Best Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs) for AR-15s [2026]
In this article, we cover the different types of forced reset triggers (FRTs) for AR-15s, how they work, and go over some of our favorites.
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Forced reset triggers (FRTs) are the easiest way for average folks to get that sweet, fast-firing, high-rate-of-fire experience out of their AR-15s. But with so many different options out there, the question is: which AR-15 FRTs are the best?
Different FRTs have different designs, which can affect everything from basic functionality to trigger feel to what guns they are compatible with, and even legality per state.
But don't worry, we've put together a list of some of the best AR-15 FRTs on the market based on our hands-on experience and extensive research so that you can find the one that is right for your wants, needs, and budget.
Disclaimer: While Forced Reset Triggers are currently legal under federal law for non-handgun platforms (such as AR-15s), this does not mean they are legal everywhere. Several states specifically restrict FRTs, and some others have broad language that can be interpreted as restrictive. Check all local and state laws before attempting to purchase or install a FRT.
The Quick List
- Editor's Pick: AS Designs Arc-Fire V2 Ambi KitJump to Details ↓
- Best Drop-In FRT: The Triggered Company Disruptor Drop-In FRTJump to Details ↓
- Best Budget Option: Hoffman Tactical Trigger Kicker TK-15Jump to Details ↓
- Most Proven Design: Rare Breed Triggers FRT-15L3Jump to Details ↓
Table of Contents
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Best AR-15 FRT Comparison Chart
| Price | Best For | Type | Safety Positions | Safety Throw Angle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS Designs ARC-Fire V2 | $249 | All-Purpose | Safety Selector | Safe, Semi, Active Reset Clutch (ARC) | 0°-45°-90°, 0°-45°-180°, 0°-90°-180° |
| The Triggered Company Disruptor | $274 | Easy Installation | Drop-In Cassette-Style | Safe, Semi, Enhanced Semi-Auto | 0°-90°-180° |
| Hoffman Tactical Trigger Kicker TK-15 | $43 | Budget | Disconnector Replacement | Safe, Fully Semi-Automatic | 0°-90° |
| Rare Breed FRT-15L3 | $450 | Durability | Drop-In Cassette-Style | Safe, Fully Forced-Reset Mode | 0°-90°-180° |
How We Chose the Best AR-15 FRTs
Various members of the Pew Pew Tactical team contributed to this post. Between us, we have had hands-on time with various forced reset triggers, as well as trigger time behind actual full-auto firearms to use as a baseline comparison. We've also spent countless hours researching AR-15 upgrades and accessories, including FRTs and super selectors.
Each FRT on this list was evaluated based on the following criteria: overall features, firearm compatibility, ease of installation and tuning, durability, smoothness of operation, and price.
Additionally, this article is only focusing on FRTs designed for the AR-15 platform. While some FRTs on this list are compatible with other firearms that aren't AR-15s, cross-compatibility wasn't a primary consideration.
What is an FRT?
Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs) use the gun's firing action to mechanically reset the trigger, simulating full-auto fire.
On AR-15s, when you fire a round, the bolt carrier group moves rearward to eject the spent cartridge and forward again to chamber a new round. With an FRT, when the bolt cycles, it pushes a lever that in turn pushes the trigger forward (forcibly resetting it) against your finger.
Drop-In (Cassette) FRTs vs. Forced Reset Selectors
Cassette-style FRTs replace the entire AR-15 fire control group with a single, self-contained unit that houses the entire trigger and all of its parts. These have a forced-reset lever at the rear that is actuated by the movement of the bolt carrier. Drop-In FRTs typically require less tuning and fitting than other options.
Forced reset selectors, also called super selectors, replace the safety selector on your AR-15 with one that uses a combination of cams and levers that are tripped by the movement of the bolt carrier to forcibly reset your trigger. These typically allow you to keep your existing trigger, although modification may be needed.
Best FRTs for AR-15s
1. AS Designs ARC-Fire V2 - Editor's Pick
Quick Verdict: The ARC-Fire V2 kit is a three-position super selector that uses high-quality tool steel and improved geometry to deliver an FRT that is durable, reliable, and doesn't compromise trigger quality.
Pros
- Multiple safety configurations available
- 4140 and M2 tool steel construction provides good durability
- Includes pre-cut mil-spec trigger
- Can be used with modified aftermarket triggers, such as Geissele
Cons
- Typically requires tuning of either the buffer weight or gas system for reliable operation
Specs
- Type: Safety Selector
- Safety Positions: Safe, Semi, ARC
- Safety Throw Angle: 0°-45°-90°, 0°-45°-180°, 0°-90°-180°
Why We Love It
The Active Safety (AS) Designs ARC-Fire V2 replaces the safety selector in your AR-15 with a three-position selector that uses their Active Reset Clutch (ARC) design. We like the ARC-Fire V2 because it addresses a couple of the key issues that you see in many FRTs.
