Best AR-15 Trigger Upgrades For Better Accuracy In 2021

Geissele Automatics Enhanced Triggers

Here’s a traditionally-shaped trigger with advanced machining and a smooth, crisp break. The Geissele Automatics Enhanced Trigger comes in two variations that are ideal for most performance rifle builds, Geissele B-G2S-E and B-GRF (Geissele Rapid Fire).

Geissele B-G2S-E Two-Stage  Trigger

The Geissele B-G2S-E is a two-stage trigger with a precise design to allow for a clean break and smooth resets. Two-stage triggers are an excellent choice for the field, as they allow you to set the trigger when you line up on the target and squeeze through when your aim is optimal. The trigger itself was designed for US Special Operations forces, and it has been well-received amongst shooters from all backgrounds. Aesthetically, it looks no different from a MIL-SPEC trigger group. But internally, this light and fast trigger is far superior for rapid-fire.

A trigger like this could be the key to achieving sub-MOA performance at greater distances where the smallest movements make a difference. Has an initial break force of 2.3 lbs and a second-stage break force of 1.2 lbs, giving it an ultralight trigger pull. This clean and light trigger pull helps improve accuracy.

Geissele Rapid Fire B-GRF Single Stage Trigger

The Geissele Rapid Fire B-GRF pulls like a single-stage, but resets like a two-stage. Geissele designed this trigger to have a quick and even break and a rapid reset, allowing you to actuate it fast. It is a fast-shooting, smooth trigger ideal for Gun competition and recreational shooting. There are two trigger springs included, so you can set it with a pull of either 4 lbs or 3.2 lbs.

Geissele Super Dynamic Enhanced Trigger SD-E

Upon opening the package, the first thing that caught my eye about the SD-E trigger was the flat trigger bow. Personally, I had never seen anything like it before. The completely flat trigger face and the aggressive angle of the rear of the trigger gave the Geissele SD-E an aesthetic appeal for me. It was something different to set my rifle a part from others.

FEATURES

• Trigger Shape: Tactical Flat
• Trigger Pull Weight: 3.5 lb
• Trigger Pin Size: Mil-Spec
• Hand: Ambidextrous

Secondly, I noticed the finish. It appeared to be flawless and was a deep, dark and glossy black color. Then I noticed the shape of the hammer. It was thinner and smaller than a normal AR-15 hammer. I suppose I might as well just describe the rest of the details and features of this trigger system, shouldn’t I?

A Geissele Super Dynamic– Enhanced (SD-E) trigger is essentially the same trigger as a Geissele Super Semi Auto – Enhanced (SSA-E) trigger; the only difference is the physical appearance. Instead of a M4 bow, or curved trigger shape, the “Super Dynamic” series of Geissele triggers has a completely flat trigger face. When I spoke with the owner (and inventor) at Geissele Automatics, Mr. William Geissele, he stated “there are other small differences between the SD and the M4 bow style triggers, but for all practical purposes they are the same.”

The SD-E is a two stage trigger, so I know exactly when the trigger is going to release the hammer, and I decide when it does. My Geissele SD-E trigger also came accompanied with a Geissele designed AR-15 hammer. This hammer was noticeably thinner, lighter, and smaller than a typical “mil-spec” hammer. To quote Mr. Geissele again, “each Geissele hammer has been designed to strike the firing pin in the ‘sweet spot’ much like one would find on a golf club face when hitting a golf ball.” When shooting my AR-15, the hammer did reset noticeably faster than my previous mil-spec hammer. This allowed me to shoot quickly, despite the fact that the SD-E is a two stage trigger.

Schmid Tool & Engineering Nickel Teflon Trigger

Teflon is one of the best AR-15 trigger materials with seemingly endless firearms-related uses. This anti-stick coating works especially well on triggers such as the Schmid Tool & Engineering Nickel Teflon Trigger system.

The Schmid Tool & Engineering Nickel Teflon trigger group is a popular upgrade for service-style rifles. It’s simple, reliable, and well-liked amongst AR-15 builders from all backgrounds. To put it simply, the Schmid Tool & Engineering trigger works—and it works well.

FEATURES

• Single stage
• Teflon-coated
• Hammer and springs included
• Pins not included
• Fits most standard AR-style receivers

Fundamentally, the Schmid Tool & Engineering trigger is a standard MIL-SPEC trigger. The advantage of the MIL-SPEC design is that it works, and almost everybody already knows how to use it well. There are no surprises like an ultralight trigger pull or a second stage, which is great for new shooters and basic utility rifles.

So, how does the Schmid Tool & Engineering trigger differ from any other standard AR-15 trigger sets? The answer is simple—Teflon. Teflon itself, along with superior build quality, reduces the risk of failure and keeps the trigger pull clean and crisp under all conditions.

Teflon is a nonstick material, which means that dirt, grease, and grime will not affect your rifle’s performance as severely as a word when using a normal trigger. Furthermore, the trigger utilizes nickel, which prevents rust and makes cleaning easier.

This trigger is one of the best AR-15 triggers for people who prefer a MIL-SPEC trigger group but want to upgrade their original system. With this trigger, you can enjoy the same characteristics that you’re used to with the additional protection of Teflon coating. Additionally, the Schmid Tool & Engineering Trigger system is made in the USA.

American Trigger AR-15 Gold Curved Trigger

Here’s an all in one drop in trigger group produced by American Trigger Corporation that’s ideal for those looking for a light and crisp trigger pull. Unlike some of the other triggers on this list, the Gold Trigger it’s easy to install and includes just about everything you need right out of the box.

