What’s the best upgrade for your AR-15?
Besides a bunch of ammo and training courses…it’s swapping out the trigger.
Now… there are A LOT of triggers out there.
I’ve shot just about every single one under the sun thanks to industry and media range days. I’ve also bought my fair share of triggers for my amount of lowers.
These are my favorites for both drop-in and more traditional models…plus single and double-stage too.
And don’t worry…I’ll include budget and duty-rated triggers for those that aren’t looking for 1.5-pound hair triggers.
THE QUICK LIST
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Most Affordable Drop-In
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Best Single-Stage
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Best Drop-In Single Stage
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Smoothest Feel
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Best Mil-Spec
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Rapid Shooting Pick
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Best for 3-Gun
Best AR-15 Trigger
1. Mil-Spec Trigger
Let’s establish a baseline since I’m going to be measuring average trigger pulls and shooting split times.
There’s a lot of variance between mil-spec triggers…but for the most part, they have some creep in the beginning, which I’m going to define as when you think the trigger is going to “break” and shoot…but it hesitates and moves again.
I’ve had mil-spec triggers with a trigger pull in the range of 6 to 9 lbs. This one I’m testing is a decent one at 6lbs 9oz (all of these are measured on my Lyman Electronic Trigger Pull Gauge).
Watch the video (I’ll have one for each trigger) to see the creep in the front…with some “over-travel” (how much the trigger moves after it breaks) and then a very solid reset.
I’m shooting UTM Battlefield Blanks with the barrel pointed in a safe direction, and everyone is wearing eye/ear protection.
Here we also see the “split time” of .22 sec, which is the time between shots.
It’s not a perfect measure (since I’m not a robot), and sometimes you’re looking for precision instead of the fastest pull.
But it’s what I’ve got!
- Trigger Pull Weight: 6 lb 9 oz
- Split Time: .22 sec
- Summary: Reliable with a solid reset, but heavy with lots of creep
Now let’s see what upgraded triggers can do…
2. ALG ACT
The go-to for a “better” mil-spec trigger is the ALG ACT ($75) which is close to its military brethren but is coated in nickel boron, and surfaces are polished.
The coating gives it a matte gray color and better surface properties. And although sear surfaces are polished…the angle is kept the same for maximum reliability.
What I like to put into important “duty” guns where I want a better trigger but #1 is that the gun always goes bang.
You’ll see in the video that the trigger pull is more consistent, with less creep and travel in the beginning…plus a cleaner break. I measured my version at 6lbs 15oz, but it felt less than the tested mil-spec one.
It’s normally supposed to be around 6lbs.
The three split times averaged out to .20 sec, which is better than the mil-spec, but you’ll see the benefits in slower accurate fire.
- Trigger Pull Weight: 6 lb 15 oz
- Split Time: .20 sec
- Summary: Polished and coated mil-spec trigger that gives a much better feeling with less creep and a cleaner break…but maintains reliability
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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3. Rise Armament Rave 140 Super Sporting Trigger
The first drop-in trigger in our series is Rise Armament’s Rave 140.
I love it since it’s around the $100 mark (and sometimes less) at a time when most drop-ins are over $150.
Comes with two receiver set screws that keep it tight with no wiggling.
A little annoying to install since it uses regular springs that get in the way of the screws.
But how is the trigger?
There’s a very small initial take-up and a decently clean break with not that much post-travel. Pull weight was also very consistent at 4lbs 2 oz for me while the listed weight is 3lbs 5 oz.
Reset is good, and follow-up trigger pulls are very similar to the initial pull.
- Trigger Pull Weight: 4 lb 2 oz
- Split Time: .16 sec even with my stutter
- Summary: Most affordable drop-in trigger with a lighter than mil-spec trigger pull, small take-up, clean break, and good reset
What I’d recommend for the best bang-for-the-buck entry into the drop-in trigger game. Especially when it’s on sale.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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4. CMC Single-Stage 2.5 lb
CMC triggers were one of the first drop-in triggers available…and now they have Single Stage 2.5 lb ($168) flavors in addition to the original 3.5-pound version.
It’s not a looker from the outside with its sheet-metal-esque enclosure…but the trigger had a consistent 2.1-pound trigger pull and a clean break.
No perceptible creep on my flat-faced trigger (also available in curved), but there was no way to tighten down the module to prevent rattling.
I’ve heard of people putting something firm but compressible underneath to prevent movement.
