FRT Trigger AR-15 | Complete Guide + Best Drop-In Options (2026)
FRT Trigger AR-15 — Everything You Need to Know
How forced reset triggers work, what makes them legal, the hardware they need to run right, and the best AR-15 FRT trigger available today.
What Is an FRT Trigger for an AR-15?
An FRT trigger — short for Forced Reset Trigger — is a drop-in cassette trigger designed for AR-15 platform rifles. Unlike a standard semi-automatic trigger, an FRT uses the bolt carrier group's rearward travel to mechanically force the trigger to reset before the bolt returns to battery.
The result: the trigger is already reset and ready to fire by the time a new round is chambered. A trained shooter maintaining rearward pressure can achieve dramatically faster split times compared to a standard trigger — without any modification to the BCG, barrel, or lower receiver.
The BCG does the resetting — not your finger. One round per trigger pull, every time. Federally legal as of May 2025.
How Does an FRT Trigger Work on an AR-15?
The difference comes down to one step in the firing cycle:
Standard Mil-Spec Trigger:
FRT Trigger:
Are FRT Triggers Legal on an AR-15?
The landmark ruling came in June 2024 when the Supreme Court decided Garland v. Cargill 6-3, establishing that devices requiring a separate trigger function per shot are not machine guns under the NFA. A federal court then applied this directly to FRT triggers. The Trump DOJ settled all FRT litigation in May 2025, ending federal enforcement permanently.
State law varies. Several states maintain independent restrictions regardless of federal law — currently California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and DC.
See our complete state-by-state FRT legality guide or the full Garland v. Cargill breakdown.
What Makes a Good AR-15 FRT Trigger?
1. Drop-In Cassette Architecture
The best FRT triggers use a self-contained cassette — all components housed in a single unit. This maintains factory tolerances, eliminates fitment variables, and makes installation a straightforward trigger pin swap. 
THE TRIGGERED COMPANY DROP IN FRT
2. BCG Interface Precision
The reset lobe that contacts the BCG must be machined to tight tolerances. Sloppy geometry causes inconsistent resets and trigger freeze, especially as the rifle heats up.
3. Buffer Compatibility
FRT triggers require an H2 buffer minimum. The added weight slows the BCG's rearward velocity, giving the reset mechanism time to complete reliably. See our complete FRT buffer guide.
4. M16 BCG Required
An M16-profile bolt carrier group is required. The extended tail provides the contact surface the FRT reset mechanism needs. A standard AR-15 BCG will not work reliably. See our M16 BCG vs AR-15 BCG guide.
5. USA Manufacturing
For a component with this level of mechanical precision and legal scrutiny, domestic manufacturing matters for both quality and documentation.
FRT Trigger vs Standard AR-15 Trigger
| Feature | Standard Mil-Spec | FRT Trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Reset mechanism | Spring tension — manual release | BCG-driven — mechanical reset |
| Rounds per trigger pull | One | One |
| Fire rate ceiling | Limited by finger speed | Limited by BCG cycle time |
| NFA classification | Semi-auto — unrestricted | Semi-auto — federally legal |
| BCG requirement | Any AR-15 or M16 BCG | M16-profile BCG required |
| Buffer requirement | Standard carbine buffer | H2 minimum required |
| Installation | Individual parts and springs | Drop-in cassette — 10 min |
| Price range | $30–$300 | $249–$499 |
Full breakdown: Forced Reset Trigger vs Standard Mil-Spec
The Best FRT Trigger for AR-15 in 2026
Partisan Disruptor — USA-made, patented drop-in cassette, $299. Authorized dealer. Free AR Takedown Tool with every order.
Shop the Partisan Bundle — $449.99 Compare All FRTs →What Hardware Does an AR-15 FRT Need?
This is where most first-time buyers run into problems. Two non-negotiable requirements:
M16-Profile BCG (Required)
The underside geometry of the M16 BCG is what the FRT's reset mechanism contacts during cycling. A standard AR-15 BCG lacks this geometry and will cause reset failure. Running an M16 BCG in a semi-auto AR-15 is completely legal — the BCG profile itself is not a regulated component.
H2 Buffer Minimum (Required)
A standard carbine buffer cycles too fast for reliable FRT reset timing. H2 is the minimum starting point. Carbine gas builds and suppressed setups often need H3. The Partisan Disruptor bundle includes an H2.5 buffer matched to the trigger's cycling requirements.