Introduction

Are you looking to take your AR-15 to the next level for competitions in 2025? One of the most impactful upgrades you can make is installing a high-quality trigger optimized for fast, precise shooting. We’ve rounded up the 7 best AR-15 competition triggers this year based on their crisp break, short reset, reliability, and overall performance.

Whether you shoot 3-Gun, USPSA, IPSC, or any other action shooting sport, these premium drop-in and component triggers will give you the edge you need. We’ll compare their specifications, features, pros and cons to help you choose the best match trigger for your needs and budget.

What Makes a Good AR-15 Competition Trigger?

Before we get into the individual product reviews, let’s go over some of the features and specifications to look for in a great competition AR trigger:

• Single Stage: A single stage trigger has no take-up or pre-travel before the trigger breaks. This allows for a faster, cleaner trigger press compared to two-stage triggers which are often preferred for precision shooting. With the exception of the Geissele, all of the triggers in this guide are single stage.
• Trigger Pull Weight: A light trigger pull weight, usually between 2.5-4 lbs, allows for quick, effortless shooting without risking accidental discharges. Many competition triggers have adjustable pull weights.
• Clean, Crisp Break: The best triggers have a glass-rod like break with minimal creep or grittiness.
• Short Reset: A short reset or “positive reset” means the trigger resets quickly after firing, allowing for faster follow-up shots. This is especially important for high-speed disciplines like 3-Gun.
• Reliability: The last thing you want is a trigger that causes light primer strikes or other malfunctions. The best competition triggers are built to extremely tight tolerances and are rigorously tested for reliability.

Top 7 AR-15 Competition Triggers

Now let’s take an in-depth look at what we consider the top 7 AR-15 competition triggers for 2025, listed in no particular order:

Hiperfire HIPERTOUCH Eclipse

• Pull Weight: 2.5 lbs
• Type: Single-stage, drop-in
• Reset: Extremely short at 0.025″
• Added Features: Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coated internals, user-adjustable pull weight

Pros:

• Exceptionally fast lock time at just 0.081ms
• Short, tactile reset for rapid follow-up shots
• DLC-coating provides excellent lubricity and wear-resistance
• Lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Higher price point at $275 MSRP
• Some units have light hammer strikes until broken in

Hiperfire’s flagship Eclipse model continues to be a gold standard competition trigger thanks to its lightning-fast locktime and extremely short, tactile reset. Its user-adjustable pull weight is a nice feature for dialing in your preferred trigger feel. While it’s one of the pricier triggers on this list, the Eclipse’s durability and performance justify the premium for serious competitors.

Timney AR Calvin Elite

• Pull Weight: Factory Tuned 1.5 to 2lbs
• Type: Single-stage, drop-in
• Reset: Short and tactile

Pros:

• Factory tuned for pull weight at 1.5-2 lbs
• Ultra-crisp, clean break with no creep
• Dual-sear design for added redundancy and safety
• Easy drop-in installation with no fine-tuning needed
• Ultra-reliable 5-pound hammer spring

Cons:

• Expensive at $328 MSRP
• Some shooters find the break too abrupt

The Calvin Elite is famous for its amazingly crisp, clean break with no creep or overtravel. However, some shooters find the break a bit too “touchy” for their tastes. Overall, the Calvin Elite remains an outstanding, premium choice backed by Timney’s legendary quality.

Geissele Super Semi-Automatic Enhanced (SSA-E)

• Pull Weight: 1st Stage 2-2.5 lbs, 2nd Stage 0.9-1.3lbs (Total 2.9-3.8lb range)
• Type: Two-stage, component-type
• Reset: Short and very tactile

Pros:

• Hybrid 2-stage/single-stage feel with a “rolling break”
• Added safety sear prevents hammer drop if disconnector fails
• Extremely durable thanks to redesigned hammer and ultra-hardened sears
• Affordable for a premium trigger at around $245

Cons:

• Requires more involvement to install than drop-in trigger
• Some prefer a crisper break vs the rolling break

The SSA-E is hugely popular in the competitive shooting world for its unique hybrid single-stage/2-stage feel. It has a slight 2.5 lb take-up before cleanly breaking at around 3.5 lbs. This “rolling break” provides a wider trigger “window” that some shooters really like for moving and shooting fast. With its added safety sear and bombproof durability, the SSA-E is an excellent choice for 3-Gun, USPSA and more.

