9 Best AR-15 Triggers

Are you looking for the best AR-15 triggers? Upgrading your trigger is a great way to increase the accuracy of your AR-15, along with being able to shoot faster.

They are easy to install and are what makes the most noticeable difference in how your rifle shoots. Because of how popular it is to build ARs in the gun community, there are many options for aftermarket AR-15 triggers.

You are missing out if you have not yet shot a rifle with a premium trigger. The difference they make will surprise you.

This article will cover the best AR-15 triggers on the market.

Best Budget AR-15 Trigger

Best budget

Timney Impact AR Trigger

• 3 lb. break
• Drop-in installation
• Fits all Mil-Spec ARs
• Lightweight, aluminum alloy housing
• Installs using your rifle’s original hammer/trigger pins, our proprietary design eliminates pin walkout

Check Price

Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Primary Arms, Brownells

The best budget AR-15 trigger is the Timney Impact AR Trigger. It is affordable and the price to performance is great.

Most Popular AR-15 Trigger

Most Popular

RISE Armament RA-240 Enhanced Trigger

• Clean break trigger with a short reset
• Single-stage trigger system with a drop safety feature
• Light 3.5-lb. pull weight
• Comfortable, semi-curved trigger for enhanced control

Check Price

Price Check: Optics Planet

The most popular AR-15 trigger is the RISE Armament RA-240 Enhanced Trigger. RISE Armament triggers are some of the most popular because of price, options, and availability.

Best Premium AR-15 Trigger

Best Premium

Geissele SSA-E

• Sear surfaces are cut by a wire edm machine
• Full-force hammer spring is used for quick lock time and positive ignition of all types of ammo
• There are no adjustment screws to come loose
• All springs are captive

Check Price

Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Primary Arms, Brownells

The best premium option for an AR-15 trigger is the Geissele SSA-E Trigger. It is by far the best trigger I have used and cannot recommend it enough.

Best AR-15 Triggers

Here is a list of the best AR-15 triggers I recommend. There are easy-to-install and direct drop-in replacement triggers.

These are popular triggers and work great for competition or self-defense. This list is in no specific order.

Check out my Best Binary Triggers article if you want to shoot as fast as possible.

1. Geissele Super Semi-Automatic Enhanced (SSA-E)

The Geissele SSA-E Trigger is a non-adjustable, two-stage trigger that provides improved trigger control and accuracy while reducing the first and second-stage pull weights.

For those of you who, like me, don’t like the single-stage trigger of most AR15 rifles, this trigger is the best upgrade you can make to your rifle.

These finely-tuned triggers have a Standard Mil-Spec pin and are made from quality tool steel.

The Geissele Super Semi-Automatic Enhanced Precision Trigger is easy to install with safety and disassembles for cleaning.

This is my favorite trigger and is the one I prefer to install in all of my AR-15 builds.

It is crisp and feels like glass when you pull it. I love the feel. I have noticed increased accuracy while shooting, and can also shoot very quickly.

This is the “E” version which stands for enhanced and is slightly lighter than their standard version.

This is my top recommendation if you want one of the best AR-15 triggers. The best benefit you will notice when switching to this trigger is shooting faster and more accurately.

Specs:

Features:

• Sear surfaces are cut by a wire edm machine
• Full-force hammer spring is used for quick lock time and positive ignition of all types of ammo
• There are no adjustment screws to come loose
• All springs are captive
• The entire trigger can be dissembled for cleaning
• The trigger can be installed without removing the safety
• Sear engagement is pre-set from the factory
• NOTE: The Geissele SSA-E does not fit HK416 weapons with firing pin safety

Best Premium

Geissele SSA-E

• Sear surfaces are cut by a wire edm machine
• Full-force hammer spring is used for quick lock time and positive ignition of all types of ammo
• There are no adjustment screws to come loose
• All springs are captive

Check Price

Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Primary Arms, Brownells

2. RISE Armament RA-240 Enhanced

Another great trigger, and one drop-in trigger, is the RISE Armament RA-240 drop-in trigger.

