After a decade of testing competition and budget triggers across multiple builds, three options stand out as the best AR-15 triggers: the Geissele SSA-E for precision, the LaRue Tactical MBT-2S for value, and the Rise Armament Rave 140 for easy drop-in upgrades.
I have found that, aside from optics, upgrading the trigger in my AR-15s is one of the best upgrades I can make.
If you’re building a lower from scratch, a standard trigger is often included with an AR-15 lower parts kit.
Standard Mil-spec triggers are heavy, gritty, and make it much harder to get consistent shots, especially with follow-up shots at speed. A lighter and smoother trigger can make all the difference.
In addition to sharing our personal experience in testing each of these triggers, we will also go over what features matter the most and what to choose based on your rifle’s purpose.
Keep reading to find out.
This was not a one-afternoon test. We installed these triggers in lowers from several manufacturers and fired at least 200 rounds through each. Some have been in our builds for years and have seen more than 2,500 rounds at the range and in competitions.
We compared installation, construction, pull weight, take-up, creep, overtravel, reset, reliability, and price. We also paid attention to how each trigger held up over time, not just how good it felt right out of the box.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary of Our Favorites
Other notable AR-15 Triggers we like:
AR-15 Trigger Comparison Table
There is no single trigger that works best for every AR-15. Some are better for precision shooting, while others make more sense for a duty rifle, competition build, or inexpensive upgrade. Here is how the triggers we tested compare.
| Trigger | Best for | Type and stages | Pull weight | Bow | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geissele SSA-E | Best overall | Open, two-stage | 3.5 lbs. | Curved | $245 |
| LaRue MBT-2S | Best value | Open, two-stage | 4.5 or 6 lbs. | Curved or flat | $115 |
| Rise Armament Rave 140 | Easiest drop-in upgrade | Drop-in, single-stage | 3.5 lbs. | Curved or flat | $140 |
| TriggerTech Duty | Most configuration options | Drop-in, single- or two-stage | 3.5 or 5.5 lbs. | Curved or flat | $130 |
| PSA EPT | Best budget option | Open, single-stage | 6 lbs. | Curved | $33 |
| CMC Drop-In Trigger | American-made drop-in | Drop-in, single- or two-stage | 3.5 lbs. | Curved, flat, or combat curve | $174 |
| Elftmann Tactical SE | Adjustable precision trigger | Drop-in, single-stage | 2.75–4 lbs. | Adjustable flat or curved shoe | $139 |
Best AR-15 Trigger
Geissele SSA-E – Best Overall
- Type: Open/Standard
- Platform: AR-15 or AR-10
- Pull Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Bow Shape: Curved
- Stages: 2
- MSRP: $245
The Geissele SSA-E trigger was the first upgraded trigger I purchased, nearly 15 years ago, for the first AR I built. Almost everyone I talked to recommended it.
Over the years of trying many other triggers, this one is still my favorite and almost everyone else’s.
It is an open-style trigger, so installation is not as easy as a drop-in. This isn’t a huge deal for me since I am used to installing an open-style trigger, and it really isn’t that hard.
Where this trigger shines is how it feels. The 3.5 lb pull weight is perfect, I think. The 1st stage is light, and the take-up is only about 0.1” measured at the bottom of the trigger bow.
After the take-up of the 1st stage, there is a clear wall of resistance at the start of the 2nd stage.
Once I start applying more pressure on the 2nd stage, I do not notice any creep whatsoever. And this is on a trigger that has thousands of rounds through it, so it has held up well.
There is very little noticeable overtravel after the trigger breaks. It pretty much stops right after it comes through the 2nd stage.
The reset is a little long. I must release it almost all the way out to the start of the first stage before it resets. It does have a nice click that I can feel when it resets.
This trigger is still the gold standard in my experience, but the list price is a little high. It does go on sale often, so it is best to wait to buy it when it’s under $200.
If you want the most refined, reliable two-stage AR-15 trigger with a proven track record and don’t mind paying for quality, the Geissele SSA-E remains the gold standard.
LaRue Tactical MBT-2S – Best Value
- Type: Open/Standard
- Platform: AR-15
- Pull Weight: 4.5 lbs or 6 lbs
- Bow Shape: Curved or Flat
- Stages: 2
- MSRP: $115
The LaRue Tactical MBT2S trigger is very similar to the Geissele above.
It is an open-style, two-stage trigger that comes with an added bonus. Two different weight springs.
Included in the box is a 4.5 lb spring and a 6 lb spring that I can change out myself. For anyone who is used to mil-spec or duty triggers as part of their job, this trigger makes a lot of sense because it comes with the heavier option. I just wish the lighter spring was 3.5 lbs instead.
Essentially, set up with the heavier spring, it is a two-stage trigger that feels a lot better than mil-spec but still has a similar pull weight. Or I can set it up with the lighter spring, which is better for quicker and more precise shooting.
