AS Designs ARC-Fire V2: Everything You Need to Know Before It Drops
by Jonathan clausen on Apr 10, 2026
AS Designs ARC-Fire V2 — Authorized Dealer Review
AS Designs ARC-Fire V2: Specs, Compatibility, and Everything You Need to Know
Active Reset Clutch technology. M2 tool steel with DLC coating. Compatible with 10+ platforms. We're one of five authorized dealers releasing this today — here's the full breakdown.
What Is the AS Designs ARC-Fire V2?
The AS Designs ARC-Fire V2 is the second-generation version of AS Designs' patent-pending Active Reset Clutch (ARC) trigger system. Unlike a traditional forced reset trigger that replaces your existing trigger group, the ARC-Fire is an ambidextrous selector-based system — it integrates with your existing trigger group (provided it has a selector shelf cut) and adds a mechanical clutch that forces an immediate trigger reset after each shot.
The result: faster follow-up shots with one round per trigger function, every time — compliant by design. The system works across more than 10 firearm platforms and is engineered for both right- and left-handed shooters out of the box.
Ambi Kit — 0° / 45° / 90° Selector
Ambi Kit — 0° / 45° / 180°
Ambi Kit — 0° / 90° / 180°
Non-Ambi Kit — 0° / 90° / 180°
What's New in the V2: The Four Actual Changes
AS Designs published a clear list of V2 differences. These aren't vague "improvements" — they're specific engineering changes:
Official V2 Changes (per AS Designs)
- Different selector orientations available — the V2 is offered in multiple selector position configurations (0°/45°/90°, 0°/45°/180°, 0°/90°/180°) versus a single orientation on V1. This is a significant usability upgrade for shooters who prefer a specific selector throw.
- Smoother detent track — the V2 features a refined detent track geometry that produces more positive tactile feedback and cleaner transitions between selector positions, especially under stress.
- Larger cam surfaces — the ARC Cam has been redesigned with increased contact area, improving the mechanical leverage that drives the forced reset. This translates to more reliable reset engagement across different trigger pull weights and BCG velocities.
- Ships with mil-spec selectors stock — the V2 comes standard with mil-spec selector levers (both ambi and primary) rather than requiring separate purchase. What you see in the product photos is what you get in the box.
For shooters who ran the original ARC-Fire: the larger cam surfaces and smoother detent track address the two most consistent complaints from V1 users. The selector orientation options are a genuine quality-of-life upgrade for anyone who found the V1's throw angle awkward on their particular lower.
Materials & Build Quality: What's Actually in the Box
The ARC-Fire V2 is built from a combination of M2 tool steel and 4140 steel — not MIM, not cast. Here's what each component is made of and how it's finished:
ARC Cam
M2 Tool Steel
DLC Coated
ARC Lever
M2 Tool Steel
DLC Coated
ARC Detent Bar
M2 Tool Steel
DLC Coated
Primary Selector
4140 Steel
Black Oxide
Ambi Selector
4140 Steel
Black Oxide
Included Hardware
Pre-cut trigger
+ standard safety detent
M2 tool steel is a high-speed steel alloy — the same class of material used in cutting tools and dies. It holds an edge under thermal stress and resists wear at sustained cyclic rates. DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating adds additional surface hardness and reduces friction. This is serious material spec for a trigger system. You will not find this combination in clone or budget alternatives.
Specs & Variants: Ambi Kit vs. Non-Ambi Kit
The ARC-Fire V2 is available in two kit configurations and three selector orientation options. Choose based on whether you run an ambi safety setup and what selector throw position you prefer.
Selector Positions
Safe · Semi · ARC
Selector Throw Options
0/45/90 · 0/45/180 · 0/90/180
Kit Options
Ambidextrous Kit · Non-Ambi Kit
Critical Components
M2 Tool Steel, DLC coated
Selector Levers
4140 Steel, Black Oxide
Includes
Pre-cut trigger + safety detent
Installation
Gunsmith recommended
Patent Status
Patent-pending (Active Reset Clutch)
Which kit should you order? If your lower already runs a traditional single-side safety, the Non-Ambi Kit is the straightforward choice. If you use an ambi safety — or want to add one — the Ambi Kit includes the full bilateral selector assembly. Both kits include the same ARC Cam, Lever, and Detent Bar in M2 tool steel with DLC coating. The selector throw angle is personal preference; the 0°/90°/180° configuration is the closest to a traditional mil-spec safety throw pattern.
Platform Compatibility: 10+ Platforms Supported
This is where the ARC-Fire V2 separates itself significantly from most FRT systems. AS Designs has engineered platform-specific slip trip kits and lower kits that extend compatibility well beyond AR-15:
Coming Soon (Finalizing)
AS Designs has confirmed the following platforms are in final development: JAKL-10 (.308), BRN-180 (.223/5.56, 300BO), UMP (.45), GHM9 (9mm), APC9, APC45, MCX (.277 and .308), and SCAR. If your platform is on this list, watch for slip trip kit availability — the ARC Cam and Lever assembly itself won't need to be repurchased.
