Brandon Herrera, better known as the AK Guy, hit the range to answer a question every gun nerd’s asked at some point: can a semi-auto really feel like a machine gun?
With the Hoffman Tactical Super Safety forced-reset trigger (FRT) installed on an MP5-style setup, the answer came back fast, loud, and clear—yes, and it’s hilarious.
The build was straightforward. A Century AP5-SD clone, an Otter Creek Labs suppressor, and that infamous Super Safety lower with three positions marked safe, semi, and super safe.
Brandon starts slow in semi-auto, soaking in the classic MP5SD smoothness. Then he flips the lever to super safe, empties a mag, and grins like a kid handed the launch button. It feels, in his words, “so based.”
So what’s happening here? The Super Safety is a forced-reset trigger. It pushes the trigger forward after every shot, forcing a reset so fast it can mimic the cadence of a real full-auto.
Each round still requires a distinct trigger pull, which is why it remains legal under federal law. Machine guns are defined as firearms that fire more than one round per trigger pull.
Because this design resets between shots, it sits in the gray zone that gives range lawyers headaches but keeps it legal for civilians.
Brandon’s reaction says it all. “If you didn’t tell me that wasn’t a machine gun, I wouldn’t know,” he says between mag dumps.
The cyclic rate feels clean and consistent, not like the hiccupy rhythm of bump stocks or slide-fire devices. The FRT delivers smooth, predictable operation that’s pure entertainment.
He’s upfront about the setup. The suppressor and short barrel make it an NFA-registered gun, so you’re not dodging the paperwork completely.
Still, the lower and trigger assembly are available off the shelf for around $650. For shooters without a full-auto SOT, that’s a pretty sweet deal.
He also cautions against DIY builds unless you know what you’re doing. MP5 barrel swaps aren’t AR-style plug-and-play jobs, so let a real gunsmith handle it.
“As of 9/17/2025, no warrants have been served to Hoffman Tactical LLC principals or employees. No searches or seizures have been performed on Hoffman Tactical LLC assets.”
As always, AK Guy brings his signature blend of humor and honesty. Between quips about White Claw penetration tests, sponsor jokes, and an impromptu “Did you just shoot one of my chickens?” moment, the video feels more like hanging out with friends than watching a technical review.
In the end, his verdict is simple. Is it essential gear? Probably not. Is it stupid fun? Absolutely.
For anyone chasing that full-auto grin without the full-auto price tag, the Super Safety delivers the next best thing.
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