Welcome to our comprehensive roundup post, where we will delve into the five best drop-in AR15 triggers that offer unbeatable value for your money.
Our curated list includes:
These exceptional triggers all come in a hassle-free drop-in package, making them incredibly straightforward to install. So, let's get you equipped check them out
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Best AR15 Drop In Triggers
"You will never have a perfectly still sight picture, so don't force it. Just be okay with the wobble and break the shot with a great trigger" - Jerry Miculek, American Pro Shooter
Timney Single Stage - Best Overall
- 3 lbs single stage trigger pull
- 0.154" Pin size
- Wire EDM S7 Tool Steel
- Curved trigger
- Best AVG split Time - 0.2 sec
Balanced speed & reliability - This trigger package offers a balanced blend of speed and reliability, this self-contained AR15 trigger module stands out for its ease of installation and the absence of both pre-travel and post-travel.
It comes highly recommended for anyone venturing into the realm of tactical shooting. Given its exceptional performance and user-friendly features, this trigger module is an outstanding choice for any AR15 enthusiast or professional.
What People Love - One of the most appreciated features of this AR15 trigger is the tactile sensation during the reset phase. Users have described it as feeling as though a spring is actively facilitating a faster trigger reset.
The hammer component of this AR15 trigger is manufactured from S7 tool steel, a material known for its excellent impact resistance and durability, ensuring a long-lasting service life.
This particular AR15 trigger model is also available in varying pull weights of 4 lbs and 4.5 lbs, providing customization options for different shooting requirements. Moreover, it comes with two different trigger bow designs: flat and skeletonized, for enhanced control and aesthetics.
AR Gold 2-Stage - Best For Precision Shooting
- 3.5 lbs single stage trigger pull
- 0.154" Pin size
- Curved trigger
- Best AVG Split Time - 0.12 sec
No take up = fast shooting speed - This trigger upgrade provides the perfect break over even a 2 stage trigger, and its extremely short reset takes care of itself during recoil without the shooter having to consciously control it.
Safety mechanism - The AR Gold contains a second "intercepting" sear, which blocks the hammer if its jarred off the primary sear with the trigger forward, yet still allows the rifle to fire without re-cocking the hammer.
Robust and reliable - this trigger is made from wire EDM S7 tool steel as the industry standard for increased durability and service life than a stock trigger.
Available in a curved or a flat trigger bow (Note: Does not work with Colt sear block)
Bottom line - Over 7 years of proven field use. This trigger is intended for for competition and long range precision shooters
CMC Combat Curve CCT - Best For Combat
- 3.5 lbs single stage trigger pull
- 0.154" Pin size
- Hybrid trigger
- Best AVG split Time - 0.13 sec
Why best for combat - The CMC CCT stands out as a hybrid trigger bow that combines the classic trigger curve with the indexing of a flat trigger. This innovative design creates a dynamic hybrid trigger bow specifically tailored for modern warfighters.
Superior Trigger Break - Similar to the aforementioned recommended drop-in triggers, the CMC CCT offers exceptional qualities and performance. Its smooth trigger feel, clean break, lock time, and fast reset contribute to an overall outstanding shooting experience.
Elftman 3 Gun Trigger - Fastest Lock Time
- (2.75 - 4.0 lbs) single stage trigger pull
- 0.154" Pin size
- Flat or Curved trigger
- Best AVG split Time - 0.145 sec
Why everyone is moving to the ELF trigger - The adjustable ELF 3 gun trigger is the top of the line product with extremely smooth trigger pull, a strong reset, and the shortest fast lock time.
It uses Elftman's exclusive double double torsion piano wire hammer spring to ensure primer ignition after every fast trigger pull.
Fastest Lock Time: The ELF 3 gun trigger boasts an impressively short takeup and a crisp break, making it ideal for 3 gun shooters. Its rapid lock time guarantees minimal delay between the sear breaks and the firing pin striking the primer.
Stronger Reset Feel - With a robust reset, the ELF trigger ensures quick and reliable follow-up shots, enhancing overall shooting performance.
Adjustable Trigger Pull - Users have the flexibility to adjust the trigger pull weight within seconds, ranging from 2.75 lbs to 4 lbs, without the need for removing it from the lower receiver. This customization feature allows shooters to fine-tune the trigger to their desired preference.
Note: This trigger works the best without any problem by using high-end lower receiver like LaRue, LMT, BCM, Noveske, Daniel Defense and others.
Must Have Trigger Accessories
Secure your AR-15 parts effectively by utilizing trigger anti-rotation pins, also known as anti-walk pins. These pins employ screws to firmly hold the two trigger pins in position, going beyond the reliance on hammer spring retention alone.
Why is this important? In certain cases, standard trigger pins may not provide the most secure fit for holding the trigger groups within the receiver. Consequently, when the hammer and trigger rotate around their retention pin, there is a risk of the pin slipping out of the receiver.
By incorporating anti-walk pins, you can eliminate this concern, ensuring that the pins remain securely in place throughout the operation of your AR-15.
Common AR Trigger FAQ
Trigger Pull Weight Selection
2-2.5 lbs - Great for stationary long range shooting, and the lighter trigger pull eliminates finger muscle tension during yhe shot
3-3.5 lbs - Great for all applications including hunting, competition and target shooting
4 lbs - Great for cold weather and anytime shooting while wearing gloves, where the tactile sensation of the trigger index finger is significantly reduced.
Flat or Curved Trigger Shoe
Flat trigger shoe typically gives the shooter the tactile feel to engage the trigger for faster follow up shots. Some experienced shooter can shift the trigger finger further down to get even lighter trigger pull as a hack.
A curved trigger shoe is fairly traditional, and they fit the curvature of most shooter's finger top shape. Ultimately it comes down to preference.
Single Stage VS. 2 Stage Trigger
Img Referenced Glen Zediker
A single-stage trigger provides an immediate break without any slack or pre-travel, enabling shooters to achieve rapid fire rates in semi-automatic mode. These triggers are predominantly utilized in medium-range or close-quarters combat (CQB) ARs to enhance speed. However, single-stage triggers may not suit everyone's preferences.
On the other hand, a two-stage trigger is often the preferred choice for most individuals. In our opinion, it offers a safer option as it allows the shooter to prepare for the break after the initial stage is pressed.
Typically, the first stage pull weighs around 2.5 lbs, while the second stage weighs approximately 1.2 lbs. This 1.2 lbs pull significantly enhances precision when engaging long-range targets by reducing finger muscle tension and movement by approximately 90%.
Furthermore, a two-stage trigger is excellent for instructing novice shooters in proper trigger pull techniques, as it eliminates the need to contend with the standard trigger pull weight of 5.5 - 8 lbs.
Should You Upgrade Your AR Trigger?
Once you have mastered trigger control with a factory trigger, then it's time to upgrade.
For long range shooters especially, upgrading to a good quality 2 stage trigger makes night and day differences.
Aftermarket trigger generally improves the following:
- Smoother trigger pull
- Shorter reset
- Shorter pre travel
- Faster lock time
- Crispier break
All these improvements make the gun easier to shoot and more predictable with a crisp trigger break, which makes a big difference in the overall feel of the rifle.
Please also check out these bad ass AR15 accessories to make your rifle even more fun to shoot.
As the content creator of badassoptic.com, My background in the firearms industry and shooting sports gives me the experience to recommend tried and true products and keep away subpar ones.