Best AR-15 Triggers 2026: Geissele vs LaRue vs ALG Compared header image
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Best AR-15 Triggers 2026: Geissele vs LaRue vs ALG Compared

The LaRue MBT-2S at $115 ended the debate. Most shooters cannot tell it from a Geissele SSA in rapid fire. We rank every worthwhile AR-15 trigger by value and mission, explain where diminishing returns kick in, and tell you exactly which trigger to buy for your build.

By AB|Last reviewed February 2026
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Quick Answer: Which Trigger Should You Buy?

Best overall: LaRue MBT-2S ($115). Two-stage, S7 tool steel, available in curved or flat bow. It does 90% of what a $240 Geissele SSA does. This is the correct answer for most builds.

Best budget: ALG Defense ACT ($65). Designed by Bill Geissele, eliminates mil-spec grit while keeping the same 6 lb pull weight. Best $65 you can spend on a rifle.

Best duty: Geissele SSA ($240). SOCOM-proven, Crane certified. Marginally smoother reset than the LaRue. Worth it if your agency is paying or you need the contract pedigree.

Diminishing returns: For practical shooting, reset speed and pull weight matter more than break quality. A glass-like break feels great on a bench, but when you are shooting fast, short reset and trigger weight dominate. Most shooters cannot tell a $115 LaRue from a $240 Geissele in rapid fire.

Best AR-15 Triggers Ranked

Top AR-15 triggers ranked by real-world value and mission fit. For practical shooting, reset speed and pull weight matter more than break quality.

1

LaRue Tactical LaRue MBT-2S

Best Overall / Best Value - 90% of Geissele performance at less than half the price

$119.99
Out of Stock
Two-StageS7 Tool Steel
Pros
  • +S7 tool steel matches premium competitors
  • +Smooth, consistent break with fast reset
  • +Includes heavy spring option (6 lb for duty)
  • +Available in curved or straight bow
  • +Exceptional value at $115
Cons
  • −Reset not as tactile as Geissele SSA
  • −Availability can be inconsistent (direct from LaRue only)
  • −Slow shipping from manufacturer
Pull Weight: 4.5 lb (6 lb w/ heavy spring)Stage: Two-stageMaterial: S7 Tool Steel
Verified Retailer
Check Price at OpticsPlanet
2

ALG Defense ALG Defense ACT

Best Budget - Designed by Bill Geissele, smooth mil-spec feel without the grit

$82.95
In Stock
Single-StageMil-Spec+
Pros
  • +Designed by Bill Geissele (ALG is Geissele's sister company)
  • +HardLubing finish eliminates mil-spec grittiness
  • +Meets M4 carbine military specifications
  • +Keeps 6 lb pull weight (safe for duty use)
  • +Strongest reset spring of any aftermarket trigger
Cons
  • −Single pull weight (6.0 lb, not adjustable)
  • −Still feels like mil-spec under rapid fire
  • −No two-stage wall for precision work
Pull Weight: 6.0 lbStage: Single-stageMaterial: 8620 steel w/ HardLubing
Verified Retailer
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3

Geissele Geissele SSA

Best Duty - SOCOM-proven, Crane certified, marginally smoother reset than LaRue

$222.75
In Stock
Two-StageSOCOMCrane Certified
Pros
  • +Crane NSWC safety certified
  • +Combat-proven in SOCOM contracts
  • +Marginally faster, more tactile reset than LaRue
  • +S7 tool steel handles high round counts
  • +Excellent hammer energy for hard primers
Cons
  • −$240 for marginal improvement over $115 LaRue
  • −Curved bow only (no flat option for SSA)
  • −Not adjustable
  • −Diminishing returns for most shooters
Pull Weight: 4.5 lbStage: Two-stageMaterial: S7 Tool Steel
Verified Retailer
Check Price at OpticsPlanet
4

CMC Triggers CMC Single Stage

Best Competition - Fast splits, drop-in cassette, minimal lock time

$174.00
Out of Stock
Single-StageDrop-InFlat Bow
Pros
  • +True drop-in cassette (no fitting or adjustment)
  • +Flat trigger bow for consistent pull placement
  • +Crisp break with short, positive reset
  • +Self-contained design (no loose small parts)
Cons
  • −3.5 lb may be too light for defensive use
  • −Set screws can loosen without threadlocker
  • −Not ideal for hard primers or cheap ammo
  • −Single pull weight (not adjustable)
Pull Weight: 3.5 lbStage: Single-stage cassetteMaterial: 8620 alloy + S7 sear
Verified Retailer
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5

