One of the main reasons people love the AR-15 is because there are a ridiculous number of aftermarket parts available. Want a new rail system? You can go short or long, or use a military-style quad rail. Want a new buttstock? You can replace it with a sturdier upgrade, with an extended sniper stock, or with a shorter, collapsible stock.
The trigger on your AR is no exception, so we did our research and searched for the best AR-15 trigger available.
Of course, “best” is subjective. Some people aren’t mechanically inclined, and just want to swap in a trigger with a little less grit. Others want a kit that allows them to replace Whether you’re looking for an AR-15 trigger kit or a quick and easy drop-in trigger, we’ve got you covered. We’ve also chosen a few budget options, so you can find the best AR-15 for the money.
Let’s dig in!
16 Best AR-15 Trigger’s
The Geissele SSA/SSA-E is a high quality, 2 stage trigger that’s available with a 4 ½ or 3 ½-pound pull weight.
Key features
- 2 stage trigger kit
- 4 ½ or 3 ½-pound pull weight
- Fits .154-inch (small) trigger pin holes
- Captive springs
The Gissele SSA/SSA-E are two versions of the same trigger, so we included them in one entry. The only difference between them is the pull weight; the SSA breaks at 4 ½ pounds, and the SSA-E breaks at 3 ½. This is the same trigger that’s used by US Special Forces, modified to operate in a semi-automatic rifle.
This is a kit, not a drop-in trigger, so it requires some assembly. That said, it’s designed to be stripped in the field if necessary. Assembly is easy. Both the hammer and the trigger pins are .154-inch small pins that are standard on most AR-15 platforms. It will also fit any .308 Winchester rifle that accepts an AR-15 trigger.
The SSA/SSA-E is equipped with a safety sear, which prevents accidental discharge if it’s dropped. It breaks crisply, cleanly, and consistently. However, the pull weight runs about half an ounce low. This makes it a poor choice for law enforcement officers whose departments require a 4 ½-pound pull.
Pros
- Smooth pull and clean break
- Relatively easy assembly
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Pull weight runs a bit light
This is a semi-automatic variant of the AR trigger used by US Special Forces.
2. Geissele Enhanced
Geissele Enhanced are designed to provide a lighter pull and cleaner break than standard mil-spec triggers.
Key features
- 2 stage drop-in trigger
- 2.3, 3.2, or 4-pound pull weight
- Fits .154-inch (small) trigger pin holes
Geissele AR-15 Enhanced Triggers are another trigger that comes in two models, so once again we’re lumping them together. The Geissele 2 Stage Enhanced Trigger (B-G2S-E) features a first stage with 2.3 pounds of pull, and a featherweight 1.2-pound second stage.
The Geissele Rapid Fire Trigger (B-GRF) comes with two springs: a 3.2-pound spring and a 4-pound spring.
The B-G2S-E is ideal for taking long-range, accurate shots from a standing position. The B-GRF is a slimmed-down version of the SSA/SSA-E, which is reliable enough for snap shooting in a competition, but not light enough to go off by accident in a self-defense situation.
Both triggers have a very short pull and reset, so they’re not recommended for bench rest shooting. Both of these triggers require some assembly.
It’s nothing too complex, but the springs are only held in place by tension, so be careful taking it apart in the field. You can install Geissele Enhanced Triggers in any AR-15 with small trigger pin holes.
Pros
- Light pull and clean break
- Good for snap shooting and 3 Gun
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Not recommended for bench rest shooting
- Assembly required
This trigger is a good choice for 3 Gun enthusiasts.
3. Triggertech TT
The Triggertech TT is a single stage drop-in trigger with an adjustable pull weight.
Key features
- Single stage drop-in trigger
- Pull weight adjustable from 2 ½ to 5 pounds
- Fits .154-inch (small) trigger pin holes
- Available with a curved or straight trigger
The Triggertech TT-AR-15 features an adjustable pull weight. At the high end, it offers a relatively robust 5-pound pull. At the lower end, you can tune it to 2 ½ pounds, light enough to drive tacks at long ranges. The trigger pulls smoothly, with no wobble or changes in resistance as you approach the break point.
This trigger is a drop-in design, so it’s easy to install. Take out your old trigger, insert the TT-AR-15, reinsert the retaining pins, and you’re done. This trigger will install in any AR-15 frame with small, .154-inch holes.