This trigger also comes with trigger pins, so for a new build, it has everything that I need.
The overall feel of it is very similar to the Geissele. It has a short take-up, crisp second stage with no creep, and no noticeable overtravel. The second stage pull weight is slightly heavier, though.
The best thing about this trigger is the price. I can often find it on sale for less than $100. Given that it feels very close to the Geissele (most people can’t tell the difference), it is a great choice for anyone on a budget.
If you want Geissele-level performance at nearly half the price, the LaRue Tactical MBT-2S is still the smartest value buy for most AR-15 owners.
Rise Armament Rave 140 – Best Drop-In
- Type: Drop-in
- Platform: AR-15 or AR-10
- Pull Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Bow Shape: Curved or Flat
- Stages: 1
- MSRP: $140
The Rise Armament Rave 140 is one of my favorite drop-in triggers.
Since it is a drop-in, it is a great option for upgrading a standard Mil-spec trigger, and it is super easy to install.
First, I removed the grip and safety selector from my lower receiver. I then removed the mil-spec trigger by pushing the trigger’s pins out with a punch. I then installed the Rise Armament trigger and secured it with the included anti-walk pins. Finally, I replaced the grip and the safety selector.
I like that this trigger includes springs on the bottom to help bias it in the correct position in the lower receiver. Other triggers have set screws that need to be adjusted, but with the springs, no adjustments are needed. It happens automatically.
This is a single-stage trigger, so there is no take-up to push through. There is no noticeable creep in this trigger. When I start pressing it, it doesn’t move until the shot breaks.
There is also very little overtravel. This results in the trigger not moving much between the start position and the fully pressed position.
The reset is quick. I can feel it and hear the click as well. This makes follow-up shots quick with this trigger.
Overall, the pull weight of 3.5 lbs seems perfect to me. The price is reasonable as well, about in the middle of the rest.
If you want a true drop-in trigger that’s easy to install and fast without tuning or fuss, the Rise Armament Rave 140 is one of the best upgrades you can make.
Trigger Tech Duty Trigger – Most Versatile
- Type: Drop-in
- Platform: AR-15
- Pull Weight: 3.5 lbs or 5.5 lbs
- Bow Shape: Curved or Flat
- Stages: 1 or 2
- MSRP: $130
The Trigger Tech Duty trigger is one of the most versatile drop-in triggers I have found.
There are multiple models with one or two stages, curved or flat trigger bows, and 3.5lb or 5.5 lb pull weights.
I went with the Primary Arms exclusive that was on sale. It is a single-stage, 3.5lb, flat trigger that also has all stainless-steel parts with a silver die-cast housing.
This trigger looks great and performs great as well.
Installation was easy since this is a drop-in trigger. However, it does not come with trigger pins. I put this trigger in a new build and had to steal trigger pins out of another parts kit that I had. If you are upgrading an existing trigger, then you can just reuse the existing trigger pins.
After installing it, two set screws must be tightened to bias the trigger in the lower receiver. This is easy to forget, so make sure to follow the installation instructions.
I can feel no creep in this trigger whatsoever. Trigger Tech has a patented free-floating roller that is captured between the sear and the trigger, making the trigger feel very smooth.
There is more noticeable travel in this trigger. This makes the reset distance a little longer than others I have tried. The reset is clean but not as distinct as the others.
I do like the small feature at the bottom of the flat trigger bow. It gives me a place to index my finger against, so I can get consistent trigger pulls when moving quickly.
The price of this trigger is great, too. I often find them on sale for around $100.
If you want maximum flexibility in pull weight and trigger shape with excellent consistency, the Trigger Tech Duty Trigger is a standout do-it-all option.
PSA EPT AR-15 Trigger – Best Budget
- Type: Open/Standard
- Platform: AR-15 or AR-10
- Pull Weight: 6 lbs
- Bow Shape: Curved
- Stages: 1
- MSRP: $33
The EPT Trigger (Enhanced Polished Trigger) from Palmetto State Armory is the best Mil-spec trigger I have found.
PSA took the standard mil-spec trigger, finely polished the contact surfaces, and then coated them with a nickel finish. This results in the trigger feeling a lot smoother than a typical mil-spec trigger.
I can feel a bit of creep in this trigger, but that is typical of Mil-spec triggers. However, it is smooth and does not have a gritty feeling. This is the biggest difference between this trigger and a standard Mil-spec one.
I can feel almost no overtravel in this trigger, and the reset is very distinct. It makes a loud click when it resets, and the distance is fairly short.
The pull weight is heavy at just over 6lbs, the same as a mil-spec trigger.
The best thing about this trigger is the price. Typically, it is less than $35 and also comes in PSA’s EPT build kits.
If you’re on a tight budget but want something noticeably better than gritty mil-spec, the Palmetto State Armory EPT is the best cheap upgrade available.