Geissele Geissele SSA-E

Best Precision - Glass break ideal for magnified optics and SPR builds

$229.99
In Stock
Two-StageMatchSPR/DMR
Pros
  • +Exceptionally crisp break (noticeably better than SSA)
  • +Lighter pull than SSA for precision work
  • +Same reliable S7 tool steel chassis
  • +Excellent for DMR/SPR builds behind LPVOs
Cons
  • −$249 for a trigger that shines mostly on a bench
  • −Light pull is a liability under stress with gloves
  • −Break quality advantage disappears in rapid fire
  • −Curved bow only (SSA-X offers Lightning Bow at $300+)
Pull Weight: 3.5 lbStage: Two-stageMaterial: S7 Tool Steel
Verified Retailer
Check Price at OpticsPlanet
6

Elftmann Tactical ELF Match

Best Adjustable - Tune pull weight to your preference without tools

$249.00
In Stock
Single-StageAdjustableBearings
Pros
  • +Sealed bearings give smoothest trigger action available
  • +Finger-adjustable pull weight (no disassembly)
  • +Virtually zero creep
  • +Works with AR-9, AR-10, and AR-15
Cons
  • −$259 is premium pricing for a single-stage
  • −Adjustability adds a potential failure point
  • −Sealed bearings could theoretically trap fine debris
  • −Niche product for most shooters
Pull Weight: 2.75-4.0 lb (adjustable)Stage: Single-stageFeature: Sealed ball bearings
Verified Retailer
Check Price at OpticsPlanet

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The Debate: Why Shooters Can't Agree

Walk into any gun shop or online forum and mention triggers. You will hear passionate arguments from both camps. The single-stage vs two-stage debate reflects fundamentally different shooting philosophies.

The Single-Stage Case

Speed wins fights. Competition shooters crushing par times consistently choose single-stage triggers for one reason: minimal travel equals faster splits. When every tenth of a second counts, a single crisp wall with immediate reset beats any two-stage setup.

Simplicity is reliability. Fewer parts, simpler geometry, less to break or foul. Single-stage triggers have proven themselves in extreme conditions from desert sandstorms to arctic operations.

Muscle memory matters. Most issued rifles run mil-spec single-stage triggers. Training on what you deploy with keeps your trigger finger consistent across platforms.

The Two-Stage Argument

Precision demands control. Long-range precision shooters and SPR builders swear by two-stage triggers. The defined first stage lets you prep against a wall, making precise shots through magnified optics far easier.

Safety under stress. When adrenaline dumps or you are wearing heavy gloves, that first-stage wall provides crucial feedback. It is harder to accidentally bump through a two-stage trigger under stress.

Versatility across missions. Two-stage geometry works for everything from CQB to long-range precision. A quality SSA or MBT-2S handles duty work, home defense, and precision shooting equally well.

The Real Answer

Both camps are right for their specific use case. Competition shooters chasing speed have legitimate reasons to run single-stage triggers. Precision shooters working magnified optics benefit from two-stage geometry. Anyone claiming one design universally beats the other has not shot enough different disciplines.

Breaking Down Each Trigger Type

Beyond the philosophical debate, here is how different trigger geometries actually perform. Each archetype trades feel, reset length, and pull weight differently.

Archetype

Mil-spec & treated single-stage

Very short take-up, defined wall, moderate creep when unpolished

5.5-6.5 lb
Pros
  • • Maximum durability and primer ignition
  • • Simple geometry with no adjustment screws
Cons
  • • More grit and overtravel
  • • Less forgiving for slow fire precision
Best forDuty/fleet lowers or training rifles that see hard use
Archetype

Two-stage duty/value

Light first stage with a distinct wall and controllable second stage

4.0-4.5 lb
Pros
  • • Easy prep without surprise breaks
  • • Maintains hammer energy for hard primers
Cons
  • • Longer reset than some single-stages
  • • Slightly more parts to foul if never cleaned
Best forGeneral-purpose duty, home defense, and LPVO/optic-equipped carbines
Archetype

Match/SPR two-stage

Glass-like wall with minimal creep and short reset

3.5-4.0 lb
Pros
  • • Excellent shot calling and follow-through
  • • Predictable break for barricade and prone work
Cons
  • • Less margin for gloves and adrenaline dumps
  • • Requires periodic cleaning to stay crisp
Best forRecce/SPR builds or precision-focused gas guns
Archetype

Competition cassette single-stage

Minimal travel, light wall, very short reset (often flat bow)

2.5-3.5 lb
Pros
  • • Fast splits and transitions
  • • Drop-in cassette simplifies install
Cons
  • • Set screws can back out if not secured
  • • Drop safety and primer ignition vary by brand
Best for3-Gun/USPSA style builds where speed outweighs duty safety margins

Best Trigger by Mission

Match pull weight and geometry to how you actually use the rifle. Keep gloves, weather, and policy requirements in mind before dropping below 4 lb total pull.