The only thing we didn’t like about the TT-AR-15 was the performance at very low weight settings. Under 3 pounds, it occasionally double fires, which can ruin your grouping at the range.
Pros
- Quick, easy installation
- Smooth pull and crisp break
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Can double fire when set at low weights
This trigger performs equally well for hunters and target shooters.
4. Rise Armament Super Sport
The Rise Armament Super Sport is easy to install, and has a 3 ½-pound pull weight.
Key features
- Single stage drop-in trigger
- 3 ½-pound pull weight
- Fits .154-inch (small) trigger pin holes
- Available with a curved or straight trigger
- Includes anti-walk trigger pins
The Rise Armament Super Sport Trigger has a fixed, 3 ½-pound pull weight. However, it does ship in both a straight and a curved variation. The curved version offers more generous space for gloved hands, but the straight version allows you to move your finger up or down the trigger to allow you to adjust the pull weight.
This is a drop-in trigger, so installation is painless. It installs in any AR-15 with a mil-spec lower receiver, using small .154-inch pins. Rise Armament even includes a pair of anti-walk retaining pins in the box in case you’re not happy with the ones you already have.
The super sport pulls smoothly and breaks cleanly, which is impressive in such an affordable piece of hardware. However, it doesn’t always reset to the same spot, so your break point will be a little inconsistent.
Pros
- Quick, easy installation
- Smooth pull and crisp break
- Affordable
Cons
- Inconsistent reset
The Super Sport is a solid choice if you’d rather not spend a small fortune on your trigger.
5. Hiperfire Hipertouch Series
The Hiperfire Hipertouch Series features a unique compound bow-style design that provides a lightweight trigger with a powerful hammer.
Key features
- Single stage trigger kit
- 2 ½ or 3 ½-pound pull weight
- Fits .154-inch (small) trigger pin holes
- Unique, compound bow-style design
The Hiperfire Hipertouch Series utilizes a compound bow-style spring setup to get around one of gunsmiths’ biggest trigger headaches: durability. A lightweight trigger requires a light spring. However, lighter springs are less durable than heavier ones. To have a tough, durable trigger spring, you need a heavy pull.
Hiperfire’s trigger features a pair of springs that drive the hammer forward, and a third spring that starts working against those springs as the hammer is pulled back. When you cock a gun with this trigger, the slide will offer the most resistance right at the start, and get easier as it cycles back.
Not only does this design provide you with plenty of durability and a light pull, it cycles exceptionally quickly. Experienced shooters can fire 600 rounds per minute from a semi-automatic AR. The only downside is installation, which can be complicated considering the design.
Pros
- Heavy action with low pull weight
- Smooth pull and crisp break
- Sub-0.1-second cycle time
Cons
- Complicated installation
This trigger is ideal for rapid firing and 3 Gun competitions.
6. Mossberg JM Pro
The Mossberg JM Pro is a 4-pound single stage trigger with a drop-in design.
Key features
- Single stage drop-in trigger
- 4-pound pull weight
- Fits .154-inch (small) trigger pin holes
The Mossberg JM Pro Trigger ships with a pre-set, 4-pound pull weight. This is a sturdier version of their JM Pro Match Trigger, built primarily for hunting rather than competitive shooting.
That said, you can certainly drive tacks with this trigger. It doesn’t creep or hesitate at all before the break, so you’ll be surprised by your rifle, just like you should be.
This trigger has a drop-in design, allowing for easy installation in less than 5 minutes. It installs with small, .154-inch trigger pins that are standard on most AR-15 frames.
The one thing that disappointed us about the JM Pro was the take up. The trigger moves a good quarter of an inch before you feel any resistance, which makes this trigger a no-go for 3 Gun and other competitions that require rapid firing.
On the other hand, this is a very wallet-friendly trigger which is reliable and operates smoothly.
Pros
- Quick, easy installation
- Smooth pull and crisp, clean break
- Affordable
Cons
- Long take up
This trigger is a good option for budget-conscious shooters who want something smoother than a mil-spec trigger.
7. CMC Tactical
The CMC Tactical is a single stage trigger that’s available in a variety of pull weights.
