Best AR-15 trigger: seven picks by stage and bow

By the OpticVerdict Editorial Team.
Research-based roundup · Updated 2026-10-13

How we reviewed: we compared manufacturer documents, OpticsPlanet product descriptions and individual reviewer comments. Recommendations reflect documented features and our priorities; they do not represent measured editorial scores. Comments retain their dates and product context. See our methodology.

AR-15 triggers compared: stage, pull weight and bow

The name in brackets says whose figure it is. "OpticsPlanet" marks a figure from the retailer listing where we have no maker figure; "Not published" means neither source gives one. Two-stage weights are shown first stage, then second stage.

Best two-stage starting pick: Geissele SSA-E Trigger

OpticsPlanet model: 05-160; curved bow; black

around $250exact price on OpticsPlanet

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Geissele lists the SSA-E as a non-adjustable two-stage trigger with a 2.0 to 2.5 lb first stage and a 0.9 to 1.3 lb second stage, 2.9 to 3.8 lb in total, and says all weights are approximate. That light second stage is what separates it from the LaRue MBT-2S, whose second stage is 2.0 lb. The OpticsPlanet listing adds that there are no adjustment screws and that all springs are captive. Choose the TriggerTech Diamond instead if you want to set the weight yourself.

Pros

• Geissele lists the SSA-E bow as M4 Curved.
• Geissele lists the SSA-E total pull-weight range as approximately 2.9 to 3.8 pounds.

Cons

• Nothing to adjust: if 2.9 to 3.8 lb is not the weight you want, look at the TriggerTech Diamond. The OpticsPlanet listing notes that the SSA-E does not fit HK416 rifles with a firing pin safety.

Best for: two-stage starting pick

Key specifications

Stage	Two-stage, not adjustable (Geissele)
First stage	2.0 to 2.5 lb (Geissele)
Second stage	0.9 to 1.3 lb (Geissele)
Total pull	2.9 to 3.8 lb (Geissele)
Bow	M4 Curved (Geissele)
Pin size	Mil-Spec (Geissele)
Maker qualification	Geissele says SSA-E pull weights are approximate.

Best MBT two-stage alternative: LaRue Tactical MBT-2S Trigger

OpticsPlanet shoppers rate this listing 4.9/5 across 124 reviews.

OpticsPlanet model: LT-MBT-2S; curved bow; black

around $130exact price on OpticsPlanet

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LaRue rates the two-stage MBT-2S at 4.5 lb, split into a 2.5 lb first stage and a 2.0 lb second stage, and lists the parts as S7 tool steel. The OpticsPlanet listing says each trigger comes with an additional heavy trigger spring that raises the pull to 6 lb. Choose it over the SSA-E if you want a heavier break; choose the SSA-E if you want the lighter second stage.

Pros

• LaRue lists standard MBT-2S pull weight at 4.5 pounds.
• LaRue describes MBT-2S construction as S7 tool steel.

Cons

• Its 4.5 lb standard pull is heavier than the other two-stage picks here: the SSA-E tops out at 3.8 lb and the TriggerTech at 4.0 lb. This card is the curved bow; pass if you want a flat one.

Best for: mbt two-stage alternative

Key specifications

Stage	Two-stage (LaRue)
Standard pull	4.5 lb: 2.5 lb first stage, 2.0 lb second stage (LaRue)
With heavy spring	6 lb, extra heavy spring included (OpticsPlanet listing)
Bow	Curved (LaRue)
Material	S7 tool steel (LaRue)
Pin size	Mil-Spec (OpticsPlanet spec table)

“I have two of these triggers. The first one I received about a month ago. I got it installed without issue. The trigger is decent, but it does not break clean. Since it wasn't too bad I took a chance and purchased another one. This one is pretty bad. There is a lot of creep. It is slightly better than a GI trigger, but it is worse than any other factory rifle trigger I have used.”

user, an OpticsPlanet reviewer, February 14, 2025

Best flat Rave option: RISE Armament Rave 140 Flat

OpticsPlanet model: T017F-BLK; flat bow; black

around $120exact price on OpticsPlanet

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RISE describes the Rave 140 as single-stage with a 3.5-pound pull, in a housing machined from 6061 aluminum, and includes anti-walk trigger pins. The OpticsPlanet listing describes no take-up before the sear engages and S7 tool steel internals with a black nitride finish. Choose the Timney Impact AR instead if you prefer a straight bow and want to reuse your rifle's own pins.

Pros

• The OpticsPlanet model description identifies this Rave 140 as the black flat-bow configuration.
• RISE lists a 6061 aluminum housing for the Rave 140.

Cons

• RISE rates it at a single 3.5 lb pull. Pass if you want a heavier single-stage pull, such as the HIPERFIRE's 4.5 or 5.5 lb. This card is the flat bow; RISE also makes a curved Rave 140.