CMC Triggers Drop-In AR-15 Trigger
- Type: Drop-in
- Platform: AR-15 or AR-10
- Pull Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Bow Shape: Curved or Flat
- Stages: 1 or 2
- MSRP: $174
CMC Triggers has been making triggers in Texas for over 20 years. They have tons of experience, and I certainly like the fact that they are made in the USA.
I also like that they have multiple models available. There are both single-stage and two-stage, with three different trigger bow shapes – Flat, Curved, and “Combat Curve”, which is a combo between flat and curved.
Installation is very easy since it is a drop-in trigger. It comes with anti-walk pins and screws, so it works great for new builds.
A couple of things that I initially noticed about the construction left me a little disappointed. The housing is made from what looks like just sheet metal that is bent into shape. There is nothing particularly wrong with it, I’m just not a fan of it.
I also noticed that there were no biasing pins or screws like most other drop-in triggers have. This became apparent when I tested it.
Even with torquing the screws to the recommended 12 in-lbs, the trigger moves slightly in my receiver. It is not a huge amount, but it has a noticeable rattle to it when I initially press the trigger.
Overall, the feel of the trigger is great. There is no noticeable creep, the overtravel is minimal, and the reset is short and crisp.
The MSRP seems a little high, but I often find this trigger on sale for less than $100.
If you want a great-feeling, American-made drop-in trigger and don’t mind a less refined housing design, CMC Triggers still delivers excellent on-range performance.
Elftmann Tactical SE AR-15 Trigger
- Type: Drop-in
- Platform: AR-15 or AR-10
- Pull Weight: Adjustable 2.75 – 4 lbs
- Bow Shape: Flat
- Stages: 1
- MSRP: $139
Elftmann Tactical has been in the trigger business for years. Owned by two brothers, their triggers are designed and built in the USA.
I really like the SE AR-15 Trigger since the pull weight is adjustable. While the range is not huge, I can adjust it between 2.75 lbs and 4 lbs.
This trigger is more of a precision, long-range trigger for me. It is a single-stage trigger and comes with a unique flat or curved adjustable trigger shoe. It is basically a separate piece on the trigger bow that I can adjust to be very precise with my finger placement.
Installation was easy since this is a drop-in trigger. It comes with a plate that is installed into the lower receiver first. There are set screws in the machined aluminum housing that bias the trigger against this plate to make it feel rock solid.
This trigger does not come with trigger pins. So, since I was putting this in a new receiver, I had to steal some out of another build kit that I had. For an upgrade, it’s not an issue, just use the existing pins.
The trigger feels great; it does have a different feel to it, though. There is a slight bit of take-up to it, even though it is a single-stage trigger. There is also a bit of overtravel after the shot breaks. I do like the reset; it is fairly short, and I can clearly feel it.
The price is on average with other triggers that aren’t adjustable, so it is certainly a good value.
If you value adjustability and a precision-oriented feel over traditional trigger characteristics, the Elftmann Tactical SE offers strong performance for the price.
How We Tested the Best AR-15 Triggers
Over the past 10 years, we have built various AR-15s and tested them at the range and in competitions. We looked at different triggers and considered the overall feel, construction, pull weight, availability, price/value, robustness, reliability, and overall ease of using them in our builds.
We then tried them with various lowers from different manufacturers. We have fired at least 200 rounds with each, with some seeing well over 2,500 rounds over the years.
Our top picks included input not only from our team but also from many others in our community, both in person and online. We considered everyone’s experiences and opinions over the past 10 years to achieve what we think is the most balanced and comprehensive review available.
Tips on Choosing the Best AR-15 Trigger
There are a few important considerations to make when selecting the best AR-15 trigger. Some I would consider a safety issue; others are just personal preference. Be sure to review these before you make your selection, keeping in mind the purpose of your rifle.
What is a Mil-Spec AR-15 Trigger?
First and foremost, it is important to understand the starting point for most AR-15 triggers. Most basic AR-15s come with a Mil-Spec Trigger. Mil-Spec triggers are just what you think, the basic trigger that the military considers acceptable.
These triggers are open-type triggers with a curved trigger bow and a pull weight in the 6 to 9 lb range.
Often, they do not feel very “crisp”. By this, I mean the consistency of when the rifle fires versus how the trigger feels through the pull is not the best. Certainly, they get the job done for most people. An upgraded, more consistent trigger can improve shooting accuracy and speed, and as I mentioned, it is the most bang for the buck upgrade you can do.
AR-15 Trigger Terminology – Take-Up, Creep, Overtravel, Reset
Some of the terminology is important to understand as we talk about AR-15 triggers. These mainly involve the different positions of the trigger as it is pulled from front to rear.