The RA-240 is a single-stage trigger available in two colors and configurations. You’ll find it in blue and black with a curved trigger shape or silver and blue with a straight trigger shape.

These triggers are designed with an extremely light 3.5-pound pull weight, crisp break, and fast reset. Little differences like polished engagement surfaces make a noticeable change in the feel of the pull.

The RA-240 design was constructed from high-grade and heat-treated tool steel and aluminum.

Rise Armament adheres to AS9100 aerospace requirements, which are much stricter than gun standards for assembly. Plus, the drop-in design is easy to install and requires no fine-tuning. It’s also compatible with both .223- and .308-rifle designs.

The trigger is crisp, light, and has a strong wall and sharp reset. Great upgrade for the price.

This is a great option if you want one of the best AR-15 triggers, which is a single-stage and drop-in kit.

Specs:

Features:

• Clean break trigger with a short reset.
• Single-stage trigger system with drop safety feature.
• Single-stage trigger system.
• Light 3.5-lb. pull weight.
• Comfortable, a semi-curved trigger for enhanced control.
• Manufactured and assembled according to strict AS9100 aerospace requirements, which are more stringent than standard gun manufacturing requirements.
• CNC machined from high-grade, heat-treated tool steel and aluminum.
• Bright blue 8625 hard coat anodized aluminum cassette.
• Fits most .308 and.223 AR-style platforms.
• The self-contained design makes it easy and quick to install with no fine-tuning.
• Includes Rise Armament anti-walk pins.

most popular

RISE Armament RA-240 Enhanced Trigger

• Clean break trigger with a short reset
• Single-stage trigger system with a drop safety feature
• Light 3.5-lb. pull weight
• Comfortable, semi-curved trigger for enhanced control

Check Price

Price Check: Optics Planet

3. Geissele Super Dynamic Combat (SD-C)

This Geissele SD-C Trigger is rugged with a sear design.

Featuring an exclusive flat trigger bow, these triggers provide safety against unintentional discharges.

Like most Geissele products, it’s very high quality. Smooth trigger pull, slight take up, and ultra-crisp break.

This non-adjustable AR-15 trigger gives the shooter a sharp, repeatable trigger release, compatible with standard mil-spec pins.

It’s very versatile, no matter if you want competitive shooting, plinking, defensive/duty use, or just an all-around trigger to upgrade this could fill about any role, even if some may have a slight edge in a given area.

The versatility and excellent feel it offers will change how you interact with your rifle, given that the trigger is the main input between the shooter and his rifle.

The Geissele SD-C has a very pronounced take-up to a distinct wall, little creep, and a crisp break.

I recommend this as one of the best AR-15 triggers that aren’t too light. If you don’t want the Geissele SSD-E because of its light, go with the SD-C.

Specs:

Features:

• Type: 2 Stage;
• 1st Stage Weight: 2.5lbs;
• 2nd Stage Weight: 2.0lbs;
• Total Pull Weight: 4.5lbs;
• Adjustable: No

Geissele Super Dynamic Combat (SD-C)

• Type: 2 Stage
• 1st Stage Weight: 2.5lbs
• 2nd Stage Weight: 2.0lbs
• Total Pull Weight: 4.5lbs

Check Price

Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Brownells

4. JP Enterprises Modular Trigger

The new JP Enterprises Modular Trigger (JPFC-M) incorporates an interchangeable shoe feature for user customization. The core module can be easily reconfigured with one of three shoe designs: curved, flat, and roller.

Shooters of any discipline or application will find an option to suit their purpose and preference.

Preassembled and hand-tuned in a stainless steel housing, the JPFC-M features wire-cut components for a super-precise relationship requiring no user adjustment.

Installation of the module is nothing more than inserting the trigger pins and tightening down two screws to secure the module in place.

They also come packaged with your choice of shoe style and color for the curved or flat shoes, each available in black, silver, red, or blue.

Also included are signature Anti-Walk Pins and an ambidextrous safety selector with levers color-matched to the trigger. Plus, two alternate rate hammer springs allow for user customization of trigger pull.

This trigger is amazing, very short take-up, a good wall, then a very crisp break with minimal overtravel. The reset is about 4mm.

