Best Forced Reset Triggers & Super Safeties 2026: Buyer's Guide

All forced reset systems share the same goal: mechanically reset the trigger against the shooter's finger as the bolt carrier group cycles. The firearm remains semi-automatic with one trigger function per round. The difference is that the trigger resets at the speed of the BCG rather than waiting for manual release, allowing cyclic rates of 1,000-1,200 RPM.

There are two approaches to achieving this:

• FRT (Forced Reset Trigger): Replaces your entire fire control group with a self-contained trigger unit. The Partisan Disruptor is a full trigger assembly. More consistent operation, but accelerates internal wear since the entire trigger mechanism cycles at high speed.
• FRS (Forced Reset Selector / Super Safety): Replaces only your safety selector and works with your existing mil-spec trigger. The AS Designs Arc Fire, Atrius FRS, and Mars Super Safety take this approach. Preserves trigger longevity, costs less, and installs faster since you keep your existing FCG.

Neither type is a binary trigger (which fires on pull and release) or a bump stock (which requires forward pressure). Forced reset systems are a distinct category of semi-automatic mechanism.

Both FRT triggers and FRS selectors are federally legal following the May 2025 DOJ settlement acknowledging they are not classified as machine guns under the National Firearms Act. The settlement resolved litigation surrounding the Rare Breed FRT-15 and established precedent for all forced reset mechanisms.

However, 15+ states have enacted specific bans: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Rhode Island, plus Washington D.C.

Always verify your state and local laws before purchasing. Some states prohibit possession while others ban only sale or transfer. Penalties vary by jurisdiction but typically include felony charges.

The Partisan Disruptor is the best-selling FRT trigger for good reason. At $299, it delivers reliable forced reset functionality with true drop-in installation and proven reliability through 6,000+ rounds of documented testing. Read our full Partisan Disruptor review for detailed performance data.

Why It Wins: The cassette-style design drops into any mil-spec lower with just a torx wrench for the included anti-walk pins. The 3-position selector (Safe, Semi, Enhanced) lets you switch between standard semi-auto and forced reset. The reset is clean and consistent. Note that the semi-auto break is noticeably gritty out of the box, worse than a milspec FCG, though it may improve with break-in.

Watch Out For: The semi-auto trigger feel is a trade-off at this price. The oversized, non-ambidextrous safety selector is less positive than milspec. Only a 1-year warranty. Compatibility issues reported with SIG MCX (light primer strikes) and PSA AR-V 9mm PCC (ejection issues). M16-cut lowers may require staking an internal screw. Requires H2 buffer minimum with H3 recommended for barrels under 16 inches.

Best For: First-time FRT buyers, budget-conscious shooters, standard DI and piston AR-15 builds.

The AS Designs Arc Fire represents the cutting edge of forced reset selector technology. Its patent-pending Active Reset Clutch (ARC) system reduces internal drag compared to first-generation selectors, resulting in noticeably smoother operation during rapid fire. The Arc V2 revision unveiled at SHOT Show 2026 further improved the internal geometry.

Why It Wins: The Arc Fire supports over 10 firearm platforms: AR15, JAKL, MP5, MCX, MPX, SCAR, BRN-180, G3, AP53, UMP, STRIBOG, and DISSENT, with more in development. Three configurable throw options (45/90, 45/180, 90/180 degrees) let you tune the selector to your shooting style. It works with most premium triggers including Geissele SSA/SSA-E/SSA-X/SD3G, ALG, BCM PNT, PSA EPT, Aero, and CMMG.

Watch Out For: Incompatible with LaRue MBT-2S, CMC Single Stage, and Rise Armament RA-140 triggers. Like all FRS systems, it requires practice to master the ARC mode. The learning curve is slightly steeper than full FRT triggers since you're working with your existing trigger feel.

Best For: Multi-platform shooters, those with premium triggers they want to keep, anyone running MCX, MPX, SCAR, or MP5 platforms.

The Atrius FRS was one of the first forced reset selectors to market and remains a solid option. At $249 it's the most affordable FRS, with a mechanically leveraged design that reduces stress on your rifle compared to full FRT triggers. Read our full Atrius FRS review for detailed analysis.