Key features
- Single stage drop-in trigger
- 2 ½, 3 ½, 4, 5 or 6-pound pull weight
- Fits .154-inch (small) trigger pin holes
- Available with a curved or straight trigger
The CMC Tactical Trigger is a series of identical triggers with some slight variations in their specs. This trigger is available in 2 ½, 3 ½, 4, 5 or 6-pound pull weights, and each weight option comes with either a straight or a curved trigger. Other than that, they’ve got the same hammer, the same aluminum frame, and the same internals.
This trigger is easy to install, thanks to the drop-in design. It fits any AR-15 with small, .154-inch trigger pins, which are standard on most AR frames. It comes with a lifetime warranty from CMC, and performs reliably in the field.
While it’s certainly reliable, the CMC could do better with its break. There’s a lot of creep as you get close to the break point, which defeats some of the purpose of upgrading your trigger. That said, this is still a significant upgrade over mil-spec triggers, and it’s reasonably priced.
Pros
- Quick, easy installation
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
- Affordable
Cons
- Lots of creep before break
This is an affordable upgrade to your stock AR-15 trigger.
8. Geissele SSP
The SSP is Geissele’s first – and so far only – single stage trigger.
Key features
- Single stage trigger kit
- 3 ½-pound pull weight
- Fits .154-inch (small) trigger pin holes
- Available with a curved or a straight trigger
- Includes a tube of lubricant
The Geissele SSP arrives at your door with its pull weight factory set to 3 ½ pounds. If you want to have some control over the pull weight, you’ll want to order the version with the straight trigger, rather than the traditional curved design.
Like the rest of Geissele’s lineup, this trigger pulls smoothly and breaks suddenly and sharply. What’s different here is that the SSP is a single stage design, so you sacrifice some smoothness for a higher rate of fire.
The Geissele SSP is a kit, which means you’ll need to do a little bit of assembly. That said, it’s one of the most reliable single stage triggers on the market, and it comes with Geissele’s lifetime warranty. It even ships with a small tube of ALG Go Juice to lube your trigger up.
Pros
- Smooth pull and clean break
- Great choice for 3 Gun
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Assembly required
If you like Geissele triggers but prefer a single stage model, here’s the trigger for you.
9. Geissele Hi Speed National Match
The Geissele Hi Speed National Match offers a second stage pull weight as low as 8 ounces.
Key features
- 2 stage trigger kit
- 1.9 to 6.5-pound pull weight
- Fits .154-inch (small) trigger pin holes
- Comes with 3 springs
The Geissele Hi Speed National Match Trigger is a 2 stage trigger that ships with three springs for different pull weights. In addition, each spring is adjustable, giving you a total pull weight range of 1.9 to 6.5 pounds.
The heavy, service rifle spring provides 3.2 to 5 pounds on the first stage, and .5 to 1.5 pounds on the second stage, or 3.7 to 6.5 pounds total. The medium, DMR spring gives you 2.5 to 3.6 pounds on the first stage, and .5 to 1.5 on the second, 3 to 5.1 pounds total.
The lightest, match rifle spring provides 1.5 to 2.5 pounds on the first stage, and 8 to 14 ounces on the second, a total of 1.9 to 3.4 pounds.
This is a Geissele, so you get a smooth pull and a snare drum-sharp break, along with the manufacturer’s lifetime warranty. There’s some assembly required, but that’s true of all trigger kits.
Pros
- Ideal for match shooting
- Smooth pull and crisp break
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Some assembly required
As the name implies, this trigger was purpose-built for match shooters.
10. Fostech Outdoors
The Fostech Outdoors fires a second shot when you release the trigger.
Key features
- Single stage drop-in trigger
- 4 ½-pound pull weight
- Fits .154-inch (small) trigger pin holes
- Optional “echo” mode
The Fostech Outdoors Drop-in Echo Trigger is a single stage trigger that arrives with a 4 ½-pound pull weight. It installs easily in virtually any AR-15, provided the AR takes standard .154-inch retention pins. The pull is smooth, with no hesitation or creep before a crisp break.
The real reason to buy the Drop-in Echo Trigger isn’t for pull or break. It’s for the little selector switch that lets you choose between safe, semi-automatic, and echo mode.