Specs:

Features:

• Features:
• Custom shop quality JP trigger job
• Quick, easy drop-in installation
• Wire-cut components for the relationship of a super-precise part
• Eliminated the need for adjustment screws
• Easily changeable trigger styles and colors to suit shooter preference
• Included Ambi safety features, swappable levers color-matched to the trigger
• Unique safety drum design ensures perfect safety function
• Included JP Anti-Walk Pins remove all slop movement of fire control components for solid, reliable function
• Easily interchangeable trigger shoes
• Alternate hammer spring for adjustable pull weight
• Stainless steel housing
• Compatibility: The JPFC-M should not be used in polymer receivers.

JP Enterprises Modular Trigger

• Custom shop quality JP trigger job
• Quick, easy drop-in installation
• Wire-cut components for the relationship of a super-precise part
• Eliminated the need for adjustment screws

Check Price

Price Check: Optics Planet

5. Geissele Super Dynamic 3-Gun Trigger SD-3G

The Geissele Super Dynamic 3 Gun (SD-3G) trigger is the flat trigger bow version of the Geissele Super 3 Gun (S3G) trigger.

Like the S3G, the SD-3G has a shortened pull length and a lightning-quick reset to give it a unique, hybrid trigger pull that crosses a traditional two-stage and single-stage trigger while still retaining the safety and robustness of a two-stage combat trigger.

The SD-3G’s flat trigger bow further enhances the trigger’s performance by reducing the perceived pull weight and improving the trigger’s tactile feedback to the operator, making it ideally suited for 3 Gun competition shooting.

The SD3G trigger has a very short, light pull and reset. We do not recommend it for duty use, bench rest, accuracy work, or shooting small groups.

It is designed for close course competition use where rapid target engagement with quick follow-up shots is required. This is honestly the fastest, smoothest shooting trigger I’ve ever used.

Specs:

Features:

• Faster follow-up shots with an ultra-crisp break and super short reset
• Single Stage
• 1st Stage Weight: 4.0lbs
• Total Pull Weight: 4.0lbs. (3.25lbs. or 4.0lbs depending on spring)
• Not adjustable
• Recommended Use: 3 Gun
• Pin Size: Mil-Spec
• Easy installation

Geissele SD-3G Trigger

• Faster follow-up shots with ultra crisp break and super short reset
• Single Stage
• Not adjustable
• Easy installation

Check Price

Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Brownells, Primary Arms

6. Timney Triggers AR-15 Impact

The Timney Impact AR Trigger provides a high-quality upgrade at an incredible value.

Installing these Rifle Triggers from the masters at Timney Triggers results in a clean, crisp 3lb. break for your rifle.

This Timney Triggers Impact Mil-Spec AR Trigger is incredibly durable with a long service life.

That’s because the essential components are housed in a lightweight aluminum alloy that keeps them protected without weighing you down in the field.

As for the internals, the hammer is wire-EDM machined from S7 tool steel, and the remaining parts are EDM cut from A2 tool steel. These triggers use drop-in installation, and the curved design is easier to grip while providing a smoother feel.

Zero take-up, extremely fast reset, and very crisp. This is a great bang for your buck upgrade.

I also like the set screw option that eliminates the need for anti-walk pins; tighten those screws, and install your lock screws.

Specs:

Features:

• 3lb. break
• Drop-in installation
• Fits all Mil-Spec ARs
• Lightweight, aluminum alloy housing
• Installs using your rifle’s original hammer/trigger pins. The proprietary design eliminates pin walkout
• NOTE: The Impact is not compatible with the AR-10 or 15-22

Best budget

Timney Impact AR Trigger

• 3 lb. break
• Drop-in installation
• Fits all Mil-Spec ARs
• Lightweight, aluminum alloy housing
• Installs using your rifle’s original hammer/trigger pins, our proprietary design eliminates pin walkout

Check Price

Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Primary Arms, Brownells

7. CMC Triggers Single Stage Drop-in Competition

The CMC Single Stage Drop-In Competition Trigger is answering the demand from the nation’s top 3 Gun competitive shooters for lighter rifle triggers with all the amazing attributes of the premium match grade CMC triggers.

