Q: Can I use the Drop In Auto Sear Keychain for competition shooting? A: Yes, the keychain is perfect for competition shooters who need to rapidly deploy and use their auto-sear device.

Under federal law, a functional drop-in auto sear (DIAS) is legally classified as a machine gun. Attempting to buy, sell, or own one disguised as a "keychain" is a fast track to federal felony charges. What is a Drop-In Auto Sear (DIAS)?

To understand the keychain version, one must first understand the functional component. A Drop In Auto Sear is a device designed for specific firearms—most commonly the AR-15 platform—that allows the weapon to fire automatically (multiple rounds with one pull of the trigger).

Perhaps the most direct parallel to the keychain concept involved a West Virginia man named Timothy Watson. He was arrested for selling a 3D-printed "wall hook". The product consisted of two 3D-printed parts. When connected, it looked like a hook. However, when you removed one piece, the other was a fully functional drop-in auto sear.

The allure of the DIAS keychain lies in its perceived loophole. For years, online forums debated the legal status of these items. The logic followed by some enthusiasts was: If I possess this piece of metal, but I do not own an AR-15, and I haven't installed it, is it still a machine gun?