Franklin Armory is known for their revolutionary non-NFA binary firing system. It allows users to fire off a round with the release of the trigger, in addition to the round that’s discharged with the conventional pull of the trigger. Really cool stuff (check out our review).
Now they’re on to something new. It appears to be an AR-pattern firearm with a traditional stock and an 11.5-inch barrel. The catch is that it’s NOT an SBR. Like the binary firing system, it’s a non-NFA item. They’re calling it the “Reformation.”
SEE ALSO: Full Auto Speeds – No NFA or Bumpfire – Franklin Armory Binary Firing System Installation & Full Review
Apparently, they’ve already got the green light from the ATF, which called it a “non-rifle.”
“The patent pending technology employed in Reformation will create a whole new market segment that will not require NFA approval.”
See press release below:
Can’t wait to see what this thing is all about at SHOT Show later this month.
I reached out to Franklin Armory for more information. I will update this post when I hear back.
To all you haters. Why when somebody mentions something new all the assumptions come out? Trashing something without details is pointless and brainless. Where does it say 5.56? Maybe it’s a smooth bore .458 socom. That and a subsonic load would be great for home defense.
Krinkov’s are cheap ( get the two or three piece designs – hollow, NOT solid )
And they take care of the sound problem for the short barrels…
I didn’t see anyone comment on a ‘Sig Brace’…
I’ve got an AR ‘pistol’ with a Sig brace, and it works just fine…
Damn long barrel for a pistol, but – Hey ! – That’s why I need the brace !!!
All for under $ 400…
So, will I be able to build one of these at home and be legal?
as soon as you change out the bbl with another acquired from somewhere else other than the manufacturer, you will have “manufactured” an SBR. The bbl on this is not technically rifled, it has straight lands and grooves, which is why it is not a “rifle”.
accuracy is acceptable for this bbl length, 5″ @100
Just what everyone needs, a louder than normal rifle with less velocity so the 5.56 is much less effective!
Oh, and ONE MORE AR PATTERN RIFLE TO ADD TO THE LIST WITH THE 18,756 OTHER ONES!
I rarely trash talk firearms, (to each his own). If you’re puttin good hits on target and your platform is robust and reliable, I don’t give a shit what your poison is. That said, this binary system is one of the stupidest ideas ever. I see many ND’s out the F’n wahzu in the not too distant future. Don’t even know how you’d go about incorporating this into muscle memory without totally FUBAR when you have to switch to a traditional firearm.
Lastly, (and I haven’t fired one so can’t say first hand) but it seems you’d still have to wait for the barrel to come back down on target before releasing the trigger so don’t see any speed advantage. An idea that solves no problem, (far as I can tell) and introduces a whole new potential for ND’s. Although I guess the argument could be made that a well trained shooter would release the trigger while sights are still on target but the stipulation there is ‘well trained’. And what happens if you don’t want to, (or absolutely shouldn’t for any number of reasons) take the follow up shot? How do you release the trigger, (or can you even), without the weapon firing?
Want to get around SBR NFA and save yourself the additional 200.00? Grab a proven platform, the Tavor. Want an SBR, (or can or full auto)? Get a trust. Also predict the BATFE will do a 180 and list this as an NFA item.
If you return the selector to the “semi” position before releasing the trigger, it will not fire the next round. I rarely trash talk either, but I always do my research before offering my opinion. If you were someone who was incapable of controlling the MASSIVE recoil of the 5.56 round, then letting your muzzle return from orbit would be wise before releasing the next round. If, however, you can handle Eugene Stoner’s monster like a troop, you should be able to burn through a mag without bringing down the International Space Station.
If you’re only shooting at 10 meter targets on the range no big deal. But once you get out to 100’s of meters that muzzle rise could be an issue. Speculation of course but time will surely tell. My main point is this…who ever thought to themselves, ‘man, I wish I could get off a second shot by releasing the trigger’. I’m 54. Army vet. More trigger time and training than 99% of the population. Never in my life did that thought enter my head. It obviously entered someone’s head but it’s such a foreign concept that I can’t see a single good reason for it. Perhaps If I’d shoot one it would change my mind. At this point I’m doubtful but who knows…
BTW….I might have missed the post but I don’t recall seeing that anyone posting here actually has trigger time with this system. Although many of us who are well versed/trained on the AR platform can reasonably walk through it in our heads and come to some reasoned conclusions….would really like to hear from someone who has. Bueller….Bueller?