This is a two-stage trigger design to let you set the trigger before taking the shot, which keeps your gun still for maximum accuracy. Two-stage triggers like the American Trigger Corporation Gold Trigger, or especially popular with competition and match shooting. In fact, many people consider a two-stage trigger a necessity for long range accuracy.

FEATURES

• Pull weight3.5 lb.
• Drop-in trigger group
• Two-stage functionality
• Fits most AR-15 receivers

This trigger features an exceptionally short reset, which is ideal for quick follow up shots when small variations and accuracy are unacceptable. The hammer is specifically designed to catch the sear far from any pivot point, which lightens the trigger pull and may enhance safety.

Functionally, this trigger system uses a sear and hammer, similar to what you find on an M1 Garand. It also includes an independent intercepting sear to catch the hammer if it slips off the primary sear. This feature increased safety and allows the primary sear to be much more precise.

The special sear and hammer included with this trigger also enhances drop safety, which is especially important during drills and other live-fire events. Precision triggers like the American Trigger Corporation Gold Trigger are one of the fastest and easiest ways to modify your rifle to improve your accuracy.

Overall the American Trigger Corporation Gold Trigger is one of the best two-stage drop-in AR-15 triggers available today. It’s easy to install, lots of fun to use, and a logical upgrade if you intend to turn your rifle into a precision long-range firearm or competition gun.

CMC Triggers Tactical Trigger Group

This tactical trigger group it’s a professionally tuned drop-in trigger module that fits most standard AR-style receivers. The trigger itself was originally designed by Chip McCormick, a well-known competition shooter who wanted a fast, clean breaking-trigger to use in matches.

This tactical trigger group features a 2.5-lb trigger pull, which is light but not too light for most shooters. Most shooters will find that the CMC tactical trigger group pairs well with all kinds of rifles, both those designed for utility and competition use.

FEATURES

• Pull Weight: 2.5-lb to 6-lb
• Style: Single-stage trigger group
• Designed by a competition shooter
• Drop-in installation

The CMC tactical trigger group is a single-stage trigger, which does not need to be pulled very far to work. The shoe is broad, making it easy to exert a single, precise squeeze on the trigger when you’re ready to send your shot downrange. A broad shoe is also useful if you’re wearing gloves, as the thickness of the material discourages your glove from getting caught at any point.

However, using gloves with this trigger may be difficult, as its light pull makes it very easy to discharge the weapon. That said, a trained shooter should have a little difficulty mastering this clean, crisp, and precise trigger group.

Additional trigger shoes are also available for this model. These include a skeletonized flat shoe which some shooters prefer, or a more traditional curved shoe, which is similar to what you’d find on a typical MIL-SPEC trigger group.

Other than the look, nothing about this trigger group is MIL-SPEC. This is a precise trigger group that is an upgrade from what you find in the stock rifles.

Palmetto State Armory Custom Flat Trigger

Flat or square face triggers are a popular design on the market today. Palmetto State Armory now offers a custom Match Grade AR 3.5 lb single-stage trigger. The PSA trigger group is ideal for basic rifle builds where accuracy is key, and it’s a sensible upgrade to your primary weapon system.

Upgrade your Mil-Spec factory AR-15 trigger and get a competition-grade quality with drop-in ease-of-installation, which is a major benefit for new rifle builders.

FEATURES

• Trigger Type: Custom Flat Trigger Bow Design
• Pull Weight: 3.5 lbs.
• Pull Type: Single-Stage
• Anti-Walk Pin Set included

PSA designed this custom trigger group for easy installation by utilizing a one-piece design. While not entirely unique to the market, many similar flat match-grade triggers come in multiple pieces, which needlessly increases the complexity of modifying your rifle.

One of the benefits of this trigger group is a set of specially designed anti-walk pin sets, which prevent the pins from coming loose or misaligned during shooting. Many shooters prefer the flat-shoe design, as it offers a more direct and engaging trigger pull. This is especially useful for match-grade rifles where a precise and confident trigger reset is necessary.

Match grade triggers like this one improve accuracy and offer a clean sear break, which is essential for steady long-range shooting.

Timney Triggers AR-15 Competition Trigger

The Timney Triggers AR-15 Competition Trigger is a match-grade upgrade for most standard AR-platform rifles. This is the ideal trigger if you’re looking for a light, crisp, and confident trigger pull. This drop-in trigger group requires no gunsmithing, and it can be installed using a standard punch and tool kit.

But what makes the Timney trigger group different from the other drop-in trigger upgrades on this list? For one, the Timney trigger group is designed to work with factory pins, and absolutely no adjustment is required to install it. Some trigger groups may technically ‘drop-in,’ but they often require a bit of modification to work correctly.

FEATURES

• Drop-in installation on all MIL-SPEC receivers
• No gunsmithing or adjustment required
• Complete trigger group with hammer and sear
• Made for crisp, clean single-stage trigger pull

Additionally, the build quality and material selection of the Timney trigger is outstanding. The hammer is machined from high strength S7 tool steel, which is higher quality than many factory components. S7 tool steel is strong enough to prevent stress cracks and other wear from heavy use, making it ideal for utility and duty guns.

The Timney trigger is designed to fit standard MIL-SPEC AR-15 lower receivers, and it installs without trouble in the vast majority of rifles. It’s designed to offer a crisp and clean break and resist dirt, grease, and gunk.

Another advantage of the Timney trigger is that it’s available in numerous colors, configurations and with multiple trigger shoe options. You can opt for a gold housing, and a black flat trigger shoe, or a blue housing and a MIL-SPEC style curved trigger shoe. Some of these shoes may be more comfortable with an upgraded trigger guard.

Other options are also available, and you can pick and choose as you please. In total, 14 variations of the Timney trigger group are available. You can choose the variation of this crisp, lightweight trigger that fits your rifle build and philosophy of use.