Upgrade Your AR-15: 10 Drop-In Triggers Worth Considering
Are you in the market to update your AR’s standard firing group with a drop-in trigger, but you’re unsure which of the available variants is right for your rifle and shooting style? We’ve got you covered. We will provide you with a detailed breakdown of each drop-in variant to better help you confidently pull the trigger on the one that’s right for you.
The Drop-In Trigger
A drop-in trigger, as its name suggests, is a self-contained fire group assembly that’s fitted in its own metal casing that simply ‘drops’ into an AR’s lower receiver. This upgraded trigger system contrasts from the standard Mil-Spec trigger assemblies, which consist of a variety of individual components that require a general level of gunsmithing knowledge to properly install.
Along with their ease of installation, drop-in triggers are popular among shooters because they offer improved trigger control with remarkably less creep.
The pull weight of drop-ins are noticeably more predictable. At its apex, the trigger reacts with a distinct and immediate breakpoint, especially among the single-stage designation.
Because drop-ins are free of loose parts and sold as singular units, they are not constrained by the same tolerances that so often affect the tensile strength of component triggers. Rather, this feature affords the drop-in trigger a consistent level of uniformity between one AR lower receiver to another.
Unlike most aftermarket composite triggers, drop-ins generally offer more adjustability options to better accommodate operator customization, preference, and style. For this reason, these triggers are available in a wide variety of design configurations that focus on and foster different shooting concentrations and scenarios.
And with that, let’s discuss the different drop-in trigger variants that are currently available for the AR-15 platform.
Single-Stage Drop-In Triggers
Single-stage triggers, with their simplistic design, tend to be favored among operators who prefer the immediacy of its light pull weight, especially in situations – like a defensive firefight in tight quarters – where only a rapidfire trigger will do. Moreover, the swift single-stage designation aligned with the drop-in’s inherent responsiveness allows for a greater level of positive return fire opportunities.
What’s more, drop-in triggers exhibit markedly less creep, a shorter rate of travel, and faster reset than that of composite triggers in most cases. For these reasons, drop-in triggers configured in single-stage designation will, more often than not, outperform their contemporaries.
Product Pros
Product Cons
Our Recommendations
Rise Armament Rave 140
The Rave is equipped with a light trigger 3.5-pound pull, zero take-up, and a crisp break. Their Quik-Klik reset provides an audible and tactile reset. It’s available as both a curved and flat trigger.
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
Primary Arms (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
Euro Optic (See Price)
This is another great option.
Velocity Classic Drop-In
Velocity’s streamlined drop-in trigger that has a quick-fire pull weight and a stark breakpoint. There’s a couple of variations available depending on your preference for trigger shape. We like the straight with finger stop.
Two-Stage Drop-In Triggers
A two-stage trigger operates with two distinct phases or ‘stages’ of operation. These drop-ins host a level of trigger control that are absent in single-stage variants, which is why they are preferred by operators who are proficient in sniper operations, long-range, or competition shooting.
The lighter pull weight of the first stage enables shooters to pull through the initial take-up and ‘prep’ the trigger for the considerable amount of bulk during the second stage in order to set up a more controlled and accurate shot.
This prep feature fosters a greater sense of trigger manipulation, which is essential during tense shooting scenarios – like overwatch sniper tactics – where precision is of paramount importance.
Product Pros
Product Cons
Our Recommendations
CMC Drop-In Trigger
The CMC trigger is configured in either stage designation and is known for its minimal pull weight, creep, and keen break.
AR15 Discounts (See Price)
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
Primary Arms (See Price)
Sportsman’s Warehouse (See Price)
This one is a little more aesthetically pleasing.
Rise Armament Iconic
The RA Iconic has a light front and stiffer rear trigger – one for each stage – basically, the first free trigger fits uniformly into the rear trigger chamber leading to a clean, crisp break.
AR15 Discounts (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
Euro Optic (See Price)
Primary Arms (See Price)
Adjustable Drop-In Triggers
Adjustable drop-in triggers affords shooters a greater ability to customize the tensile strength of their AR’s firing group to better suit their individual shooting style. What’s more, certain triggers boast a toggle feature that allows operators to modify the length of the first and second stages on a two-stage trigger, while others can eliminate creep and overtravel, resulting in a punchier break and more immediate trigger pull.
More for AR-15 Owners: Best AR-15 Upper Receivers, Best AR-15’s for 2024, Best AR-15 Handguards, AR-15 Buyer’s Guide
What’s even more impressive is these drop-ins have also proven to be competent practice triggers, especially among novice shooters where a heavier trigger is more practical and serves as a precautionary measure against accidental fire and potential injury. With such a high degree of personalization, it’s no wonder why adjustable drop-in triggers’ continue to attract shooters for their sheer amount of versatility alone.
