Hoffman Tactical Trigger Kicker

The Hoffman Tactical Trigger Kicker is an active-reset disconnector replacement that turns an otherwise mil-spec AR-15 fire control group into a forced reset system. Instead of being a self-contained cassette, it swaps in for the standard disconnector. After a shot the hammer contacts the Kicker, which pushes the trigger back into reset and tucks under the standard safety selector to lock it until the bolt carrier returns to battery. At $43 it is the cheapest functional entry into forced reset behavior by a wide margin; the next step up, the Mars Super Safety, lists at $139.

Installation is a disconnector swap. Drive out the trigger pin, remove the standard disconnector and disconnector spring, drop the Kicker in, and reinstall the pin. It reuses the existing trigger and selector, which is why the part is so cheap, but it also means the Kicker depends on genuine mil-spec geometry instead of being a self-contained unit. The hammer must be an as-cast semi-auto hammer; a demilled full-auto hammer with the auto sear ground off will likely malfunction, and Hoffman sells Schmid semi-auto hammers as a known-compatible option. The bolt carrier must be mil-spec with its trip surface aligned to the top opening, not a demilled carrier cut back at the rear, and the selector needs the standard central drum and 90-degree throw. Many aftermarket hammers, triggers, and selectors are not compatible, and the AR-9, LR-308, KF-5, and bufferless uppers are not supported.

Hoffman does not ship the Kicker to California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Rhode Island. It ships to the remaining 36 states. Construction is hardened 4130 alloy steel.