Instead of using 3D-printed parts or cheap materials, AS Designs uses M2 tool steel and 4140 steel. This is important because the forced-reset levers and surfaces take a lot of stress from the fast-moving bolt carrier. This means the ARC-Fire holds up better over higher round counts, and let's be honest, you'll likely reach higher round counts much faster with an FRT than with a regular trigger.
They also added larger cam surfaces and redesigned the detent surfaces for a smoother overall feel on the selector. Additionally, they DLC-coated the cam, lever, and detent bars for smoother function. While most FRTs feel mushy, these upgrades result in a trigger that feels smoother in forced reset mode, but also more tactile and crisp in semi-auto.
The three-position selector feels great and is available in a number of configurations. You can get ambidextrous or single-sided selectors, and you can choose between different throw lengths. Our favorite is the ambi short-throw (0°-45°-90°) selector.
AS Designs includes a mil-spec trigger with the required super-safety cut in the kit, but they also offer pre-modified Geissele triggers for those who want a super selector without sacrificing that premium trigger feel.
2. The Triggered Company Disruptor - Best Drop-In FRT
Quick Verdict: The Disruptor FRT from The Triggered Company has a drop-in design that makes installation a breeze and requires no gunsmithing. You get reliable operation and a consistent rate of fire, provided you are using the correct buffer weight.
Pros
- Drop-in design makes for easy installation
- Three-position functionality
- Good reliability and consistent rate of fire
Cons
- Spongy trigger feel
- Safety doesn't feel great
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Specs
- Type: Drop-In Cassette-Style
- Safety Positions: Safe, Semi, Enhanced Semi-Auto
- Safety Throw Angle: 0°-90°-180°
Why We Love It
The Disruptor from the Triggered Company, formerly known as Partisan Triggers, is one of the most affordable drop-in FRTs on the market.
Since this is a cassette-style trigger, everything is self-contained, and installation is a breeze. It installs in minutes with no gunsmithing, just like any other normal drop-in trigger.
You get a three-position safety with safe, full, and enhanced semi-auto (forced reset) modes. The standard version comes with a single-sided mil-spec safety (0°-90°-180° throw). Ambidextrous safety versions are available for about $25 more. Unfortunately, the safety on our Disruptor was wobbly and a bit loose-feeling, which seems common. It isn't a deal-breaker, but it is a bit disappointing.
These are made with 17-4 hardened stainless steel for increased durability. The Triggered Company claims the Partisan has been run past 6,000 rounds using a course of fire similar to that used to test the Marine Corps M27 IAR. And we have to say, the Disruptor has held up well during our time with it.
You will almost certainly need to run an H2 or H3 buffer for reliable operation, but that can be said for almost every FRT. They do say this trigger has a "crisp" pull right around 4 lbs. While the weight is accurate, we found the trigger pull rather spongy and the reset not very tactile, which is fairly common with FRTs.
Overall, the Disruptor is excellent for anyone wanting a true drop-in solution that won't break the bank.
3. Hoffman Tactical Trigger Kicker TK-15 - Best Budget Option
Quick Verdict: The Hoffman Tactical Trigger Kicker is a single piece that replaces your trigger disconnector. It doesn't offer semi-auto capability, but it makes up for it with reliability, durability, and a price under $50.
Pros
- Exceedingly affordable
- Easy, minimally invasive installation
- Simple, durable design
Cons
- No dedicated semi-automatic mode
- Requires specific mil-spec parts for compatibility
Specs
- Type: Disconnector Replacement
- Safety Positions: Safe, Fully Semi-Automatic
- Safety Throw Angle: 0°-90°
Why We Love It
Slinging rounds downrange as fast as your gun will cycle is fun. But you know what isn't fun? Having to spend $250-$400 to be able to do it. That is where the Hoffman Tactical Trigger Kicker comes in. Forced reset capability is available right at your fingertips for less than $50.
How is it so cheap? Great question. Instead of replacing the entire trigger or safety mechanism, the Trigger Kicker simply replaces the existing disconnector in your trigger with one that is designed to force the trigger to reset when the bolt carrier contacts it.
Since it is only a single piece, it is easy to install, and the durability of the entire system isn't tied to multiple parts. This design does come with a few caveats, though.
Firstly, it is only compatible with bog-standard mil-spec bolt carriers and fire control groups. If you are using an aftermarket trigger, this one isn't for you. Secondly, the Trigger Kicker retains the standard two-position AR-15 safety. This means that you only get safe and fully semi-automatic (forced reset) modes. There is absolutely no semi-automatic function while the Trigger Kicker is installed.
The lack of a dedicated semi-automatic setting and the strict mil-spec compatibility is a bummer, but the ability to quickly convert your standard AR-15 to have an FRT mode for under $50 is extremely appealing. If you just want to test the waters or have some simulated full-auto fun for a weekend before converting your gun back to normal, the Trigger Kicker is 100% the way to go.
What's your take on the Hoffman Tactical Trigger Kicker? Give it a rating below.