Home defense / patrol
4.0-4.5 lb

Quality two-stage duty (Geissele SSA or LaRue MBT-2S)

Defined wall helps avoid negligent discharges under stress while keeping primer reliability.

GP training carbine
5.5-6.0 lb

Treated mil-spec single-stage (ALG ACT) or BCM PNT tier

Keeps muscle memory close to issued guns and shrugs off grime and cheap ammo.

Recce / SPR
3.5-4.0 lb

Match two-stage (Geissele SSA-E, SSA-X) with clean break

Better shot calling through magnified optics; keep lubrication light to avoid gumming.

Competition
2.5-3.5 lb

Flat or curved cassette single-stage (Timney, CMC) if rule-legal

Use blue threadlocker on set screws and verify function checks every match weekend.

Pro tip

If you run mixed ammo or suppressors, stay at 4 lb or above and choose triggers with proven hammer energy (SSA, MBT-2S, or ALG). Super-light competition triggers can struggle with hard primers and foul faster.

Trigger Safety & Function Checklist

A great trigger is only as safe as its install. Run these checks every time you swap triggers or refresh a lower.

  • •Perform a full function check: safe/semi, reset, and disconnector engagement with live-weight carrier.
  • •Slam test with cleared rifle and dummy rounds to ensure the hammer stays captured after brisk bolt drops.
  • •Verify hammer/trigger pin retention; anti-walk pins are optional but avoid over-torquing clamp styles on duty guns.
  • •If using cassette triggers, torque and threadlock set screws per the manual and retest after 100-200 rounds.
  • •Record measured pull weight in your logbook and re-check every maintenance cycle to catch spring fatigue.
Avoid

Polishing sears with aggressive compounds, trimming springs, or mixing disconnector springs between kits. These changes reduce sear engagement and can cause doubles or failures to reset. Use quality parts instead.

Forced Reset Triggers & Selectors

Beyond traditional triggers, forced reset devices use bolt carrier energy to mechanically reset the trigger for rapid semi-automatic fire. These come in two forms: complete fire control groups (FRTs) that replace your trigger, and forced reset selectors (FRS) that replace only the safety selector and work with your existing trigger.

Forced Reset Triggers (FRT)

Complete fire control groups that replace your trigger. The bolt carrier drives the trigger forward for a mechanical reset, enabling very rapid semi-auto fire.

The Partisan Disruptor FRT ($299) is the leading option with a 3-position selector and cassette drop-in design. The FRT mode is reliable, but the semi-auto break is gritty (worse than milspec) and the oversized non-ambi safety is less positive than standard. 1-year warranty.

Read our full review: Partisan Disruptor FRT Review

Forced Reset Selectors (FRS)

Replace only the safety selector and work with your existing mil-spec fire control group. Keep your LaRue, Geissele, or other premium trigger while adding forced reset capability.

The Atrius FRS ($249) and MARS 3-Position ($139) are the main options. The FRS approach reduces rifle wear compared to full FRT replacements.

See our dedicated guide: Super Safety (Forced Reset Selector) Guide

Note

Forced reset devices are legal semi-automatic mechanisms. They are distinct from machine guns and binary triggers. Check your state and local laws before purchasing, as some jurisdictions have specific restrictions. These are not recommended for duty or defensive use. For a complete comparison of current FRT and FRS options, see our FRT Buyer's Guide 2026.

