The SSA-E is the trigger most competitors land on when they want a two-stage that can do everything — precision rifle work at distance and fast splits up close — without needing to adjust anything. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it design with no screws to tune or springs to swap unless you want to.
The two-stage pull is where the SSA-E earns its reputation. You get a smooth, light first stage (~2.3 lbs) that lets you prep the trigger during transitions, then a short, crisp second stage (~1.2 lbs) that breaks clean. In a match setting, this means you can stage shots on precision targets without guessing where the wall is, then slap through the whole pull on close-range speed targets. It handles both modes well because of that defined break point.
Geissele uses a lightened hammer with a full-power spring, which drops lock time from the mil-spec 8.5ms to 5.1ms while still reliably igniting hard military primers. No light strikes.
Here’s the honest consideration: at $250, the SSA-E costs significantly more than excellent alternatives like the LaRue MBT-2S (~$100) that many competitors run happily. If you prefer a flat-face trigger bow, Geissele makes the SD-E — same internals, flat trigger shoe. This model (05-160) is the curved M4-style bow. Not compatible with SIG MPX/MCX or pistol caliber carbine platforms.
$245.00
In stock
The Geissele SSA-E is a non-adjustable, two-stage semi-automatic trigger for AR-15 and AR-10 platforms. It’s a drop-in replacement that uses standard mil-spec .154″ trigger and hammer pins — no proprietary pins, no lower receiver modifications required.
The trigger is built on the same chassis as Geissele’s SSA combat trigger used by U.S. Special Operations units, with the pull weight reduced for precision shooting applications. The first stage pulls at approximately 2.3 lbs with a smooth, light take-up. The second stage breaks at approximately 1.2 lbs with a short, clean break — Geissele describes it as “candy cane-like,” and that’s actually a fair description. Total pull weight runs approximately 3.5 lbs, though Geissele specs the range at 2.9–3.8 lbs across units.
The hammer and trigger are precision EDM wire-cut from tool steel with a black oxide finish. The hammer is lighter than a standard AR-15 hammer, which reduces lock time from the mil-spec 8.5ms to 5.1ms. Geissele retains a full-power hammer spring (not a lightened spring), ensuring reliable primer ignition across all ammunition types including mil-spec hard primers. Hammer and trigger pins are hardened 4140 chrome moly steel.
The design has no adjustment screws, all springs are captive (they won’t launch during disassembly), and the trigger can be installed without removing the safety selector. The entire assembly disassembles for cleaning with no rivets or staked parts.
This trigger (05-160) features a curved M4-style trigger bow. For a flat-face version with identical internals, see the Geissele SD-E. Not compatible with SIG MPX/MCX, HK416 (with firing pin safety), or pistol caliber carbine AR variants.
Specs:
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Geissele Automatics |
| Product Line | Super Semi-Automatic Enhanced (SSA-E) |
| MFR Part Number | 05-160 |
| UPC | 854014005038 |
| Platform | AR-15 / AR-10 |
| Trigger Type | Two-stage, semi-automatic only |
| 1st Stage Weight | ~2.3 lbs (range: 2.0–2.5 lbs) |
| 2nd Stage Weight | ~1.2 lbs (range: 0.9–1.3 lbs) |
| Total Pull Weight | ~3.5 lbs (range: 2.9–3.8 lbs) |
| Adjustable | No |
| Trigger Bow | M4 Curved |
| Pin Size | Mil-spec .154″ |
| Lock Time | 5.1ms (mil-spec: 8.5ms) |
| Hammer | Lightened, full-power spring |
| Material | Tool steel, EDM wire-cut |
| Finish | Black oxide |
| Hammer/Trigger Pins | Hardened 4140 chrome moly |
| Captive Springs | Yes |
| Install Without Removing Safety | Yes |
| Flat-Face Variant | Geissele SD-E (same internals) |
| NOT Compatible With | SIG MPX/MCX, HK416 (firing pin safety), PCC AR variants |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Warranty | Geissele Limited Lifetime |
| MSRP | $250.00 |
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