- Take-Up: This is the first stage of a two-stage trigger (a single-stage trigger does not have this). This is the area from where the trigger is at rest to the area of resistance (I call it the wall) just before the rifle fires.
- Creep: This is the area between the wall of a two-stage trigger, or the starting point of a single-stage trigger, to the rifle’s firing. A lot of creep is what you have when a trigger is described as “mushy.” It is the point when you are expecting the rifle to fire, but you just have to keep pulling the trigger back.
- Overtravel: This is the movement of the trigger after the rifle fires until it stops.
- Reset: After the rifle fires and the next round is chambered, this is the distance the trigger has to be released before it is ready to fire again. A short reset allows me to fire the rifle again more quickly. For good triggers, I can both feel and hear the trigger reset.
Type: Open vs Drop-in
Open type triggers install into the AR-15 lower receiver just like the Mil-Spec triggers do. They come in three basic pieces (Hammer, Bow, Disconnector), and the trigger springs have to be manipulated inside the receiver as the trigger pins are inserted. If you don’t do it very often, it can be confusing which way the springs should face when installing them.
Drop-in triggers come already assembled in one piece, and they simply “drop in” to the lower receiver, and the pins or screws hold it in place. There is no need to remember which direction the springs or parts get installed.
Drop-in triggers are much easier to install and change out; however, the individual pieces of the trigger (like the springs) may not be as easy to individually change.
Trigger Stages
AR-15 triggers come with either a single-stage or a two-stage pull ranges.
Two-stage triggers have two ranges of pull, similar to most semi-automatic handguns. As I start to press a two-stage trigger, I have to pull it a certain distance until it hits more resistance (this is called the take-up).
After I feel it hit the resistance (or the wall as I like to call it), I have to press it harder to push through the wall. Once through the wall, the rifle fires.
Single-stage triggers do not have the initial take-up. When I start pulling them, they are already at the wall, and the rifle will fire once I apply the pull weight to the trigger.
Which is better? I personally like two-stage triggers for most applications since I can get the initial feedback from the first stage of the trigger that the rifle is ready to go. If the rifle is out of ammo and the trigger is not reset, it will not move into the initial first stage.
Single-stage triggers are better for long-range hunting and competition-style rifles. Since the initial trigger movement can move the rifle off target, I prefer to have no first stage to push through.
Trigger Bow Shape
The bow of the trigger is the piece where your finger comes into contact with the trigger. AR-15 triggers come in two basic shapes: flat and curved.
Curved triggers are military spec, and when shooting quickly, provide a positive location for my finger to come to rest.
Flat triggers allow me to be more precise with the pressure I am applying to the trigger.
So, I find curved triggers are better for close-range targets where speed is a priority. Flat triggers are better for long-range precision rifles.
Pull Weight
Pull weight is just what you think it means: the amount of pressure it takes to pull the trigger until the rifle fires.
Mil-spec triggers are typically around 7 pounds or so. Some of our favorite triggers above are less than 3 pounds.
So, which is best?
For long-range precision rifles, a lighter pull weight is a must. I want it as light as practicality allows, so there is less chance I move the rifle when pulling it.
While it may seem that lighter is just better, safety comes into consideration here, too. A trigger that is too light could result in discharging the rifle unexpectedly when under duress.
For this reason, duty rifles and military rifles are on the heavier end of the spectrum.
I find a happy medium is around 3.5 pounds. This weight is light enough for me to be precise when I need to be, but still not so light to cause an issue.
More importantly, I find it best to train with triggers that are a similar weight. When I get used to a heavier trigger over time, a lighter trigger causes me to shoot earlier than I intend to until I get used to it.
You don’t want to pick up a rifle in a self-defense scenario with a lighter trigger than you are used to.
Choose the Best AR-15 Trigger for You
Knowing how you plan to use your AR-15 will help you pick the right trigger upgrade.
Looking for the best all-around trigger for any purpose? Go with the Geissele SSA-E.
Looking for the best bang for your buck? Go with the LaRue Tactical MBT2 S.
Want a good drop-in trigger for a quick and easy upgrade? Go with the Rise Armament Rave 140.
After you choose the best AR-15 trigger for you, be sure to stay up to date on all of our content by joining our Newsletter. Each week, we include tips on how to stay mentally prepared with actionable ideas and strategies. We also include any good deals we have found, plus updates on our content.
We would like to thank AmmunitionToGo.com for providing the ammo that we used to test these AR-15 triggers at the range. We used Fiocchi M193 5.56 ammo for most of our testing since it is a standard NATO round.
Now, check out our other Self-Defense guides for more, from AR-15 Basics to our favorite parts and upgrades. Also, be sure to check out our favorite AR-15 stripped lowers, the Best AR-15 Grips, and Best AR-15 Stocks for your next build!
Also check out our review of TacPack, a cool tactical gear subscription box that includes a lot of different AR-15 parts each month!