Not a lot of post-travel and a good hearty reset. Follow-up trigger pulls also had no discernible creep.
- Trigger Pull Weight: 2 lb 1 oz
- Split Time: .125 sec, which is awesome
- Summary: Lightest trigger pull yet with no initial movement, good reset, and clean break
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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5. Timney Competition
We love our Timneys for reasons you’ll soon see. So much that we started with them for our YouTube trigger series:
Timney is a stalwart in the AR-15 drop-in trigger world with several models…let’s take a look at their Competition Trigger ($215). I chose the 3-pound version, but they also have higher weights too.
Install was easy with their own tool to avoid the springs and tighten the set screws.
I recorded the trigger pull at 3lbs 5oz…very close to the stated pull weight.
There was almost no pre-travel combined with a clean break. Also, very little post-travel.
Decent reset before getting back to the no creep single stage. Ok speed at .205 seconds for me.
- Trigger Pull Weight: 3 lb 5 oz
- Split Time: .205 sec, which is decent
- Summary: Love the almost non-existent pre-travel combined with a clean break.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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6. Timney Calvin Elite
The high-end of the Timney line is the Calvin Elite ($269)…named after their trigger designer.
It also looks like no other trigger out there with its fully adjustable position in both horizontal and vertical directions. I liked mine as rear and high as possible.
Oh…and the stated weight…a truly hair-trigger pull of 1lb 8oz. And mine was super close to the stated weight with 1lb 9oz.
There’s no creep and a super loud reset before going back to the lightest trigger in this roundup.
Splits were also blazing fast, with me getting one at .09 sec and averaging out to .115 seconds!
- Trigger Pull Weight: 1 lb 9 oz (lightest)
- Split Time: .115 sec (fastest)
- Summary: The lightest and fastest shooting for me…plus the most adjustable. I would make sure to Loctite all the adjustment screws since there’s a lot of potential for things to become loose.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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What do you think of the Calvin Elite? Give it a rating below.
7. Triggertech
Let’s dive into a high-tech 2-stage trigger with Triggertech’s Adaptable AR Primary ($239).
What exactly is a 2-stage trigger?
It’s what it sounds like…the first stage is a light pull with no creep…in this case I measured it to be a consistent 10 ounces.
You take up that slack, and then the second stage becomes lighter because you already helped it out. Triggertech’s adjustable model got me between 3lbs 2 oz to 7lbs 2oz in total pull.
So for my specific trigger, it was 1st stage 10 ounces and 2nd stage 2lbs 8oz. It was also the easiest to adjust both trigger pull weight and receiver set screws.
Audible clicks for the trigger pull…and no springs blocking the set screws. Check out the nice 1911-esque first stage and clean break with minimal post-travel.
I messed up the split times a little since it’s a two-stage trigger and not really meant for super rapid-fire. But I think the .24 sec time is representative.
If you’re going with a 2-stage…you’re most likely going with more precision. You can still shoot quickly, but it excels in a super light second stage.
- Trigger Pull Weight: 3 lb 3 oz to 7 lb 2 oz (listed is 2.5 to 5.o lb)
- Split Time: .24 sec, but 2-stage triggers are mostly for precision work
- Summary: Very nice first stage that’s reminiscent of 1911s that leads to a clean light break and minimal over-travel. Good reset to end of first stage if you’re shooting slowly.
Highly recommended if you want an adjustable trigger that can work for 1,000 yards and also more duty-like jobs if you up the pull weight.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Also available in non-adjustable flavors.
8. PSA 2-Stage
The affordable version of Geiselle’s venerable SSA series ($240) of 2-stage triggers comes in at $99 for the PSA 2-Stage.
Not quite as smooth feeling as Geiselle’s…but at 68% off…I can deal with it if I need a decent precision rifle trigger.
I got a pull weight of 2lbs 8oz for the first stage and 1lb 15oz for the 2nd stage for a total of 4lbs 7oz. Listed is 1lb for both stages.
There’s some creep after the initial first stage, but the break is pretty clean. Reset is also a tad long but very tactile so you know it happened.
You can see that it shoots pretty quickly in rapid-fire because both stages were close in weight, and I treated it like a regular trigger. However, my shot timer didn’t pick it up, and I was running out of blanks.