American Trigger AR Gold

• Pull Weight: Adjustable from 3-4 lbs
• Type: Single-stage, drop-in module
• Reset: Ultra-short at just 0.030″

Pros:

• Extremely short & fast reset for lightning quick follow-up shots
• Adjustable from 3-4 lbs
• Adjustable over-travel
• Teflon nickel coated internals for smooth operation
• Lifetime warranty and outstanding customer service
• Listed as “Drop Safe”

Cons:

• A bit expensive at $279
• 3 lb minimum pull weight is heavier than some triggers
• Known (published) fitment issues with specific lower receivers

The American Trigger AR Gold was purpose-built for the fastest possible split times. With one of the shortest resets of any AR trigger at just 0.030″, it excels in any application where raw speed is king. The quality Teflon nickel coated components provide a smooth, crisp break. If you’re willing to spend a little extra for the ultimate in speed, this is your trigger.

JP Enterprises Fire Control Package (JPFCP-1EZ)

• Pull Weight: 3-4 lbs depending on spring selection
• Type: Single-stage, component install
• Reset: Very short and tactile

Pros:

• Extremely high quality components including cryogenically treated, ultra-polished parts
• Cleaner, crisper trigger break and reset than standard JP triggers
• Improved safety and wear resistance from harder sear materials
• Highly reliable ignition of harder military and foreign primers

Cons:

• Not a simple Drop-In installation
• Heavier minimum pull weight than some competition triggers

JP’s JPFCP-1EZ trigger is their legendary fire control group with incredible performance and durability. The meticulously polished, cryogenically stress relieved parts provide an unbelievably clean break and reset. With an improved sear geometry and harder sear materials, the 1EZ is both safe and reliable, making it an excellent choice for duty use as well as competitions.

This is a full fire control group package that includes the JP Speed Hammer, JP Anti-Walk Pins, JP Adjustable/Reversible Safety Selector, trigger/hammer springs & necessary wrenches and thread locker used for installation.

TriggerTech AR-15 Diamond Trigger

• Pull Weight: Range of 1.5 lbs to 4.0 lbs
• Type: Single-stage, drop-in
• Reset: Very short, tactile, and audible

Pros:

• Highly refined break with zero creep
• Adjustable pull weight is great for fast or precise shooting
• Extremely short reset and fast lock time

Cons:

• Relatively expensive at $305

TriggerTech’s AR Diamond trigger utilizes an innovative roller sear system that provides an incredibly smooth, creep-free break. The roller system also makes for a very quick reset and lightning-fast lock time. Overall the Diamond is a cutting-edge, highly refined competition trigger well-suited for the fastest, most precise shooting.

CMC Triggers AR-15 Single Stage Drop-In

• Fixed pull weight from 2.5 lbs up to 6.5 lbs
• Type: Single-stage, drop-in
• Reset: Moderately short and very positive

Pros:

• Very crisp, clean break with minimal overtravel
• Positive, tactile reset
• Easy drop-in installation
• Best value of the bunch at around $170

Cons:

• Slightly longer reset than some more expensive triggers
• Pull weight is set from the factory

The CMC Drop-In trigger offers a lot of bang for your buck for the price. It has a super clean, 1911-like break with a short, tactile reset – all in a hassle-free drop-in package. While the reset isn’t quite as short as the most expensive triggers, it still allows for very quick follow-up shots. At almost half the cost of some triggers on this list, the CMC is a great option for competitors on a budget or those building multiple race guns. While they offer the widest range of pull weight, it’s fixed based on your selection when purchasing.

Final Thoughts

• Best Budget Option: CMC Single Stage
• Best All-Around: Geissele SSAE
• Best for Precision: Timney Calvin Elite
• Best for Speed: AR Gold Trigger
• Most Customizable: JP Fire Control Package

Any of these high-quality aftermarket triggers will make your AR-15 far more responsive and faster-shooting than a standard mil-spec trigger. However, the models with the shortest resets and cleanest breaks like the Hiperfire Eclipse, American Trigger AR Gold, and TriggerTech Diamond will provide the ultimate in speed and precision for all-out race guns.

Ultimately, the “best” AR-15 competition trigger comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and intended use. We recommend trying out different triggers at the range to see which one best suits your shooting style. With any of the above high-end triggers in your gun, you’ll have a huge advantage in 2025 and beyond to crush the competition.