4. Rare Breed FRT-15L3 - Most Proven Design
Quick Verdict: Rare Breed has been making FRTs longer than just about anyone else. Their most recent design, the FRT-15L3, takes their original design and improves it to deliver a robust, highly reliable, smooth-operating trigger that is easy to install. However, the price and some of the company's business practices leave room to be desired.
Pros
- Proven design that draws on multiple years of manufacturing experience
- Robust and durable build quality that has been tested over high round counts
- Ambi safety selector feels great
- Enjoys specific legal protections due to court case victories
Cons
- Most expensive option by far
- Company practices may rub prospective customers the wrong way
Specs
- Type: Drop-In Cassette-Style
- Safety Positions: Safe, Fully Forced-Reset Mode
- Safety Throw Angle: 0°-90°-180°
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Why We Love It
Rare Breed Triggers has been making FRTs since around 2020, making them one of the longest-running current manufacturers of forced-reset triggers. Their FRT-15L3 is the latest iteration of their original design and brings updated features and a refined feel for the end user.
The FRT-15L3 is a drop-in, cassette-style trigger with a three-position ambidextrous safety. In our experience, the safety levers fit nice and snug, and the detents are crisp. It is one of the best-feeling safeties of any drop-in FRT on the market. The trigger itself isn't too bad, either. In semi-auto mode, it has a fairly clean single-stage pull that breaks right around 4 to 4.5 lbs. It is about 5.5 lbs in forced-reset mode, but still retains a nice single-stage feel.
There are various reports of people taking these triggers 10,000 rounds or even more with little to no issue. Our editor recently attended an event where a manufacturer used an FRT-15L3 to showcase the durability of the short-barreled AR-15. He noted how consistent the rate of fire felt in FRT mode, and how natural the semi-auto trigger felt as well.
The build quality and fitment are great, but that comes at a steep price of $450, nearly $200 more than the next major competitors.
For those who don't know, Rare Breed won a landmark case against the DOJ in 2025, which resulted in FRTs no longer being considered machineguns by the ATF. Rare Breed also received special legal protections for their products specifically.
However, Rare Breed subsequently launched an aggressive campaign to sue other FRT and super-safety manufacturers for patent infringement, as well as retailers who carried those products. Most of the negativity surrounding Rare Breed stems from these anti-competitor practices rather than the trigger itself, but we feel like it is very much worth mentioning.
Long story short, if price and politics aren't a big deal to you, the FRT-15L3 remains one of the easiest to install, smoothest-operating, most durable drop-in FRTs on the market.
Parts Compatibility
Low shelf vs. High shelf Lower Receivers
Every FRT and super selector on the market requires a "low shelf" lower receiver in order to have enough clearance for the forced reset mechanism to operate. You can tell if your lower receiver is low-shelf or high-shelf by separating it and inspecting the rear inside portion to see where it sits relative to the safety selector hole.
Most current production AR-15s use low-shelf receivers, but not all of them. Always double-check your lower receiver before investing in a FRT.
Full-Auto vs Semi-Auto Bolt-Carrier Groups
Full-auto (M16) bolt carrier groups have more material at the bottom rear of the carrier, which is necessary to interact with and trip auto-sears, or in this case, forced reset levers. Almost every FRT requires a full-auto bolt carrier group to function properly. Luckily, most modern bolt carrier groups are full-auto profile.
Most current production BCGs are full-auto profile, but always verify yours before purchasing an FRT.
Safeties
Many FRTs use safety selectors with proprietary or specific geometry, meaning you must use the included safety selector for them to properly function. Some super selectors allow you to use aftermarket safety selectors. Manufacturers typically list which safety selectors their products are compatible with.
Buffer Weight & Spring
Forced-reset triggers cycle much faster than standard semi-automatic firearms. If the bolt cycles too fast, it can cause light primer strikes, out-of-battery trips, dead triggers, and excessive bolt bounce.
To slow the bolt down to safe, reliable operating speeds, you will typically need a heavier buffer weight and/or buffer spring. Most FRT manufacturers recommend running an H2 or H3 buffer for the best reliability.
FAQs
Final Thoughts
Forced-reset triggers can help you tap the full potential of your AR-15. But more importantly, they are just plain fun, provided you find one that works for you.
With ATF laws more lax than ever, there's no better time to get into FRTs than now. Hopefully this article points you in the right direction so you can spend your hard-earned money on ammo instead of shoddy products.
Do you have experience with any of the FRTs on this list? Are there other quality options that we missed? Drop a line in the comments below and let us know! Not sold on a FRT yet? We get it, and we've got you covered with our hands-on article on the 16 Best AR-15 Triggers!
Meet the Experts
Spearheading this article is Pew Pew Tactical Editor and Senior Review Analyst, Wyatt Sloan. Wyatt is an NRA and USCCA-certified instructor with previous experience as a competitive shooter. Wyatt has previous experience as a home-based FFL and personally owns over 200 firearms — including over a dozen AR-15s and numerous other AR-stocked rifles. He has time behind numerous different AR triggers, including multiple FRTs.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Additionally, she is an NRA-certified Pistol Instructor and former Concealed Carry Instructor. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. She uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