Product Pros
Product Cons
Our Recommendations
ATC AR Gold
The AR Gold enjoys an adjustable trigger pull and the quickest reset and cleanest break among competitors. It’s used by competitive shooters like Jerry Miculeck and Daniel Horner.
AR15 Discounts (See Price)
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
This is a more budget friendly option.
JMT Single-Stage Drop-In Trigger
The James Madison Tactical Single-Stage Drop-in is a solid budget-conscious adjustable trigger that functions perfectly for either hunting or as a practice trigger for novice shooters.
Binary Drop-In Triggers
Binary triggers, also known as double tap or echo triggers, are configured to discharge in a burst-fire pattern. These drop-ins expel a round when the trigger is actuated and again once it resets. For this reason, binary triggers have a semi-automatic designation due to its speedier rate of fire.
Binary drop-ins carry an element of novelty among operators because they turn a factory AR into a recreational fun gun. These triggers are, in fact, quite limited in terms of their overall practical utility other than acting as a training module, of sorts, to shore-up a seasoned shooter’s strength and fundamentals.
Do Your Research
It should also be worth noting that binary drop-in triggers are legal for civilian use at a federal level because they are not classified as bump stocks, which were banned nationwide in 2018. These triggers are, however, deemed controversial in several U.S. jurisdictions, so their overall legality may differ from state to state.
For instance, Florida and Idaho’s gun laws vaguely interpret binary triggers under a certain legal classification that could call their legality into question. It’s always important to check with state jurisdictional authorities before purchasing a binary trigger or applying one to your AR’s build.
Here’s a list of states where binary triggers are currently banned:
- California
- Delaware (Binary triggers configured for pistols are still permitted)
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- Washington DC
- Washington
With gun laws changing everyday, it’s important to research and follow state and local laws and regulations regarding firearms and their modifications.
Product Pros
Product Cons
That seems like a lot of con’s, but that’s the trade-off for the increased rate of fire.
Fostech Outdoors Echo AR-II
The AR-II is equipped with a piercing break, a positive reset, and a semi-auto switch setting. The Echo mode fires when trigger is pulled and released.
Natchez Shooting (See Price)
Competition Drop-In Triggers
Competition drop-ins, as its name suggests, are dedicated fire groups that are engineered specifically for use in competitive shooting. These triggers are most often designed in a single-stage configuration to ensure a light pull weight and an impactful breakpoint, which allows operators to fire accurately and at a rapid pace.
Depending on manufacturer specifications, competition drop-in triggers are available in either an adjustable or fixed arrangement to account for shooter preference and style. These triggers are built for precision so clean breaks, minimal overtravel, and a fast reset are prioritized by design to better precipitate swift and repeatable trigger actuation when time is of the essence.
Product Pros
Product Cons
Our Recommendations
Timney Single-Stage Drop-In
Timney is the quintessential single-stage competition trigger with a razor-sharp break and reset for rapid trigger pulls. They have a variety of competition triggers with varying pull weights.
Brownells (See Price)
Optics Planet (See Price)
Bereli (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
Another great option for competition shooting, especially if you’re looking for a lighter trigger pull weight.
TriggerTech Diamond
The Diamond has a feather-light trigger pull weight with zero creep technology.
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
Primary Arms (See Price)
AT3 Tactical (See Price)
Euro Optic (See Price)
Tactical Drop-In Triggers
Tactical drop-in triggers are designed, first and foremost, for their reliability. This specific firing group maintains a consistent performance in a bevy of battle conditions, which include close quarters engagement and quick-fire shooting scenarios.
The pull weight of tactical drop-ins are typically heavier than competition triggers, but lighter than that of a traditional Mil-Spec assembly. These triggers may be configured in either a single or two-stage designation and offer a superior balance in terms of rate of fire and accuracy.
Product Pros
Product Cons
Our Recommendations
Elftmann Tactical ELF Match Trigger
The ELF is adjustable with a faster breakpoint for an increased fire rate. To adjust the pull weight, use your finger or any flat tool/coin to turn the incremental adjustment knob.
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Final Thoughts
Like with all aftermarket triggers, drop-in variants are designed to accommodate different shooting conditions and scenarios that complement their intended use. For that reason, there is no best drop-in trigger. There’s only the question of whether a trigger’s utility meets the expectations and betters the experience for the individual operator and the shooting community at large.
What’s your favorite drop-in variant? Do you have a recommendation that didn’t make our list? Tell us about it in the comments.
Aaron Basiliere is a staunch 2A advocate, a firearms researcher, and one of the principal content creators here at CAT Outdoors. He has written in multiple professional capacities for the last 16 years. He has a BA in English Writing from the University of Wisconsin. When not writing for CAT Outdoors he enjoys drinking coffee, watching documentaries, and spending time with his family and friends.
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