- Trigger Pull Weight: 4 lb 7 oz (listed is 3 lb 8 oz total)
- Split Time: NA, but was seemed respectable
- Summary: Great deal in the realm of 2-stage triggers if you don’t want to spring for the Triggertech or a Geiselle. I pair this up with my PSA AR-10 precision builds.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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9. ELF SE
ELF is short for Elftmann, who makes some of my favorite drop-in single-stage triggers that are silky smooth due to sealed ball bearings.
The ELF SE ($162) is their most affordable line, which isn’t adjustable but is rated at 3lbs 5oz. However, when I measured, I got 4lbs 3oz.
I opted for the curved trigger, but you can get a flat one too.
It comes with a shim to protect your lower because there are two set screws you tighten to make sure the drop-in unit is not going anywhere.
I highly recommend putting some Blue Loctite on the screws when you’re sure you’re going with the trigger. Especially if you’re shooting higher recoiling rounds.
How does it perform?
There’s a slight bit of creep in the beginning before a crisp break. I had to refilm to get it on camera by pressing super slowly.
Very little over-travel and reset are strong and clean. This is going to be one fast trigger, as we can see with its .14 sec average split.
- Trigger Pull Weight: 4 lb 3 oz
- Split Time: .14 sec
- Summary: Awesome performance at the price point with very little creep, light trigger, nice break, and very little over-travel
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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10. ELF 3-Gun
The ELF 3-Gun ($270) is the top-of-the-line trigger in the series with its adjustable pull weight and super crisp trigger.
It also comes with the shim and two set screws to lock it securely in place. Plus, another screw at the rear to adjust pull weight.
It’s rated as 2lbs 12oz to 4lbs…and I got close with 3lbs 3oz to 4lbs.
You can get it in flat or curved flavors…I opted for the flat one to spice things up, and I like the look.
I was amazed at the zero creep in the beginning and an even glassier glass rod break. Very little over-travel and strong reset like the SE version.
Just about the same split time average as the SE with .145 seconds. Probably well within the error range of my setup.
Is it worth the upgrade from the SE?
Yes, if you want the uttermost least amount of creep possible…and the ability to adjust your trigger pull weight.
Lots of fellow competitors run the ELF 3-Gun, and I’ve tried ones with much lighter weights…mine might have been a little heavy from the factory, or it will lighten up with more use.
- Trigger Pull Weight: 3 lb 3 oz
- Split Time: .145 sec
- Summary: No creep, very light trigger, super crisp break…all with little over-travel and a strong reset.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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11. Hiperfire Sharp Shooter
Now we’re entering Hiperfire…who first came out with very different triggers that brought down pull weight but increased hammer power.
The Sharp Shooter ($94) is one of their newer designs which builds upon mil-spec reliability.
It installs just like a mil-spec trigger and comes in at a slightly lower than average mil-spec 5lbs 9oz. There are two different springs, and I went with the lower pull weight should have come in at 4lbs 5oz.
But in shooting, there’s a slight pretravel before a strong break.
Then a long-ish reset distance before the strong actual reset. I did have a little troubleshooting it rapid-fire since I was used to drop-in triggers before this upgraded mil-spec.
I’d estimate the actual splits along the lines of the mil-spec of low .20s.
- Trigger Pull Weight:5 lb 9 oz
- Split Time: ~.22 sec
- Summary: No creep, slightly lighter than average mil-spec, strong break, and reset.
Great upgraded trigger for mil-spec to keep everything in the correct range of pull weight and reliability. But for the price, you can get the ALG ACT which is just as good.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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12. Hiperfire Reflex (243G)
Now we’re talking…this is one of Hiperfire’s most popular triggers…the Reflex ($214). It used to be known as the 243G before Hiperfire cleaned up all their names.
You can see that it isn’t a drop-in…and it’s pretty different from a standard mil-spec trigger with its toggle and extra springs.
Install is relatively easy when you follow the instructions. Only a step or two more than mil-spec.
But all that combined makes a low trigger pull trigger that will set off even the hardest of primers.
It also comes with three springs for different pull weights…I went with the lightest that measured a very consistent 3lbs 3oz.
You can see there’s very slight pre-travel before a strong hammer strike. It’s weird that the heaviest spring (and heaviest hammer fall) gives the lightest trigger pull.
There’s almost no post-travel and a decent reset.
Speed is pretty fast for me at .16 sec average.
- Trigger Pull Weight:3 lb 3 oz (lightest spring combo)
- Split Time: ~.16 sec
- Summary: Slight pre-travel and post-travel with a strong hammer strike. Great for when you need extra ignition reliability.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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13. Hiperfire ECLipse
The trigger I’ve been rocking for a long time…and the one that lives in my AR-15 group testing lower…the Hiperfire ECLipse($270).