Why Consider It: Ambidextrous design with crisp 90-degree engagement. Heat-treated 4140 steel construction. Drop-in installation with standard mil-spec fire control groups. Three modes: Safety, Semi, and Full-Semi with instant trigger reset.

Watch Out For: AR-15 only (no multi-platform support like Arc Fire). Single throw option (90-degree). Works with mil-spec and Geissele super safe cut triggers only, no broader aftermarket trigger compatibility. Trigger tail requires minor material removal for cam engagement.

Best For: AR-15 shooters on a budget who want to preserve their existing trigger, those prioritizing reduced rifle wear.

The Mars Super Safety is the most affordable forced reset selector on the market at $139. Like the Arc Fire and Atrius, the Mars replaces your safety selector and works with your existing mil-spec trigger. The 3-position selector (Safe, Semi, Enhanced Semi) uses the bolt carrier's movement to mechanically reset the trigger for faster follow-up shots.

Why Consider It: At $139 the Mars is nearly half the price of the Arc Fire and Atrius. The 4140 alloy steel construction is solid, and installation is straightforward since you keep your existing trigger. For shooters who want to try forced reset without a major investment, the Mars is the lowest-risk entry point.

Watch Out For: AR-15 only with no multi-platform support. Requires mil-spec fire control group. Not ambidextrous. Less community documentation and aftermarket support compared to Arc Fire or Atrius. 2-week lead time on orders.

Best For: Budget-conscious AR-15 shooters who want to try forced reset at the lowest cost, those running a standard mil-spec trigger.

FRT Triggers (Partisan Disruptor):

• H2 buffer minimum, H3 recommended for barrels under 16 inches
• Quality BCG with proper gas port sizing for consistent reset
• Anti-walk pins to prevent trigger pin migration (included with Partisan)
• True drop-in cassette design, no fitting required
• M16-cut lowers may need staking of internal screw

FRS Selectors (Arc Fire, Atrius, Mars):

• Compatible trigger required (mil-spec or Geissele super safe cut; check manufacturer list)
• Trigger tail requires minor material removal for cam engagement
• Standard buffer system works (no H2/H3 requirement)
• Swap safety selector in minutes, keep existing trigger
• Arc Fire: verify throw configuration matches your preference
• Atrius/Mars: minor fitment may be needed during installation

For Both Types: Always perform function testing before live fire. Verify reset operation, selector function, and engagement. Test with snap caps to confirm reliable reset across multiple cycles.

Buy the Partisan Disruptor ($299) if:

• You want a complete, self-contained forced reset trigger
• This is your first forced reset system
• You want guaranteed drop-in installation with no fitting
• You're running a standard DI AR-15 platform
• You want the most proven and documented option

Buy the AS Designs Arc Fire ($250) if:

• You own multiple platforms (MCX, MPX, SCAR, MP5, etc.)
• You already have a quality trigger you want to keep
• You want the smoothest forced reset operation available
• You want configurable throw options (45/90/180)
• You want reduced wear on your rifle's internals

Buy the Atrius FRS ($249) if:

• You want the lowest-cost forced reset option
• You're running a standard AR-15 with mil-spec trigger
• You want to preserve your rifle's longevity
• Ambidextrous operation is important to you

Buy the Mars Super Safety ($139) if:

• You want the cheapest entry into forced reset
• You're running a standard AR-15 with mil-spec trigger
• You want to try forced reset before committing to a premium option

Our Recommendation: For most AR-15 shooters buying their first forced reset system, the Partisan Disruptor at $299 offers the best combination of price, reliability, and installation ease. If you own multiple platforms or already run a premium trigger like a Geissele SSA-E, the AS Designs Arc Fire at $250 is the smarter choice since it works across your entire collection while preserving your existing trigger investment.

For deeper technical detail, check out our Super Safety & FRT Guide, which covers how forced reset systems work, lower receiver compatibility (with an interactive checker), installation, buffer tuning, and includes a ROF calculator to measure your burst RPM. For standard trigger comparisons, see our AR Trigger Guide.