Dude the binary trigger has been out for over a year. Plenty of people have time with it and its just fine.
I actually spent the money on a Franklin Binary trigger, and i can tell you it was a complete waste of my money. There is several videos of a guy doing a full ammo dump with these triggers, however they don’t mention that additional gun smithing is a must in order to actually use the trigger for what its intended to do. In the Semi auto mode the lower operates just fine, in the binary mode it can be trouble some at best. muscle memory cannot be achieved and then switch back to a traditional firearm ?? i should have thought all that through before i got caught in the hype. I would not recommend this trigger drop in to anyone.
It’s still a semi auto. It doesn’t have to be in binary mode. It’s really quick at double taps. There are plenty of videos on the trigger. It’s perfectly safe,and a very good trigger
I have a Fostech Echo trigger and it handles very well. I don’t have any problems grouping all rounds from a 20 round mag at 100 yards. I’ve fired more than one 20 round mag through a carbine-gassed faux “dissipator” and I must say it’s totally enjoyable and controllable with proper technique. I’ve had no problems nor accidents to date. Personally I feel it’s the best LEO trigger ever. I’ve recently purchased another one of these triggers and a Franklin Binary III trigger which are both pending installation.
If anyone needs a gun trust for an actual SBR, etc., give us a call! Mowitz Law, LLC in Gainesville, FL Our attorney is lifetime member of the NRA and is a veteran.
For what? Spending tons of money to get a $200 stamp refund? I’ve got an SBR. I’ve got a trust. I’ve got a stamp.
I read that wrong. Sorry. My mind has been on litigation lately, lol.
All of this pushing the limits and exploiting the loopholes is going to cause a rewrite of the rules and the real doom and gloom will start.
Most of us tired of bending over to the Marxist Left. Apparently, you enjoyed dropping your soap in their shower.
Instead of intellectually challenging David P on his point, you resort to puerile insults.
Go intellectually sort your mind out and stop embarrassing yourself.
Yes, get out of here with your damn PUERILE INSULTS! Lol. WTF is wrong with you man. Does this look like a british tea house? The intention is to get them to change the rules for the better, instead of letting them fuck us over and over.
Good conceal carry with shoulder swing strap in the winter.
It’s nice but it probably cost 12-1500
a bit more I think
Judging by the cost of the same size SBR the Libertas (which is $2100+) this will likely be higher than that because it is “innovative” in working around SBR tax laws. Which is unfortunate, because if I can build a $600-$800 SBR and buy the tax stamp for $200 I am only looking at an overall cost of $1000. An extra $1100+ just to have a SBR type rifle that will probably be questioned in every police interaction or range visit will make it loose it’s novelty really quickly. Just a thought.
P.S. to my post above …This is a Gotta Have item I would imagine for all of us …the reg SBR ( regulated Stamped NFA – SBR ) is held under the tightest restrictions , you must have ATF approval to even take accross State Lines , on & on & on … Like to hear from other SBR owners on this issue .. thanks G A for your up to date articles .
A “must have” item? I don’t think so. I shot a 5.56 SBR last year and “loud” does not begin to describe it. Some folks will want it for the cool factor but otherwise, I see no practical use for it.
Just started studying UCC law . Ever wonder under the UCC law where every state is a “Foreign Gvt” each a separate gvt.Which ” law’s ” are actually REAL LAWS concerning these NFA regulations ? Why have WE given the United States corp so much control over our collective States . Could these NFA regulations actually be tested against each State , that’s actually a Corp ? DC is only a corp surrounding 10sq miles of DC. Yet THEY control our every move , our children , our food and medicine , and Complete Control over OUR 2nd Amendment ? Surely there are Constitutional Attorney’s that are 2A friendly to challenge NFA total control ..just thinking out loud but I think it’s a question we all ask ..
Give it a try buddy. You be the test case, we will chear you on. After you sit in prison for nfa violations while fighting in the courts maybe youll win after you lose a huge chunk of your life. Or maybe federal law will trump state law, like it always does.