The multi-patented design is a fine match-grade trigger pull that is now an extremely simple upgrade to implement.

Install the fully self-contained, ready-to-go trigger group and safety check, and it’s done.

CMC Triggers has been the original manufacturer of the Drop-in Trigger Group for the AR-15/10 rifle since 2003.

CMC’s critical sear engagement surfaces have a proprietary machining process that renders superior surface finish and dimensional control.

Compared to their competition, the techniques used to establish a 1-2 RMS surface finish as opposed to EDMing, which leaves a pithy 32 RMS, compared to a mirror which is 0 RMS.

The 2.5 lbs trigger improved my groups and feel compared to the standard trigger. Feels very solid and has zero creep. You are literally at the wall, and then it breaks.

Specs:

Features:

• Ultra-crisp trigger with no feel of creep before hammer release
• The trigger has a glass-smooth break with no feel of grittiness
• Trigger pull is factory pre-set and not user adjustable
• Positive trigger reset allows a quick follow-up shot on the target
• Hand-assembled and hand tested
• Self-contained one-piece assembly

CMC AR-15 Trigger

• Ultra-crisp trigger with no feel of creep prior to hammer release
• The trigger has a glass-smooth break with no feel of grittiness
• Trigger pull is factory pre-set and not user adjustable
• Positive trigger reset allows a quick follow-up shot on the target

Check Price

Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Brownells, Primary Arms

8. Timney Triggers AR-15 Competition

With the Timney Triggers AR-15 Competition Trigger, you can outclass the competition with the smoothest, crispest trigger pulls imaginable.

Equipping these Rifle Triggers by Timney Triggers is incredibly simple as it’s 100% drop-in, so no gunsmithing, fitting, or adjusting is required.

Your Timney Triggers Single-Stage Trigger is designed to withstand heavy use without chipping or breaking since the hammer is wire-EDM machined from S7 tool steel.

This AR-15 Target Shooting Trigger makes installation easy as it uses your rifle’s original hammer/trigger pins and eliminates pin walkout with its proprietary design.

Going from target to target is natural as ever with the quick reset of the trigger, making this the ultimate advantage in shooting competitions.

The trigger was easy to install and performed as expected from Timney based on its success and reputation. Definitely, noticeable, resulting in pull weight and a more crisp break than the stock trigger

This is an awesome trigger straight 3 lb break, no take-up, and no creep. The reset is great.

Specs:

Features:

• Timney AR-15 Triggers are designed to fit all mil-spec AR-15/ M4 platforms, including the large pin Colt Rifles made in the 90s
• All Military Spec Built Lowers
• AR-556
• Mossberg MMR Hunter
• Mossberg MMR Tactical
• Mossberg MMR Tactical w/sights
• SR-556
• SR-556 Carbine
• SR-556 VT
• SR-556-E

Timney AR Competition Trigger

• Timney AR-15 Triggers are designed to fit all mil-spec AR-15/ M4 platforms, including the large pin Colt Rifles made in the 90s
• All Military Spec Built Lowers
• Also available in a 4lb and 4.5lb pull weight

Check Price

Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Brownells, Primary Arms

9. RISE Armament Rave 140

Another good trigger to upgrade your rifle is the RISE Armament RAVE 140 Trigger.

These are the second generation of their best-selling RA-140 Super Sporting Triggers (SST). They deliver enhanced reliability and helpful features like Quik-Klik reset that provides tactile feedback to improve your shooting experience.

The RISE Armament RAVE 140 3.5lb Drop-In AR Trigger is built tough to handle harsh environments and powerful recoil.

Its interior parts are crafted from S7 tool steel and coated with a black nitride finish for improved resistance to corrosion. These parts are protected in an anodized 6061 aluminum housing that outlasts punch-tin housings.

There is no take-up before engaging the sear, resulting in the smoothest, crispest shooting experience possible.

It has the breaking glass rod feel, which brings a smile to everyone face that has tried it. The reset is short and crisp, and it does not deviate. Same pull and reset every time with zero wobble or play—very little take-up.