Trigger Compatibility: What Fires With the ARC-Fire V2
The ARC-Fire V2 requires a trigger with a selector shelf (SS) cut. Most mil-spec triggers have this from the factory. The following trigger groups are confirmed compatible:
| Trigger | Models | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Most Mil-Spec | Standard mil-spec FCG | ✓ w/ SS Cut |
| Geissele | SSA, SSA-E, SSA-E X, SSA-X, SD-E, SD3G, SDC, SSP, S3G, G2S | ✓ w/ SS Cut *lever blocker may be needed |
| ALG Defense | QMS, ACT | ✓ w/ SS Cut |
| BCM PNT | PNT | ✓ w/ SS Cut |
| PSA EPT | Enhanced Polished Trigger | ✓ w/ SS Cut |
| Aero Precision FCG | Standard FCG | ✓ w/ SS Cut |
| CMMG FCG | Standard FCG | ✓ w/ SS Cut |
| Anderson Stainless FCG | Cut Hammer version only | ✓ w/ SS Cut *lever blocker may be needed |
Known incompatible triggers: LaRue Tactical MBT-2S, CMC Single Stage Flat/Curved, Rise Armament RA-140. If your trigger isn't on the compatible or incompatible list, contact us before ordering — we can verify compatibility or point you to AS Designs' current documentation.
Note on the "lever blocker": Some Geissele and Anderson triggers marked with an asterisk above may require an additional lever blocker part to prevent over-travel. AS Designs will offer these in metal and will also provide the STL file for those who prefer to print one.
FRT Legality in 2026
Forced reset triggers and ARC-type selector systems occupy a legal landscape that has been actively shaped by federal litigation. The operative precedent is Cargill v. Garland (U.S. Supreme Court, 2024), which held that devices requiring a separate function of the trigger for each shot do not constitute automatic fire mechanisms under the statutory definition. The ARC-Fire V2, which requires one trigger function per round fired, is engineered to comply with this framework.
State law is a separate question. AS Designs does not ship to the following states, and neither do we:
No-ship states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Oregon, and Rhode Island. Orders to these states will be cancelled. If you are unsure whether your state has applicable restrictions beyond this list, consult your own legal counsel before purchasing.
For a deeper breakdown of the FRT legal landscape — including the ongoing Rare Breed and Partisan litigation — see our complete FRT legal guide.
ARC-Fire V2 — Available Today at 3:00 PM Eastern
One of five authorized dealers. M2 tool steel. DLC coated. Ships starting April 15th. Stock is limited at launch — check back at 3 PM or bookmark the product page now.
Shop the ARC-Fire V2 → Authorized AS Designs dealer · No FFL required · Ships 4/15Looking for something in stock now? The Partisan Disruptor FRT is our flagship — ships same week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AS Designs ARC-Fire V2?
The ARC-Fire V2 is a patent-pending Active Reset Clutch (ARC) ambidextrous selector trigger system. It integrates with your existing trigger group (with a selector shelf cut) and mechanically forces an immediate trigger reset after each shot, enabling rapid follow-up fire with one round per trigger function. It is not a drop-in trigger group — it is a selector-based clutch system that works alongside your existing FCG.
What's different about the V2 compared to the original ARC-Fire?
Four official changes: different selector orientation options (0/45/90, 0/45/180, 0/90/180), a smoother detent track, larger cam surfaces for more reliable reset engagement, and mil-spec selector levers included stock. The larger cam surfaces are the most mechanically significant upgrade — they address reset consistency under varying BCG velocities.
Does the ARC-Fire V2 work with my trigger?
It requires a trigger with a selector shelf (SS) cut. Most mil-spec triggers have this. Confirmed compatible triggers include mil-spec FCGs, most Geissele models (SSA, SSA-E, SD3G, and others), ALG Defense (QMS, ACT), BCM PNT, PSA EPT, Aero Precision FCG, and CMMG FCG. Known incompatible: LaRue MBT-2S, CMC Single Stage, Rise Armament RA-140. See the full compatibility table above.
What platforms does the ARC-Fire V2 support?
The ARC-Fire V2 supports the AR-15 platform natively (all common calibers including 9mm, .45, 10mm). With platform-specific slip trip kits it also supports JAKL-15, JAKL-9, Sig MPX, Sig MCX, Sig Dissent, HK MR556, Grand Power Stribog, CMMG Banshee, MP5-based lowers, G3/91-based lowers, and Kuna. BRN-180, SCAR, UMP, and JAKL-10 support is in final development.
What material is the ARC-Fire V2 made from?
The critical components — ARC Cam, ARC Lever, and ARC Detent Bar — are M2 tool steel with DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating. The selector levers (primary and ambi) are 4140 steel with black oxide finish. This is not MIM or cast construction.
Is the ARC-Fire V2 legal?
Under federal law, the ARC-Fire V2 is designed to fire one round per trigger function, consistent with the semi-automatic definition upheld in Cargill v. Garland (2024). We do not ship to CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, HI, IL, MA, MD, MN, NJ, NV, NY, OR, or RI. Consult your own legal counsel regarding your state's specific statutes before purchasing.
When does the ARC-Fire V2 ship?
The ARC-Fire V2 goes on sale at 3:00 PM Eastern on April 10, 2026, and starts shipping April 15, 2026. Order early — we are one of five authorized dealers nationally and day-one stock is limited.
Do I need an FFL to buy the ARC-Fire V2?
No. The ARC-Fire V2 is a trigger accessory, not a firearm. No FFL is required. It ships directly to your address.
Should I install the ARC-Fire V2 myself?
AS Designs recommends installation by a qualified gunsmith. The system involves selector timing and trigger group interaction — incorrect installation can cause malfunctions. If you're experienced with AR-15 lower assembly and selector installation, you'll likely be comfortable. When in doubt, get it done right.