What is it classified as? Would it be an assault weapon under New York’s unsafe law? If not, that’s a must have item.
It has a collapsing stock, pistol grip, and muzzle device. It’s not gonna be legal in NY no matter what.
Evan, and it looks like it and most other 10 and over semi autos will be illegal need for registration this year. Like CA.,OR.,now WA. the Communists have the west coast as well as most of the east coast covered.Or we will be felons for obeying the Constitution.What the hell is wrong with the men in this country? No more spine and too many brainwashed opposors. Sick of it I am.
Oregon has NO firearm registration!
All these laws that we have against firearms appear to be worthless.There is always a way around them.Lets get rid of the political unjust laws .They only exist for the politicians pocket book. The people who keep finding new ways to uphold the second I say.Great job keep up the work.
An article stating that they don’t have any details or particulars? Just want to be first, or click bait?
Gotta give these guys credit; Every time you turn around someone is finding a new workaround to the law. From binaries and bump stocks to arm braces, shockwaves, and now this – the industry seems to be interested in pushing the envelope.
Hopefully current ATF rulemaking doesn’t decide binary is a machine gun.
“The patent-pending technology…. will create a whole new market segment”
Sure bub, right up until the ATF changes their minds… of course they don’t do that very often so maybe you’ve got a chance!
When will they be available ? .300 Blackout ? SRP ?
Can’t we just abolish the NFA so all this stuff would be less confusing?
I think it is binary only, no semi.
The NFA definition of a “rifle” is a weapon fired from the shoulder that fires one round for each “pull of the trigger”. Binary-only fires two rounds for each “pull” of the trigger so it is not a rifle. If it is not a rifle, then it cannot be an SBR.
It is also not a “machine gun” because the NFA definition of a machine gun fires more than one round for each “function” of the trigger. Releasing the trigger is a function, so it’s not a machine gun.
It is not an AOW because it is over 26″ in length.
(credit to Armchair Command’Oh)
Very interesting idea there. Presumably attaching a suppressor to it wouldn’t change any of the above (which is the real use I find for shorter-barreled…. things).
So, if I have an SBR that’s exactly like the one they have here Sept for the binary trigger, and I drop one in…I sldnt have to have a tax stamp. It wld then fall under the same guild lines.
I don’t *think* so. I believe it has to be originally manufactured to a certain criteria and transferred as such. Same as the Fostech SBV 12. It is not an SBS, but transferred as a “firearm” with a fore grip, so same “not an NFA” application deal. Its all in the serial numbers and their paperwork I would assume.
But you could build one from scratch with the binary trigger and be GTG, right?
I believe the original comment by J says that it has no semi-auto mode, ONLY binary mode. & I believe he is just speculating anyway. The BFS they sell has semi & binary mode. Using one does not negate SBR requirements.
If you already have an SBR then you MUST already have a tax stamp.
Looks like their standard safe, semi, binary sticker on the side of it from the picture in their press release. If that were so it would only have safe and fire/binary, supposedly. Unless the third setting says “not an SBR.” Lol.
Sorry, but the reason the binary is legal is because the pull and release are both considered a single pull of the trigger, so your whole theory is moot.
Already made some pistols with braces myself. Have a FA Gen 2 and 3 on ARs too. Great stuff!! Wish they came out with a Binary for an AK.
I just saw FA announced a version for the ACR. I didn’t know ACRs didn’t use standard AR triggers. I have a BFSIII & love it.
Fostech is taking deposits on their new Echo AK. I haven’t tried the Echo.
Fostech is accepting deposits for its AK Echo Trigger.
https://fostech.us/echo-ak-deposits.html
Franklin needs to join with JT Grip to change the world of firearms.
You mean the JT Grip that has dropped from the market and are attempting to sell their worthless patents?
I agree, Franklin should attach themselves to that anchor and sink to the bottom of the ocean with them. Or maybe they should just keep doing what they are doing, ya know, producing firearms.
So can you put a vertical fore grip on it?
Yes, you should be able to. Just as you can with a 26″+ AR pistol (which would turn it into a firearm not a pistol) this is already a “firearm” so a VFG wouldnt change the classification.