It’s their top-of-the-line version with Nickel Boron coating and an adjustable shoe that can go on the straight trigger.
I thought it was gimmicky at first, but I’ve learned to really like it…it brings your trigger finger exactly to where it needs to be.
The upgrade takes away that initial travel in the Reflex and makes everything slightly smoother with the coating.
My version has more parts which made it a little annoying to install…but newer versions, like in the Reflex have a single-piece toggle.
I measured my pull with the heaviest spring/lightest pull at 2lbs 3oz.
You can see there’s no uptake before the strong hammer drop…and almost no wasted post-movement.
This is all followed by a short reset.
Now for speed, I was a little bummed…I thought it would be a lot faster at .21 sec.
- Trigger Pull Weight: 2 lb 3 oz (lightest spring combo)
- Split Time: ~.21 sec
- Summary: Almost non-existent pre-travel followed by strong hammer strike and short reset. Perfect for precision and extra reliability
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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14. Blackout Defense Zero
In a world chock full of quality triggers, it’s tough to distinguish yourself. However, Blackout Defense does just that with their Zero Trigger ($204).
The Zero comes in 3-pound and 4.5-pound pull weights and offers a trigger tail that is tunable to the safety, effectively eliminating take-up or over-travel.
They also feature arc welded pull-weight and disconnector set screws for durability. One of the things I liked best about the Zero is the short pull and trigger reset.
This makes for fantastically quick follow-up shots. Check out the clip below and notice the rapid rate of fire compared to the finger movement.
Keep in mind; this is not a forced reset or binary trigger, just good old-fashioned engineering for higher performance.
The Zero’s internal components are also coated for lubricity. You can choose between black nitride and NP3.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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15. Geissele Super Dynamic 3 Gun
Bill Geissele started making gun parts years ago when he began competitive shooting and couldn’t find upgrades he wanted on the market.
A long list of quality accessories ensued, but chief among them were triggers.
Geissele’s trigger lineup has expanded quite a bit across multiple platforms, offering single-stage and 2-stage triggers.
We recently tested out the Super Dynamic 3 Gun and found it to be very impressive.
Trigger Pull Weight: 3 lb 2 oz
Split Time: ~.12 sec
Summary: During press, there is zero creep — the trigger just breaks. Reset happens almost immediately after release and is both audible as well as tactile.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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16. Geissele Super Semi-Automatic Enhanced Trigger
Arguably one of the most famous offerings from Geissele, the SSAE 2-stage is a very common upgrade amongst shooters who like to enhance their AR-15s.
It is reportedly in use by U.S. Special Operations as well.
As noted above, the 2-stage has a brief section of travel before hitting firmer resistance, or a wall, as the shooter presses back on the trigger.
Additional pressure then causes the trigger to break and the gun to shoot.
Some people love them for all their AR-15s, but others prefer them for accuracy shooting. The advantage is being able to get on target, push to the second stage and, hold while you dial in your shot exactly, then break the trigger once settled.
Trigger Pull Weight: 1st stage 2 pounds, second stage 1 pound total: 3 pounds
Split Time: ~.13 sec
Summary: The trigger advances a couple millimeters before coming to a wall. Additional pressure is needed to snap through and fire. Reset it short and both audible and tactile.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Final Thoughts
I know…there are a lot more triggers out there. But these are some of my favorites, and I’ll be updating in the future.
I tried to add in some quantitative numbers but a lot is also subjective…so make sure you know what you’re looking for in a trigger that might be different from mine.
For upgraded mil-spec triggers, you might use for a home defense or duty weapon…
I like the ALG ACT, which has proven reliability and smoother action. At a price that’s reasonable.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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For Drop-In triggers…it was really tough.
My most worth-it is the Rise Armament since you can get it for around $100 around sales times. You get so much for that price.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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The fastest, lightest, and most adjustable was the Timney Calvin Elite…but it’s also the most expensive. If you want the best performing (at least for me), get it!
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Another favorite is the ELF 3-Gun since it looks so cool and had a super crisp trigger. If you don’t want a featherweight trigger but still want speed…get the ELF!
