triggers has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Depending on when you're reading this, the rules might have shifted.
The ATF has gone back and forth on these, sometimes trying to classify them as "machine guns" because of the rate of fire. However, the manufacturers argue that since the trigger still has to function for every single shot—meaning the mechanical components must cycle and reset the sear—it doesn't fit the legal definition. Always check your local and federal laws before you go out and buy one, just to make sure you're staying on the right side of the fence.
Is It Worth the Money?
At the end of the day, the wide open force reset trigger is an investment. It's not a cheap upgrade. You're looking at a price tag that's significantly higher than a standard polished nickel-boron trigger or even some high-end two-stage triggers.
If you just want a better pull for hunting or precision shooting, this isn't the trigger for you. But if you want to maximize the "fun factor" of your rifle and you enjoy the mechanical challenge of mastering a fast-reset system, it's worth every penny. It turns a standard range session into something a lot more exciting.
Final Thoughts
The wide open force reset trigger is a specialized tool. It's built well, it's relatively easy to install, and once you get your buffer weights dialed in, it's a total riot to shoot. It's not for everyone, and it definitely requires a bit of a learning curve to use effectively, but for those who want that rapid-fire experience without the legal headache of NFA items, it's one of the best options out there. Just be prepared to buy a lot more ammo—you're going to need it.