Last reviewed: 2026-04-17 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, with hands-on install experience on AR/AK/Glock platforms.
The BFSIII CZ-C1 is a drop-in binary trigger system engineered for the CZ Scorpion platform. Binary mode — position 3 on the selector — fires one round when you pull the trigger and a second round when you release it, delivering two separate trigger functions per cycle. Position 1 is safe (trigger disabled), position 2 is standard semi-automatic (one round per pull). Franklin Armory manufactures the CZ-C1 under patents covering the binary firing mechanism and selector interlock that prevents unintentional discharge when moving the selector out of binary mode while the trigger is held to the rear.
How It Works
The binary fire control group uses a dual-sear design: the pull sear releases the hammer on trigger press, the release sear catches and drops the hammer when the trigger returns forward — but only in position 3. Moving the selector to position 2 or 1 mid-cycle cancels the release round; the hammer stays cocked until you deliberately pull the trigger again in semi mode. The ambidextrous safety lever sits on both sides of the lower receiver, accessible without breaking your firing grip. Installation replaces the factory trigger group and selector; some Scorpion lowers manufactured before 2022 may require light relief filing on the trigger pocket or sear shelf to achieve correct sear engagement — Franklin Armory recommends professional gunsmith fitting for all installs, and Tatted Tacticals seconds that guidance. The CZ-C1 fits CZ Scorpion 3, 3+, carbine, and pistol variants; it does not fit micro or other CZ platforms.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Binary (3-position fire control) |
| Platform | CZ Scorpion 3, 3+, carbine, pistol |
| Positions | Safe / Semi / Binary |
| Selector | Ambidextrous lever |
| Round cancellation | Yes (selector disengages release sear) |
| Drop-in | Most variants; some require fitting |
| Material | Hardened steel sears, aluminum housing |
| Patents | 9,952,012; 9,952,013; 10,107,580; 10,393,461; 10,480,881; 10,480,882; 11,085,724; 11,226,165 |
| Manufacturer | Franklin Armory |
The CZ-C1 ships as a complete trigger pack with ambidextrous selector installed. You will use your factory pins and springs during installation. For competitive shooters running 3-gun or steel challenge stages that permit binary triggers, the CZ-C1 cuts your split time between the first and second round to the mechanical speed of trigger reset — typically under 0.08 seconds. For additional binary trigger options across AR, AK, and other platforms, see our full trigger category.
Where It Shines
Competition use: USPSA carry optics divisions that allow binary triggers, steel challenge speed stages, and recreational plinking where you want to place two rounds on target faster than you can pull a standard semi-auto trigger twice. The binary mode reduces your time-on-target for follow-up shots when engaging multiple steel plates or close paper. Tactical use: some agencies permit binary triggers for breaching or suppressive fire drills; verify your department’s armorer policy and applicable state law before installing on a duty weapon.
Installation Notes
Remove the factory trigger group by driving out the trigger and hammer pins from left to right. Inspect the trigger pocket and sear shelf for burrs or casting flash — deburr with a fine stone if present. Drop the CZ-C1 assembly into the lower, aligning the pin holes, then drive the factory pins back through from right to left. Function-check in all three selector positions with snap caps: safe should block the trigger, semi should drop the hammer once per pull, binary should drop the hammer on pull and again on release. If the hammer follows the bolt forward in binary mode (doubling without releasing the trigger), the release sear engagement is insufficient — remove the trigger and lightly stone the sear shelf or contact a Franklin Armory certified armorer. Some 2019–2021 Scorpion lowers have tighter tolerances on the selector detent channel; if the selector is stiff or binds, remove 0.002–0.005 inches from the detent ball pocket with a needle file. Do not alter any component of the CZ-C1 trigger itself — warranty is void if sears or springs are modified.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Per current ATF guidance, binary triggers are classified as semi-automatic trigger assemblies — each round fired requires a discrete trigger function, and the device does not convert a firearm to automatic fire. Regulatory status has changed before and may change again; verify current federal and state law before ordering.
- Follow the four rules of firearm safety: treat every gun as loaded, never point at anything you’re not willing to destroy, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, know your target and what’s beyond it. Read our four rules refresher.
- Binary triggers are prohibited for civilian sale in CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, HI, IA, IL, MA, MD, MN, NJ, NY, RI, and WA. Some counties and municipalities in other states have enacted local bans — verify your jurisdiction before ordering.
- Range live-fire with snap caps first: practice switching between semi and binary modes to internalize the selector positions and confirm you can cancel the release round by moving the selector to position 2 while holding the trigger back. Unintentional discharge can occur if you release the trigger in binary mode while the muzzle is off target.
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