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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I know…the Timney and 3-Gun are $270…for something middle-of-the-road if you don’t mind not having receiver set screws…I really like the 2.1-pound trigger of CMC.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Now what about 2-stage triggers…
Even though we only had two…I like the PSA 2-stage as a worth-it pick especially if you have a starter AR-10 and don’t want to spend the same amount on your trigger as your upper.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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But my favorite is the Triggertech Drop-In…it truly did feel like a super nice 1911 trigger. If precision is the game and you like the feel of 2-stage triggers…you can’t go wrong.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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But we can’t discount good ole Geissele.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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And for the “other” category…aka Hiperfire.
I’m meh about the Sharp Shooter because of its price. But I really like the Reflex…but would recommend spending a little more to get the top-of-the-line ECLipse.
It’s served me so well in rifle competitions and now precision shooting. It might not be the fastest, but it has the least take-up and most powerful hammer strike.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Lastly…looking for an upgraded trigger for your pistol caliber carbine (PCC)? Check out our Best PCC Triggers that factor in the different shot impulses of blowback guns.
What’s your experience with my favorite AR-15 triggers…do you see one on this list you want to try? Check out more of our favorite gun & gear in Editor’s Picks. For a more precise tune-up, grab a trigger pull gauge. We have a list of our favorites here!
201 Leave a Reply
I'm upgrading and would like to use a drop in trigger. Am I better off with a single stage or a 2-stage? This rifle's primary use is for defense against two-legged and four-legged varmints on 20 acres of land, not for long-distance or CQB.
No Wilson Combat drop-in?
I bought the Rise Rave 140 and it was easy to install in my Daniel Defense AR. Clean break, reduced trigger pull, excellent improvement in accuracy. I have let a few guys shoot it and they get a Rave 140 of their own.
My list goes Triggertech (single-action adjustable), Geissele SSA-EX, JARD, HIPERFIRE, in that order.
I wouldn’t give you two cents for a Timney.
While I do not have your extensive experience, I do believe you missed out on the LaRue Tactical two stage, flat shoe triggers. I get a consistent 4 pound trigger pull with an immediate reset. Springfield Armory thought highly of this trigger, so much so that the LaRue flat trigger comes standard on their Springfield Saint Victor rifles.
The second LaRue Tactical is in my VR80! Imagine a 4 pound trigger pull with that beast!
Eric, I appreciate your commitment to the firearms industry.
Respectfully,
Steven Hough
The AT Gold is hands down the best ar trigger out there. This list is criminal. LaRue could have been on the list as best for the money.
How could LaRue not be on your list? 2 stage, regularly can be found sub $100. LaRue is making some of the highest quality rifles out there.
1. Franklin Armory? How did this not make the list? Learn to have some fun. ;)
2. Triggertech 2-stage Adjustable (Diamond series). Crisp glass-break trigger. My CMMG Dissent has a fixed 4 lb version of their Duty line in it, and its amazing. They're normal fixed trigger is available in 4.5 and 3.5 lbs in both single or 2 stage. The adjustable 2-stage is 1.5-4.5lbs.
you missed a few very notable triggers,
PSA sells a nickel boron plated mil-spec upgrade for just $40, not the $75 of the ALG ACT. For enrry level folks, this is a really excellent upgrade per dollar.
POF sell its drop in trigger groups and we really like them because
1. they have silicone rubber pads on the base which allows them to set firm/snug with no set screws or other mechanism
2. options. standard curved 4.5, straight 3.5 and enhanced curved at 4.5. I'm no fan of 3.5, even for 3-Gun. but to each his own.
3. Price for the performance, we pick these up on Gunbroker for sub $130 all the time and full retail is only $159. seems to be about 90% quality of a Geissele for under 50% the price
4. include KWS pins at this price point, which is really great
Next Wilson Combat Drop in trigger. Not sure i can barely even tell the difference between the Wilson combat and the Geissele, and as a drop in unit, I just prefer that, not necessarily better but i feel like i'm less prone to damage the unit if i swap it out when its self contained.
My point here is not that these are better units, but that they are MAJOR manufacturers, PSA and POF and Wilson Combat, and your team completely missed them from consideration/ comparison with the ones you did include.
Thanks for the comment! We do our best to include as many models as possible but, unfortunately, we can't include everything. We do update these articles frequently so there's always a chance other triggers can be swapped in. Thanks for reading!
I just installed the LaRue MB25. Amazing trigger at a great price. If it's good for TopShot Duston....it's good enough for me.