In echo mode, your AR will fire a shot when you pull the trigger, and a second shot upon release. Not only is this great for follow-up shots when you’re hunting, but it’s an absolute blast at the shooting range.
Be careful, though. Not only is this trigger expensive, but echo mode requires a full auto bolt carrier. If you have a semi-auto bolt carrier, echo mode will simply function as a normal semi-auto trigger.
Pros
- Fires a second round on trigger release when in “echo” mode
- Quick, easy installation
- Smooth pull and clean break
- Allows for lightning fast follow-up shots
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- “Echo” mode requires a full auto bolt carrier
- Expensive
If your goal is to have as much fun as possible at the shooting range, this is the trigger for you.
11. Timney Drop-in
The Timney Drop-in Module is a single stage trigger that’s available in three different pull weights.
Key features
- Single stage drop-in trigger
- 3, 4, or 4 ½-pound pull weight
- Fits .154-inch (small) trigger pin holes
The Timney AR-15 Drop-in Trigger Module is a drop-in trigger that ships in three versions with three different pull weights: 3-pound, 4-pound, and 4 ½-pound. The trigger installs easily in any AR with .154-inch pin holes. That said, you’ll need to order a separate adapter if you’re installing it in a polymer lower.
The thing we liked most about the Timney was the break, which is crisper than any other trigger we’ve looked at. It’s single stage, so it’s not for everybody, but you’ll experience exactly zero stutter or creep as your trigger approaches the break point.
However, the trigger itself is manufactured with a sharp corner. This gets fairly uncomfortable while rapid firing, or even after sending a few magazines downrange at more ordinary speeds.
Pros
- Quick, easy installation
- Smooth pull
- Extremely crisp break
Cons
- Sharp trigger edge
- Requires an adapter for polymer lower receivers
This trigger breaks as sharply as a pane of glass.
12. Geissele G2S
The Geissele G2S is a 2 stage trigger kit with a clean break and a lifetime warranty.
Key features
- 2 stage trigger kit
- 4 ½-pound pull weight
- Fits .154-inch (small) trigger pin holes
The Geissele G2S features 4 ½ pounds of total pull weight. The first stage is 2 ½ pounds, and lightens out to 2 pounds as you approach the break point.
The pull is a bit uneven through the first stage, with noticeable variations in resistance and feel. However, all of that smooths out when you get to the second stage, with a sharp break.
The first stage is understandable, since this is Geissele’s most affordably-priced trigger kit. It seems they put most of your money into the second stage, which is as it should be. Geissele also backs the G2S with their lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Crisp, clean break
- Affordable
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Slightly rough first stage
- Some assembly required
This trigger will get you into a Geissele without paying as much as their other models.
13. Velocity Curved
The Velocity Curved is a single stage trigger with a smooth pull and a crisp break.
Key features
- Single stage drop-in trigger
- 3, 4, or 4 ½-pound pull weight
- Fits .154-inch (small) trigger pin holes
The Velocity Curved Trigger ships in three different versions: a 3-pound, a 4-pound, and a 4 ½-pound pull weight. It’s a drop-in trigger, so installation is simple. Remove your old trigger, insert this one, and lock it into place with any .154-inch locking pin.
The pull on the Velocity is smooth, particularly for an affordably priced trigger. It breaks cleanly enough to make you jump, and it includes a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. On the downside, it doesn’t work with recoil-operated conversion kits, and the triggers are only calibrated to within about 8 ounces.
That said, this is a fine trigger for the price.
Pros
- Quick, easy installation
- Smooth pull and crisp break
- Affordable
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Inconsistent quality
- Can’t be used with recoil-operated conversions
This is a clean, accurate trigger that’s very affordable.
14. ALG Defense Enhanced
The ALG Defense Enhanced is an upgraded version of a stock AR trigger.
Key features
- Single stage trigger kit
- 6-pound pull weight
- Fits .154-inch (small) trigger pin holes
We included the ALG Defense Enhanced Military-Style Trigger on our list for two reasons: the design is as reliable and proven as the AR itself, and the cost is dirt cheap. The ALG offers 6 pounds of pull weight.
This single stage trigger is shaped exactly like a stock mil-spec AR trigger, and works exactly the same way. So why buy it?
