Best AR-15 Ambidextrous Safety Selectors [Guide]

Want an easy-peasy AR-15 upgrade that will change the way you shoot…without dropping big bucks on it?

My friends, let me introduce you to the little wonder of modern gunsmithing known as the ambidextrous safety selector.

An ambidextrous safety selector is one of the most common upgrades to the AR-15 platform, and one of the easiest to do.

Whether you’re just getting your feet wet with modding, or you’re building a rifle from the receiver up, an ambi safety is a great addition to any rifle.

Bonus…it doesn’t cost much either.

So, let’s take a look at why you really should have an ambi selector on your gun, and which ones we recommend looking at when it comes time to upgrade. 

Why You Want an Ambi Safety Selector

Are you left-handed? Do you have left-handed people in your life?

Do you like them enough to let them use your rifle? Would you like them to enjoy using your rifle?

Then an ambidextrous safety is a great quality of life feature.

Beyond that, if you ever practice support hand shooting, or want to be prepared in case you ever have to operate your AR with an injury (like say, during a defensive situation) then an ambi selector can be really useful. 

Overall, it’s a small change that costs very little, takes about five minutes to swap in, and is simple enough anyone can do it.

Also, outside of some hex keys and a screwdriver, all you really need is the new selector itself.

Finally, this is a cool way to add a little style to your AR-15 –all without spending a lot or going too deep into mods.

If you want to dip your toes into the world of AR-15 customization, this is a great place to start.

Swapping Your AR-15 Selector

Swapping your selector is actually really easy.

But it’s even easier with pictures.

We just so happen to have put together a handy guide dedicated to Installing an AR-15 Safety Selector. So be sure to check that out after you decide on a selector.

Speaking of decisions…let’s get down to our top recommendations on the best of the best.

Best Ambidextrous AR-15 Safety Selectors

Okay, the safety selector on an AR-15 is not exactly a complex part.

That said, fit and finish matter. Why?

Because machining issues can cause your rifle to stop functioning when you need it. 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the best ambidextrous safeties on the market.

1. Radian Weapons AR-15 Talon Ambidextrous Safety Selector

You might have heard the name Radian Weapons before, particularly in reference to the absolutely excellent Radian Raptor AR-15 charging handle.

(One of our go-to options for an upgraded charging handle.)

Of course, they make other great parts too, including the Talon Ambidextrous Safety Selector.

This is one of our favorite options because not only is it ambidextrous, but it’s modular as well.

It can be set up as a 90-degree switch, or a short-throw, 45-degree switch depending on your preferences. This can also be helpful if you shoot with gloves often. 

Machining on this guy is predictably excellent. Not to mention, the lever is nice and grippy. And the Talon is easy to operate with either hand.

2. V Seven Weapons Systems AR-15 57/90 Degree Ambidextrous Selector

V Seven is a newer manufacturer that does some really awesome work with titanium.

So, if you’re looking for a Ti selector switch, this is a really great option.

The 57/90 Degree ambi model comes with both a long and a short lever.

This allows for very comfortable grip with your dominant hand without the extra lever length getting in the way on the opposite side. 

It’s also adjustable between a 57-degree and 90-degree throw, again, depending on your preferences. 

3. Battle Arms BAD-ASS-PRO Safety Selectors

Need a selector that works well with mil-spec gear?

Battle Arms Development has you covered.

This company does a great job of making AR-15 parts that work well with mil-spec gear and accessories. The BAD-ASS-PRO safety selector is no different. 

It’s pretty much a straight upgrade over the standard mil-spec lower parts kit selector that’s probably already in your gun.

If you’re not sure where to get started or what pattern your AR has, this selector is a good pick while you learn a little more!

The BAD-ASS-PRO has a phosphor coating, a short and long lever that you can swap back and forth, and it’s compatible with any mil-spec trigger group on the market.

This makes it an easy swap if you’re running a stock trigger. 

4. Knights Armament AR-15 Ambidextrous Safety Kit

Probably best known as the makers of the legendary SR-25, Knights Armament knows their way around the AR platform. 

The company makes a large number of AR accessories, almost all of which are pretty great…and the Ambi Safety Kit definitely falls under that category. 

This particular model is well-machined, giving you the option of both full and half-size switches so you can set up the gun just how you like it.

We love that you can trim down your right side switch a little while leaving the left side full-sized, or vice versa!

It’s compatible with all SR-15/AR-15 rifles, as well as SR-25/AR-10 rifles. So, even shooters with big boi AR-10s are in luck! 

5. Colt Full Auto Ambidextrous Safety Selector Lever

Looking for a three-position switch for your select-fire AR platform gun? Look no further. 

Colt is, in many ways, the OG AR manufacturer, so you know their stuff is going to work, and work well. 

This safety selector is no-nonsense.

It drops in easily, and is one of the very few three-position selectors out there.

Whether you want this for a select-fire gun or just want one for the meme, the Colt provides.

6. JP Enterprises JPFC-SA

JP Enterprises is one of our favorite AR parts manufacturers.

Why you ask?

This company makes some truly awesome gas blocks, as well as a bunch of other great stuff…including the JPFC-SA ambi safety switch. 

This one is reversible and adjustable between a short throw or a standard 90-degree. Tune it just how you like it!

(You might have noticed adjustability is one of our favorite features.) 

JP made its name with competition-grade parts, and that experience shows here.

This is a thoughtfully-designed piece that is a great addition to any rifle.

Have you tried the JP Enterprises JPFC-SA? If so, give it a rating below!

7. Strike Industries HEX Ambi-Selector Switch

When looking to upgrade your AR-15, Strike Industries’ HEX ambi selector offers something a little different. 

This selector features a unique hex design that adds a little pizazz. Perfect for shooters who like to buck tradition and stand apart from the crowd.

It’s adjustable between 60-degree throw and 90-degree.

So, feel free to adjust things to get it where you want it — whether that’s a short-throw or something a little more traditional.

8. Strike Industries Flip Safety Selector Switch

Finally, we have my personal favorite: the Strike Industries Flip Safety Selector.

This one is a bit more competition-focused. It’s lighter and faster to disengage to help get that first shot on target quickly and cleanly.

It’s also available in a variety of colors, so you can get something that either matches your current furniture or get stands out.

That’s a nice touch on competition-style guns. After all, if it’s not glam…we don’t want it!

It’s also a really good option if you just want a low-profile switch with excellent positive engagement but is also easy to manipulate under pressure or while wearing gloves.

Conclusion

An ambidextrous safety selector is a great upgrade to any AR-15 rifle, and it’s easy enough to install. Basically, anyone can do it in just a few minutes. 

It adds some capability to your rifle in addition to a touch of style and personal customization. Seriously, it’s one of the best parts you can add to your AR, especially if you’re on a budget. 

What do you think of these ambi safeties? Let us hear from you in the comments! And for more AR-15 upgrades that are quick and easy, check out our list of the best AR-15 charging handles and the Best AR-15 Handguards.