Looking for recommendations for M&P 15-22. Main issue is not all drop-ins will reliably ignite. I think a mil-spec trigger won't require new pins. A drop in will. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Too much debate on triggers. Most all are good to go. But you could just buy a Geissele and don’t look back. For competition if you can’t find one between Timney, Triggertech or JP then your trigger isn’t the problem.
I have the cmc 2.5 flat trigger and love it. It's smooth, click reset, and fast. In the gun, you don't see the sheet metal anyway.
YOU LET OUT THE VELOCITY TRIGGERS. BEST SINGLE STAGE 3.5LB TRIGGER I HAVE USED.
So I gotta add my 2 cents. Like 12 years ago I bought a rock river arms operator and have change almost everything since. Originally I was going to drop in a flat trigger but was told to drop in a JP Enterprises spring kit, it was 12$ and took my 7-8lb trigger down to 3lb avg. I also found out I had the rra comp 2 stage trigger in it. With factory springs it's shit. Entirely crap. Switch out the trigger springs and I fell in love with it and like it more than alpt of drop ins I've used. I recommend everyone try the jp spring kit before getting a whole new trigger. A light polish on the trigger surfaces and the spring kit will make the cheapest worst triggers feel amazing. Also does anyone know of a flat trigger group? I don't want a drop in but want a flat trigger
Try the Taylor tactical flat shoe with the springs your already running should get you going
Try the La Rue MBT. Currently $118. Made in Texas. Best 2-stage available, in my experience.
Is a lighter pull on a trigger a help or hinderance for a new shooter?
Omitting Geissele triggers shows how incomplete your research is, and omitting LaRue proves it.
I would love to send you a Larue trigger to review. I'm sure it's better than two triggers on this list for sure.
If you own an AR and don’t have a Larue MBT trigger in it you are doing yourself a serious disservice.
Left out LaRue???? Really?
Yes, seems crazy. I LOVE my 2-stage LaRue.
Two things piss people off to no end...
1) stealing an election, installing a feckless dementia-ridden old man as the Fake President
AND
2) forgetting Geissele :)
Exactly. So tell trump to shut up and go away.
When did he say anything about Trump? Ron DeSantis is a young, dynamic choice to represent the GOP in '24.
If you mean that Ron DeSantis is an idiot with no idea of how to apply science to effect positive change then, sure. If you mean that he is so stupid as to think that we, as a nation, can disregard having ever condoned slavery as an institution then, why not? Sure. But let me ask you this: Does he support the same flag that Lincoln - the FIRST GOP president - fought against? The flag, not only of oppression, but also of traitors.
Buwhahaah, how's that inflation treating you numb nuts?
Ditto
Although I agree with the Geissele portion, you sir are a deluded moron. STFU and move on. Stop with the Trump flavored Kool Aid and turn off Faux news. Is this really the place for your political nonsense?
I'm totally amazed that there is such a thing as a liberal that likes guns, or a person that likes guns that votes Democrat against his self interest. It's like a fish voting to cut off his water supply!
Some people are so pissed off—all of the time—that they will believe any fake story that feeds their insatiable need for personal affirmation. It makes them suckers for authoritarian grifters (who all know how to game them.)
The Larue MBT-2S is in every single rifle I own. It's absolutely fantastic and feels great.
I've really enjoyed my drop-in from Patriot Ordnance Factory, their P/N POF00858. Single-stage, straight trigger blade, 3.5lb, rubber urethane feet, and anti-walk pins included.
You didn't mention either performance trigger I have lol Larue 2 stage and Rise Armament 434. Would love to hear your opinions on these models as well!
3 friends that hunt coyote have had failures with cassette style triggers. They were high end cassette models. 2 different mfgs.
JP Trigger is pretty solid
No AR Gold, Larue or Geislle, makes this sketchy when it comes to credibility. And splits are completely arbitrary and user dependent. Jerry Miculek has set world records with AR Gold triggers and I would say he’s going to have faster splits than the author.
We listed models that we've had hands-on time with, so if it's not on the list that usually means we haven't tested it out yet.
Then why would you title the article as you did? I think we can all agree that it is misleading. Or was the intention to generate traffic ? Such a great resource, you wouldn’t want to lead beginners astray.
We specified in the title that these were hands-on and we only have so much room for our title. I'm sorry if you felt misled in any way. That was not the intention.
I appreciate this article as I learned a lot from it. However, you compare the PSA to the Geissele... but you don't evaluate the Geissele. That invalidates the comparison, the PSA is similar to an unknown. You might as well have compared the PSA to a soda can. I think this was a miss...
