Hellfire trigger
Encyclopedia
A Hellfire trigger is a device that allows a semi-automatic firearm
to fire at a rate approaching that of fully automatic firearm
s. When the trigger is pressed, the Hellfire device disengages the trigger return spring, which moves the operator's trigger finger. As a result, the operator can move his finger to fire individual shots more quickly. Some users may use the Hellfire device in conjunction with bump firing
techniques to fire more rapidly.
The device is simple, but unsafe and inefficient. Many users complain about the awkward firing position required to shoot a firearm equipped with a Hellfire trigger. Use of the trigger may damage a gun or cause it to malfunction
, since most semi-automatic firearms are not designed to handle the stress of rapid fire.
before the Waco Siege
stated that he might possess rifles illegally modified to fire full auto, based on neighbors reports of hearing what sounded to be full auto fire coming from the area.
It is alleged that David Koresh actually owned a Hellfire device leading many to speculate that the sounds the neighbors heard were actually as a result of the (completely legal) Hellfire device rather than full auto modifications. Whether or not this is the case, the instructions from the manufacturer explicitly admonish the owner from being too overt in the use of the device for fear of any false accusations.
Semi-automatic firearm
A semi-automatic, or self-loading firearm is a weapon which performs all steps necessary to prepare the weapon to fire again after firing—assuming cartridges remain in the weapon's feed device or magazine...
to fire at a rate approaching that of fully automatic firearm
Automatic firearm
An automatic firearm is a firearm that loads another round mechanically after the first round has been fired.The term can be used to refer to semi-automatic firearms, which fire one shot per single pull of the trigger , or fully automatic firearms, which will continue to load and fire ammunition...
s. When the trigger is pressed, the Hellfire device disengages the trigger return spring, which moves the operator's trigger finger. As a result, the operator can move his finger to fire individual shots more quickly. Some users may use the Hellfire device in conjunction with bump firing
Bump fire
Bump firing is the act of using the recoil of a firearm to fire multiple shots in rapid succession. This process involves holding the foregrip with the non-trigger hand, releasing the grip on the firing hand , pushing the rifle forward in order to apply pressure on the trigger finger from the...
techniques to fire more rapidly.
The device is simple, but unsafe and inefficient. Many users complain about the awkward firing position required to shoot a firearm equipped with a Hellfire trigger. Use of the trigger may damage a gun or cause it to malfunction
Firearm malfunction
A firearm malfunction is the partial or complete failure of a firearm to operate as intended. Malfunctions range from temporary and relatively safe situations, such as a casing that didn't eject, to potentially dangerous occurrences that may permanently damage the gun and cause injury or death...
, since most semi-automatic firearms are not designed to handle the stress of rapid fire.
Controversy
While the company that makes the Hellfire sells each unit with a copy of the letter from US BATF stating that it is legal to own, many believe the nature of the device could conceivably cause legal problems for the owner through the appearance of having an illegally modified firearm. They cite the fact the warrant against David KoreshDavid Koresh
David Koresh , born Vernon Wayne Howell, was the leader of a Branch Davidian religious sect, believing himself to be its final prophet. Howell legally changed his name to David Koresh on May 15, 1990. A 1993 raid by the U.S...
before the Waco Siege
Waco Siege
The Waco siege began on February 28, 1993, and ended violently 50 days later on April 19. The siege began when the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms attempted to execute a search warrant at the Branch Davidian ranch at Mount Carmel, a property located east-northeast of Waco,...
stated that he might possess rifles illegally modified to fire full auto, based on neighbors reports of hearing what sounded to be full auto fire coming from the area.
It is alleged that David Koresh actually owned a Hellfire device leading many to speculate that the sounds the neighbors heard were actually as a result of the (completely legal) Hellfire device rather than full auto modifications. Whether or not this is the case, the instructions from the manufacturer explicitly admonish the owner from being too overt in the use of the device for fear of any false accusations.