Specs:

Features:

• Smooth, crisp break and a short Quik-Klik reset, you can feel
• Comfortable trigger blade that sits farther back for enhanced control
• Elementary installation, simple and fast with no set screws to tighten
• Single-stage, 3.5-lb. pull
• NoWay Take-up – No trigger take-up before engaging the sear, so trigger movement begins with the pull required to move and actuate the sear to release the hammer.
• Interior parts are S7 tool steel with heavy-hit hardening, then black nitride finished for enhanced strength and corrosion resistance.
• Contained in an anodized housing that’s machined from a solid block of 6061 aluminum
• Precision machined with handcrafted fine-tuning
• Individually inspected
• Includes free anti-walk trigger pins for secure installation
• Sleek appearance to accompany its enhanced performance
• Fits AR-style platforms built to mil-spec dimensions calibers include .223/5.56, .308, 6.5, 9MM, and more
• Backed by the RISE More-Bang-for-Your-Buck Performance Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty

RISE Armament Rave 140 Trigger

• Smooth, crisp break and a short Quik-Klik reset you can feel
• Comfortable trigger blade that sits farther back for enhanced control
• Elementary installation, simple and fast with no set screws to tighten
• Single-stage, 3.5-lb. pull

Check Price

Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Brownells, Primary Arms

Reason To Upgrade AR-15 Triggers

Everyone should upgrade their standard trigger on their AR immediately. There are many benefits to a premium AR-15 trigger.

Improved accuracy is the biggest factor. A consistent, smooth, and light trigger will allow you to understand your rifle better and predict when the trigger will fire when you squeeze it.

Faster shooting while staying accurate is another benefit of a better trigger. All upgraded triggers will have a shorter take-up and a shorter reset. This will allow you to fire off rounds faster than a standard mil-spec trigger.

Again if you have never shot or experienced a good trigger, you will be blown away by the difference. So if you have been waiting to pick up a good trigger, then now is the time to pull the trigger.

Standard vs Drop-In Trigger?

Standard trigger groups come as parts kits that need to be assembled. You will need some tools to install the trigger in your rifle.

Please don’t be too concerned because they are fairly easy to install and shouldn’t be an issue.

A drop-in trigger is a complete fire control group already assembled and enclosed in a small box that is plug-in-play. You will still need to seat a drop-in trigger with the trigger pins on the AR-15 receiver.

If you’re lazy or want something simple, a drop-in trigger is for you. If you don’t mind tinkering and know how a trigger works, then a standard trigger kit is what I recommend.

Single Stage Trigger vs Two Stage Trigger

Let me explain the differences between single-stage and two-stage triggers.

A single-stage trigger will have one consistent weight of pull throughout. From the moment you start pulling the trigger, the weight is the same until the trigger breaks and the gun fires.

A two-stage trigger has different pull weights. The take-up stage is first then the wall is the second stage.

Some people consider a single-stage trigger as surprising when they pull it. You shouldn’t expect the take up because there isn’t any.

A single-stage trigger is great for long-range shooting or competition because there is no creep. I don’t recommend a single-stage trigger for home defense because they are hair triggers, and you can accidentally discharge your weapon very easily with them.

Two-stage triggers are more predictable and more common in self-defense or fighting rifles. You can squeeze the trigger to the take-up and hold at the wall until you are ready to fire.

You can still be very accurate with a good-quality two-stage trigger.

Best AR-15 Triggers FAQ

Complete List of Items Mentioned

(Click the links for the most up-to-date prices)

• Geissele Automatics SSA-E
• RISE Armament RA-240
• Geissele Super Dynamic Combat SD-C
• JP Enterprises Modular Trigger (JPFC-M)
• Geissele Super Dynamic 3 Gun (SD-3G)
• Timney Impact AR Trigger
• CMC Single Stage Drop-In Competition Trigger
• Timney Triggers AR-15 Competition Trigger
• RISE Armament RAVE 140 Trigger

Have you ever used a premium AR-15 trigger? Do you like using a mil-spec trigger? What is your favorite AR-15 trigger?

Let me know in the comments below.