Reading all the comments about LaRue and Giessele and while I hate to jump on that bandwagon, they aren't wrong, everyone knows those are 2 of the top tier trigger makers and not including at least one model from each is somewhat disappointing. Now if you had a disclaimer at the start about it, you'd catch less grief. One manufacturer you left out that I've really liked is Velocity triggers. I have one of their classic curved 3lb triggers and there is virtually no take up, a crisp break with very little movement and a short reset. It is remarkably easy to perform a double tap. Great value for the money.
Thanks for the feedback. This was a hands-on test and if a certain brand wasn't mentioned it usually means we haven't tested (or finished testing) it.
How can you NOT have Geissele on this list? Any trigger they make is the BEST trigger, regardless of platform (SSA, Super 700, SCAR, etc.). C'mon, man...
Thanks for the feedback. This was a hands-on test and if a certain brand wasn’t mentioned it usually means we haven’t tested (or finished testing) it.
Correct title should be "14 Best AR-15 Triggers That We Were Sent For Free". Don't include the Larue MBT or any Geissele triggers? Article Fail.
Thanks for the feedback. This was a hands-on test and if a certain brand wasn’t mentioned it usually means we haven’t tested (or finished testing) it.
After reading all the comments, (mine included) you sure got a lot of responses by not not reivewing Geissele and LaRue. Nice ;)
Great article as always Eric. I'd like to throw a shout out to LaRue's MBT-2S. Great two stage at a good price. I have one on my Aero AR10 and one in my currently building AR15 in 6.5 Gendel. Keep the great articles coming.
Thanks for reading!
Hi Eric, let me first say I love your website and the quality of content on a wide range of topics. I try to never correct someone if they say something not exactly right, but I know what they mean.
However, throughout this review, trigger pull weights went back and forth between pound (lb) and ounce (oz), and lb in decimal. There are 16 oz in a pound, so for example, 4lb-8oz, is 4.5lb, not 4.8lb.
The fact that geissele and larue didn’t even make the cut (the 2 best options currently on the market) and all that other trash did completely destroys your credibility.
Thanks for the feedback. This was a hands-on test and if a certain brand wasn’t mentioned it usually means we haven’t tested (or finished testing) it.
All great triggers I have not yet had the pleasure of shooting probably less then 2/3 of them but from what I hear all are great trigger. I personally have come up with a pretty decent trigger set up that I surprisingly enjoy very much it is an odd combination of budget parts but turns out one hell of a trigger in my opinion. Unfortunately I do not know the pull weight. I have no way to test that, but what I did was, I took a Bull Moose Tactical flat faced trigger, and this was a surprise to me, instead of buying the BMT matching Hammer. I went with and Anderson Stainless Steel lightened Hammer, and used JP reduced Spring kit so I would say it tuned out a 4.5lb trigger, with little to no creep, and lightening fast reset, and smooth carrot like break. After I polished only the machining marks out of both the trigger and hammer, and like I said before I was surprised with the results, and all in all spent maybe $60. For everything, and is presently the trigger I run. Now I am by far a not a trigger snob. mainly because I cannot afford to be, and am sure not a pro gun smith or trigger machinist, but like many others, I just tinker with the gun smithing in the garage/shed, and I truly have learned allot from pew pew tactical. You all have taught me to watch for the unexpected, and unusual, but try to build what you like and not follow the heard. Anyway you all have a great day, and I hope my trigger info helps at least one of you out there, with a good homemade combo of part's for an awesome hillbilly trigger combo.
I saw there was no mention of Geissele and moved on…
This was a hands-on test and if a certain brand wasn’t mentioned it usually means we haven’t tested (or finished testing) it.
Hi Eric. What are your thoughts on Franklin Armory's Binary Trigger?
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on some of the AR triggers available on the market today. I did my first AR build last winter and ended up with the Trigger tech Adaptable. It's a really nice 2 stage with no creep whatsoever. I was a bit shocked Geissele SSA wasn't mentioned. I'm honestly kind of glad..lol...I bought one a few years ago to put in my DD and I wasn't real impressed. I have the DD set up as my home defense weapon so I wanted something reliable an when I heard our Special Operations guys were dropping these in their weapons I thought heck I'll buy one too....lol... I will say It's better then the stock mil.spec DD trigger but it isn't even close to the TriggerTech. Anyway thanks again for the article.
No LaRue MBT?