Best Forced Reset Triggers & Super Safeties 2026: Buyer's Guide
Forced reset systems deliver semi-automatic fire at near-automatic cyclic rates through two approaches: full FRT triggers that replace your entire fire control group, and FRS selectors that work with your existing trigger. Following the May 2025 DOJ settlement, these systems are federally legal but banned in 15+ states. Here's everything you need to know to choose the right system for your AR-15 in 2026.
Our Top Picks
- #1 Partisan Triggers Disruptor FRT ($299): Most proven full forced reset trigger at $299
- #2 AS Designs Arc Fire ($250): Smoothest FRS operation, widest platform support
- #3 Atrius FRS Super Safety ($249): Ambi operation and reduced rifle wear
Our Top Picks
Key Takeaways
- →Best FRT Trigger: Partisan Disruptor at $299 delivers reliable full trigger replacement with 3-position selector and drop-in installation
- →Best FRS Selector: AS Designs Arc Fire at $250 offers smoothest operation, reduced drag, and 10+ platform compatibility
- →FRT vs FRS: FRTs replace entire trigger (more consistent, more wear). FRS replaces only selector (preserves trigger, less cost)
- →Legal Status: Federal legal as of May 2025, but banned in 15+ states including CA, NY, IL, NJ, FL, and MA
- →Buffer Requirement:FRT triggers require minimum H2 buffer (H3 for <16" barrels). FRS selectors work with standard buffers
- →Cyclic Rate: Expect 1,000-1,200 RPM in forced reset mode with proper setup and technique
Forced Reset Trigger & Super Safety Comparison
Forced Reset Triggers & Super Safeties
| Spec | Partisan Disruptor | AS Designs Arc Fire | Atrius FRS | Mars Super Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Full trigger assembly | Selector replacement | Selector replacement | Selector replacement |
| MSRP | $299 | $250 | $249 | $139 |
| Selector Positions | 3 (Safe/Semi/Enhanced) | 3 (Safe/Semi/ARC) | 3 (Safe/Semi/Full-Semi) | 3 (Safe/Semi/Enhanced) |
| Throw Options | N/A (trigger cassette) | 45/90, 45/180, 90/180 | 90-degree | 90-degree |
| Platform Support | AR-15 (DI & piston) | 10+ (AR15, MP5, MCX, SCAR, etc.) | AR-15 only | AR-15 only |
| Ambidextrous | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Trigger Compatibility | Self-contained FCG | Mil-Spec, Geissele, ALG, BCM PNT, PSA EPT | Mil-Spec, Geissele SSC | Mil-Spec, Geissele SSC |
| Material | Tool steel / 4140 chromoly | Hardened steel | Heat-treated 4140 steel | 4140 alloy steel |
| Buffer Requirement | H2 min (H3 for <16") | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Best FRT Trigger: Partisan Disruptor ($299)
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.
Partisan Triggers Disruptor FRT
Best FRT Trigger — Most proven full forced reset trigger at $299
- +True drop-in cassette, no gunsmithing required
- +3-position selector: Safe/Semi/Enhanced Semi
- +Anti-walk pins included
Best FRS Selector: AS Designs Arc Fire ($250)
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. That said, the Arc Fire is notably less finicky than the Atrius FRS. While some tuning and tinkering may still be needed depending on your setup, users consistently report the Arc Fire is easier to get running reliably out of the box.
Best For: Multi-platform shooters, those with premium triggers they want to keep, anyone running MCX, MPX, SCAR, or MP5 platforms. Read our full ARC-Fire review for 400-round test results on the SIG MCX Spear LT.
AS Designs Arc Fire
Best FRS Selector — Smoothest operation, widest platform support
- +10+ platform support: AR15, MCX, MPX, SCAR, MP5, BRN-180
- +Patent-pending ARC reduces drag vs first-gen selectors
- +Three configurable throw options (45/90, 45/180, 90/180°)
Atrius FRS Super Safety ($249)
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. The Atrius is also known to be finicky to get running properly; expect more tinkering and tuning compared to the Arc Fire before it runs reliably.
Best For: AR-15 shooters on a budget who want to preserve their existing trigger, those prioritizing reduced rifle wear.
Atrius FRS Super Safety
AR-15 shooters who want ambi operation and reduced rifle wear
- +Ambidextrous 90° selector with positive detents
- +Preserves existing trigger and reduces rifle wear
- +Heat-treated 4140 steel construction
Mars Super Safety ($139)
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.
Mars Super Safety
Budget entry into forced reset — lowest cost at $139
- +Most affordable forced reset option at $139
- +Works with existing mil-spec trigger, no FCG replacement
- +Simple installation, includes safety cam and hardware
Best Forced Reset Trigger for Your AR-15
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.
Partisan Triggers Disruptor FRT
Best FRT Trigger — Most proven full forced reset trigger at $299
- +True drop-in cassette, no gunsmithing required
- +3-position selector: Safe/Semi/Enhanced Semi
- +Anti-walk pins included
AS Designs Arc Fire
Best FRS Selector — Smoothest operation, widest platform support
- +10+ platform support: AR15, MCX, MPX, SCAR, MP5, BRN-180
- +Patent-pending ARC reduces drag vs first-gen selectors
- +Three configurable throw options (45/90, 45/180, 90/180°)
Mars Super Safety
Budget entry into forced reset — lowest cost at $139
- +Most affordable forced reset option at $139
- +Works with existing mil-spec trigger, no FCG replacement
- +Simple installation, includes safety cam and hardware
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.
Installation Requirements
FRT Triggers (Partisan Disruptor)
- →H2 buffer minimum, H3 for barrels under 16"
- →Quality BCG with proper gas port sizing
- →Anti-walk pins included with Partisan
- →True drop-in cassette, no fitting required
- →M16-cut lowers may need screw staking
FRS Selectors (Arc Fire, Atrius, Mars)
- →Compatible trigger required (mil-spec or Geissele SSC)
- →Trigger tail needs minor material removal
- →Standard buffer works (no H2/H3 requirement)
- →Swap selector in minutes, keep existing trigger
- →Arc Fire: verify throw configuration preference
Stay Updated on Forced Reset Systems
Get notified about new FRT and FRS models, legal updates, and installation guides. We'll also send you product launches, hands-on reviews, and exclusive deals.
Related Guide
Civilian IAR Build Guide — Learn how to build a complete sustained-fire AR-15 around your FRT or FRS, with barrel, buffer, and optic recommendations.
What Is a Forced Reset Trigger?
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.
Legal Status in 2026
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.
Restricted States (15+ Bans)
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington D.C.
Some states prohibit possession while others ban only sale or transfer. Penalties vary by jurisdiction but typically include felony charges. Always verify your state and local laws before purchasing.