Trigger Selection FAQ

▶What is the best AR-15 trigger for the money?
The LaRue MBT-2S at $115 is the best value trigger available. It uses S7 tool steel (same as Geissele), delivers a smooth two-stage pull with a fast reset, and most shooters cannot distinguish it from a $240 Geissele SSA in rapid fire. It is the correct answer for 90% of AR-15 builds.
▶Is it worth upgrading an AR-15 trigger?
Yes, a trigger upgrade is one of the most impactful improvements you can make. Stock mil-spec triggers have heavy 6-7 lb pulls, gritty take-up, and mushy resets that hurt accuracy. Even an ALG ACT at $65 dramatically improves the feel. A LaRue MBT-2S at $115 gives you a crisp two-stage break and clean reset that will immediately improve your shot placement.
▶What is the difference between single-stage and two-stage triggers?
Single-stage triggers have consistent resistance from start to break with no distinct stages. Two-stage triggers have a light first stage (take-up) followed by a distinct wall, then a heavier second stage that breaks the shot. Single-stage excels for speed and competition; two-stage provides better control for precision work and safer handling under stress.
▶Geissele SSA vs LaRue MBT-2S: which is better?
Both are excellent two-stage triggers with S7 tool steel construction. The Geissele SSA ($240) has a marginally more tactile reset and SOCOM contracts behind it. The LaRue MBT-2S ($115) delivers 90% of the performance at less than half the price. In practical shooting and rapid fire, most shooters cannot tell them apart. The MBT-2S is the better value for the vast majority of builds.
▶What trigger pull weight is best for home defense?
For home defense, 4.0-4.5 lb pull weight offers the best balance of safety and usability. Lighter triggers (2.5-3.5 lb) increase negligent discharge risk under stress. Heavier mil-spec triggers (5.5-6.5 lb) work but make precise shots harder. Two-stage triggers are preferred because the defined wall provides feedback that helps prevent accidental discharges when adrenaline is high.
▶Are drop-in cassette triggers safe for duty use?
Quality cassette triggers from reputable manufacturers (Timney, CMC, Geissele) can be duty-safe when properly installed with threadlocker on set screws. However, some agencies prohibit them due to liability concerns. The main risk is set screws backing out. For maximum reliability, traditional two-piece triggers (Geissele SSA, LaRue MBT-2S) with proper hammer/trigger pins are preferred for duty guns.
▶Is a 2.5 lb trigger too light?
For competition and precision shooting, 2.5 lb is excellent. For home defense or duty use, 2.5 lb is generally too light. Under stress with adrenaline, a light trigger increases negligent discharge risk. Most defensive shooters prefer 3.5-4.5 lb. Reserve sub-3 lb triggers for dedicated competition guns where you train extensively and have full trigger discipline.
▶Is a curved or flat trigger better for AR-15?
It is mostly personal preference, but there are functional differences. Flat triggers provide a more consistent pull weight regardless of where your finger contacts the trigger, useful for precision shooting. Curved triggers naturally guide your finger to the same position every time, which some find faster for rapid fire. Most competition shooters prefer flat, while many tactical shooters prefer curved. The LaRue MBT-2S comes in both versions at the same price.
▶Who makes the best AR-15 trigger?
Geissele makes the most proven premium triggers (SSA, SSA-E), but LaRue Tactical offers the best overall value with the MBT-2S. ALG Defense (Geissele's sister company) makes the best budget trigger with the ACT. CMC and Elftmann make excellent competition triggers. For most shooters, LaRue MBT-2S is the right answer at $115.
▶Should I upgrade my AR-15 trigger?
If you are shooting with a stock mil-spec trigger, yes. A trigger upgrade has a bigger impact on accuracy than almost any other modification. The ALG ACT ($65) removes mil-spec grit while keeping the same pull weight. The LaRue MBT-2S ($115) gives you a proper two-stage trigger with a crisp break. Either one will make you a measurably better shooter.

Complete Your Build

Essential accessories to round out your setup

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Illumination • $119

Streamlight ProTac HL-X

  • ✓1,000 lumens
  • ✓50,000 candela
View on Amazon
Slings & Retention • $75

Magpul MS4 Dual QD Sling

  • ✓Dual QD swivels
  • ✓Convertible design
$66.45
View on Amazon
Iron Sights • $99

Magpul MBUS Gen 2

  • ✓Polymer construction
  • ✓Spring-loaded flip-up
Check Price at OpticsPlanet
Slings & Retention • $22

Magpul QD Sling Swivel

  • ✓QD swivel
  • ✓Manganese phosphate
$13.95
Check Price at OpticsPlanet
Slings & Retention • $69

Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling

  • ✓Padded
  • ✓Quick-adjust
View on Amazon
Slings & Retention • $25

BCM M-LOK QD Sling Mount

  • ✓M-LOK
  • ✓QD socket
$17.85
Check Price at OpticsPlanet

Next Step

Ready to continue? Here's the recommended next guide:

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AB
ABAuthor

Avid shooter with 9+ years of experience including competition shooting. Built 10+ AR-pattern rifles and several handgun platforms for home defense, competition, and suppressed night shooting.

9+ years shooting experienceCompetition shooterBuilt 10+ AR-pattern rifles

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