Best for: flat rave option

Key specifications

Stage	Single-stage (RISE)
Pull weight	3.5 lb (RISE)
Bow	Flat (OpticsPlanet model)
Type	Drop-in (OpticsPlanet model)
Housing	6061 aluminum, anodized (RISE)
Internals	S7 tool steel, black nitride (OpticsPlanet listing)
Pins	0.154 in (OpticsPlanet); anti-walk pins included (RISE)
Warranty	Lifetime warranty (RISE, per the OpticsPlanet listing)

Best straight Impact option: Timney Impact AR Straight

OpticsPlanet model: IMPACT AR-ST; straight bow; black

around $120exact price on OpticsPlanet

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Timney describes the Impact AR as a non-adjustable single-stage drop-in cassette with a 3 to 4 lb pull. The OpticsPlanet listing says it installs using your rifle's original hammer and trigger pins and has a lightweight aluminum alloy housing. Choose it over the RISE Rave 140 if you prefer a straight bow and do not want new pins; choose the RISE if you want a flat bow and a single published weight.

Pros

• Timney lists Impact AR pull weight as 3 to 4 pounds.
• The OpticsPlanet model description identifies this Impact AR as the straight configuration.

Cons

• Timney gives a 3 to 4 lb range rather than one figure, and it is not adjustable. The OpticsPlanet listing says the Impact is not compatible with the AR-10 or 15-22.

Best for: straight impact option

Key specifications

Stage	Single-stage, not adjustable (Timney)
Pull weight	3 to 4 lb (Timney)
Bow	Straight (OpticsPlanet model)
Type	Drop-in cassette (Timney)
Housing	Aluminum alloy (OpticsPlanet listing)
Internals	S7 tool steel hammer, A2 tool steel remaining parts (OpticsPlanet listing)
Pins	Uses the rifle's original hammer and trigger pins (OpticsPlanet listing)
Not for	AR-10 or 15-22 (OpticsPlanet listing)

Best Diamond two-stage option: TriggerTech AR-15 Diamond Flat

OpticsPlanet model: AR0-TRB-14-NNF; flat bow; PVD black

around $320exact price on OpticsPlanet

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TriggerTech lists its AR-15 two-stage Diamond with a 0.25 lb first stage and a 1.25 to 3.75 lb second stage, 1.5 to 4.0 pounds in total, and says all pull weights are approximate. The OpticsPlanet listing says the weight adjusts in 2 oz increments from a set screw with the trigger installed, and lists 0.000 in creep, under 0.015 in overtravel and under 0.030 in reset. It is the pick for the lowest pull weight on this list, or for a two-stage with almost all of its weight at the break. Keep it separate from the single-stage Diamond when reading comparisons.

Pros

• The OpticsPlanet model description identifies this Diamond as flat-bow, PVD black.
• TriggerTech lists a 7075 aluminum housing and stainless internal components for its two-stage Diamond.

Cons

• The OpticsPlanet package list names installation tools, an instructions book and a patch, but no trigger pins. If you will never change the weight, Geissele rates the non-adjustable SSA-E at 2.9 to 3.8 lb with no set screw.

Best for: diamond two-stage option

Key specifications

Stage	Two-stage (TriggerTech)
First stage	0.25 lb (TriggerTech)
Second stage	1.25 to 3.75 lb (TriggerTech)
Total pull	1.5 to 4.0 lb, approximate (TriggerTech)
Adjustment	2 oz increments by set screw, trigger installed (OpticsPlanet listing)
Creep, overtravel, reset	0.000 in, under 0.015 in, under 0.030 in (OpticsPlanet listing)
Housing and internals	7075 aluminum, anodized; 440C stainless (TriggerTech)
Pin size	Standard Mil-Spec, 0.154 in (OpticsPlanet listing)

Best ACT format alternative: ALG Defense ACT Trigger

OpticsPlanet model: 05-199; curved bow

around $85exact price on OpticsPlanet

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The OpticsPlanet listing describes the ALG ACT as a single-stage, curved trigger with polished sear surfaces, unchanged standard sear geometry, trigger and hammer made from 8620 alloy steel castings and a 1070 high carbon steel disconnector. Its feature list says the pull sits above the U.S. Military minimum of 5.5 lbs. The listing's specification table gives a 5.5 lb pull weight while its description says the pull typically averages about 6.0 pounds, and its feature list describes two different trigger and hammer pin materials, so we do not pick one of those figures for you. Either figure is heavier than the RISE or Timney, so choose the ACT for a heavier, standard-geometry single-stage pull rather than a light one.

Pros

• The OpticsPlanet listing identifies ALG ACT model 05-199.
• The OpticsPlanet listing describes the ALG ACT bow as curved.

Cons

• We would defer a pin- or pull-weight-dependent decision until current model information is confirmed.