The difference isn’t in the function, but in the quality of material. The sear contact surface on this trigger is precision honed, which smooths the pull and makes the break point more consistent.
ALG also added nickel plating to the hammer and trigger contact surfaces for more durability, and a nickel-Teflon coating on the hammer pivot, disconnector and pins for durability and friction reduction.
Pros
- Durable, reliable construction
- Smoother than a stock mil-spec trigger
- Very affordable
Cons
- Some assembly required
- This is still a mil-spec design
If you’re looking for a cheap, reliable upgrade, this trigger is a proven choice.
15. Timney Calvin Elite
The Timney Calvin Elite is designed to be customized for your unique hand, grip, and preferences.
Key features
- Single stage drop-in trigger
- 1 ½-pound pull weight
- Fits .154-inch (small) trigger pin holes
- Includes four interchangeable shoes
The Timney Calvin Elite is a single stage trigger that’s built for match use. The 1 ½-pound pull weight keeps recoil to a minimum, giving you smaller groups.
Make no mistake, this is a match trigger. 1 ½ pounds is too light for field use. The pull is smooth and easy, and the break is as sharp as you’d expect from a match trigger.
What really makes the Calvin Elite shine is the set of four shoes that it ships with. There’s a standard curved shoe, a straight shoe, a square shoe, and a round textured rubber shoe.
Not only can you change the shoe out, but you can use a tiny Allen key (included) to angle it left or right, swivel it, or move it front to back or up and down. No matter how unusual your grip, this trigger can handle it.
Pros
- Quick, easy installation
- Crisp break
- Highly adjustable shoe
- Ideal for match shooting
Cons
- Very light pull weight
This is a quality, match-grade trigger.
16. Rock River Arms
The Rock River Arms offers a crisp break at a low price.
Key features
- 2 stage trigger kit
- 4 ½ to 5-pound pull weight
- Fits .154-inch (small) trigger pin holes
The Rock River Arms National Match 2-Stage Trigger is designed to be an affordable upgrade to the a stock, mil-spec AR trigger. It offers a total pull weight of 4 ½ to 5 pounds, with 2 ½ to 3 pounds on the first stage and 2 pounds on the second stage.
This alone is a slight improvement over the mil-spec, but the real improvement is in the smoothness of the pull and the crispness of the break. We’re not saying this is a match trigger – it’s not – but it’s light years easier to shoot than a mil-spec.
The only drawback to the National Match 2-Stage Trigger is the fit. It seems to be excessively tight in some ARs, so hang onto your receipt until you’ve taken it to the range.
Pros
- Significantly smoother and crisper than a mil-spec trigger
- Very affordable
Cons
- Inconsistent fit
Of all the choices we looked at, this is the best AR-15 trigger under 100 dollars.
Bottom Line
Before wrapping up, we should clear up a common misconception. Lighter triggers are not always better.
A light trigger can help improve your accuracy, but it also makes it easy to fire your gun by accident. For self-defense situations, a trigger with around four pounds of pull is usually best. This is enough weight to avoid an accidental discharge, but not so much that you’ll feel like you’re pulling the entire gun with your finger.
Similarly, AR-15 2 stage triggers aren’t automatically superior to a single stage trigger. They have a more consistent break point, but the best single stage AR trigger will allow for a faster rate of fire than the best 2 stage trigger.
We hope our AR-15 reviews helped you find just the trigger you need. We like to think we found a wide enough selection to recommend the best triggers for AR-15 enthusiasts of all stripes. But even if you chose to go another direction, we hope you learned something today.
Check out all the other AR-15 related articles put together by our expert team here at https://thegunsafes.net/;
The Review
Best AR-15 Trigger
We've reviewed today's best AR-15 trigger to help you decide before purchasing.
Review Breakdown
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Geissele SSA/SSA-E
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Geissele Enhanced
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Triggertech TT
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Rise Armament Super Sport
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Hiperfire Hipertouch Series
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Mossberg JM Pro
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CMC Tactical
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Geissele SSP
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Geissele Hi Speed National Match
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Fostech Outdoors Drop-in Echo
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Timney Drop-in
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Geissele G2S
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Velocity Curved
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ALG Defense Enhanced Military-Style
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Timney Calvin Elite
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Rock River Arms National Match 2-Stage
Best AR-15 Trigger DEALS
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