Best for: act format alternative

Key specifications

Stage	Single-stage (OpticsPlanet listing)
Pull weight	5.5 lb in the spec table, about 6.0 lb in the description (OpticsPlanet listing)
Bow	Curved (OpticsPlanet listing)
Trigger and hammer	8620 alloy steel castings (OpticsPlanet listing)
Disconnector	1070 high carbon steel (OpticsPlanet listing)
Pins	0.001 in larger than stock; two pin materials described (OpticsPlanet listing)
Color and finish	Light Grey, matte (OpticsPlanet listing)

Best medium-pull single-stage option: HIPERFIRE EDT Sharp Shooter

OpticsPlanet model: EDTSS; curved bow

around $95exact price on OpticsPlanet

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HIPERFIRE describes the EDT Sharp Shooter as single-stage with medium weights of 4.5 and 5.5 lb, a curved bow and MIL++ heavy duty hammer springs. The OpticsPlanet feature list calls the two weights user-adjustable and describes heat-treated alloy steels and small 0.154 in pins. Choose it over the RISE or Timney if you want a heavier single-stage pull with a choice of two weights. Keep it separate from other HIPERFIRE EDT models when reading comparisons.

Pros

• HIPERFIRE lists EDT Sharp Shooter pull-weight choices as 4.5 and 5.5 pounds.
• HIPERFIRE describes the EDT Sharp Shooter bow as curved.

Cons

• Its lighter setting, 4.5 lb, is still heavier than the RISE (3.5 lb) or the Timney (3 to 4 lb).

Best for: medium-pull single-stage option

Key specifications

Stage	Single-stage (HIPERFIRE)
Pull weight	4.5 or 5.5 lb (HIPERFIRE)
Bow	Curved (HIPERFIRE)
Hammer springs	MIL++ heavy duty (HIPERFIRE)
Material	Heat-treated alloy steels (OpticsPlanet listing)
Pins	Small pins, 0.154 in (OpticsPlanet listing)
Listed calibers	.223/5.56 NATO, 300 BLK, 6.5/6.8 with US primers (OpticsPlanet listing)

Two-stage picks: where the weight sits

The three two-stage triggers split their weight very differently between the first and second stage:

• Geissele SSA-E: 2.0 to 2.5 lb first stage, 0.9 to 1.3 lb second stage. The first stage is about two thirds of the total (2.0 of 2.9 lb at the low end, 2.5 of 3.8 lb at the high end).
• LaRue MBT-2S: 2.5 lb first stage, 2.0 lb second stage, 4.5 lb total. Its second stage is 0.7 to 1.1 lb heavier than the SSA-E's (2.0 lb against 0.9 to 1.3 lb), so the break itself is the heavier of the two.
• TriggerTech Diamond: 0.25 lb first stage, 1.25 to 3.75 lb second stage. Almost all of the weight sits at the break; the OpticsPlanet listing calls it a short two-stage action designed to feel like a 1911.

The TriggerTech adjusts by set screw (OpticsPlanet listing), Geissele lists the SSA-E as not adjustable, and the MBT-2S changes weight with the extra heavy spring that the OpticsPlanet listing says comes with each trigger (6 lb).

Single-stage picks: 3 lb to about 6 lb

By their lower published figure: Timney Impact AR 3 to 4 lb, RISE Rave 140 3.5 lb, HIPERFIRE EDT Sharp Shooter 4.5 or 5.5 lb, ALG ACT 5.5 lb or about 6.0 lb (listing figures). The RISE and Timney overlap in weight, so the choice between them comes down to bow (flat against straight), pins (RISE includes anti-walk pins; the Timney reuses your rifle's pins) and whether you want one published weight or a 3 to 4 lb range. The HIPERFIRE and ALG are the heavier choices; the ALG's feature list says its pull sits above the 5.5 lb U.S. Military minimum.

Where the listing and the maker disagree

Three listings print a pull weight that differs from the maker's figure or from another part of the same listing. The table uses the maker figure where there is one:

• Timney: the listing's feature line says 3 lb break, but its own spec table and Timney both give 3 to 4 lb for the Impact AR.
• HIPERFIRE: the listing's spec table says 4.5 to 5 lb; HIPERFIRE and the listing's own feature list give 4.5 and 5.5 lb.
• ALG: we could not read a current ALG spec page, and the listing gives 5.5 lb in its spec table and about 6.0 lb in its description.

Geissele and TriggerTech both describe their weights as approximate, so read every figure here as a rated value, not a measurement of your unit.

Pins, box contents and platform notes

RISE includes anti-walk trigger pins with the Rave 140. The OpticsPlanet package list for the TriggerTech Diamond names installation tools, an instructions book and a TriggerTech patch, but no pins. The MBT-2S listing names only the trigger in its package contents, and its description adds an extra heavy trigger spring. The Timney listing says the Impact AR installs using your rifle's original hammer and trigger pins.

Geissele lists the SSA-E for AR15/AR10 and says using its AR15 triggers in Sig MPX/MCX or pistol caliber carbine AR15/M4 variants voids the warranty. The Timney listing says the Impact is not compatible with the AR-10 or 15-22, and the MBT-2S listing says it can replace the stock trigger on any mil-spec AR10/AR15 lower receiver.

Treat a dated comment as an individual experience

The LaRue comment above discusses two units and retains that context. It is a two-star review, and it is not typical of the listing: of the 122 MBT-2S reviews we could read on OpticsPlanet, 116 give five stars and 2 give one or two stars. We would treat its criticism as an individual experience to consider, rather than a prevalence estimate.

If the surrounding purchase is a complete upper, our Radian Model 1 complete upper review is a separate comparison.

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