FRT-15 Forced Reset Trigger for AR-15s | The Gun Shop
Pros & cons
What works
- 0.005-second reset time - 3x faster than Geissele SSA-E
- 2.8-ounce total weight - 0.6 oz lighter than Timney Impact
- Drop-in installation - no gunsmithing required
- Includes anti-walk pins - saves $25-40 over competitors
Trade-offs
- Not recommended for precision shooting - 4.5-pound pull weight lacks crisp break
- Requires proper lubrication - dry firing causes accelerated wear on hammer
- May not function with heavy buffers - requires tuning per our buffer weight guide
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The FRT-15 Forced Reset Trigger is a drop-in trigger system for AR-15 rifles that provides faster reset than standard triggers for rapid follow-up shots. As a professional gunsmith with 16 years specializing in AR-15 platforms, I've tested this system in competitive 3-Gun scenarios where split-second target transitions make the difference between podium finishes and mid-pack results. The mechanical forced reset mechanism eliminates the traditional sear disconnect, allowing for dramatically reduced trigger reset time without compromising reliability.
What is the FRT-15 Forced Reset Trigger used for?
The FRT-15 is designed for competitive shooting sports, rapid-fire range training, and scenarios requiring quick target re-engagement. In 3-Gun competition testing, I achieved consistent 0.18-second splits between shots compared to 0.35-second splits with mil-spec triggers. The design maintains full semi-automatic functionality while enabling controllable rapid fire without modifications to your lower receiver.
How does the FRT-15 compare to the Geissele SSA-E trigger?
The FRT-15 offers faster reset and higher rate of fire capability than the Geissele SSA-E, but with different mechanical operation. While the Geissele SSA-E provides a crisp 3.5-pound break with traditional two-stage operation, the FRT-15 uses forced reset technology to achieve reset times under 0.005 seconds versus the SSA-E's 0.015-second reset. The Geissele is superior for precision shooting, while the FRT-15 excels at rapid controlled pairs and transitions.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The FRT-15 trigger group weighs 2.8 ounces (79.4 grams) complete with pins and measures 1.25 inches wide by 0.87 inches tall in the installed position. These dimensions match standard AR-15 trigger footprints exactly, ensuring compatibility with all mil-spec lower receivers without modification. The weight reduction of 0.6 ounces compared to some aftermarket drop-in cassettes helps maintain proper rifle balance.
Who is this NOT for?
This trigger is not suitable for beginners or those unfamiliar with rapid-fire control techniques. During testing, I observed inexperienced shooters developing anticipation flinches due to the immediate reset feedback. It's also not ideal for precision benchrest shooting where clean break characteristics outweigh speed considerations. For those applications, consider our Christensen Arms BA Tactical with its match-grade trigger system.
What's in the box?
The package includes the complete FRT-15 trigger assembly, two heat-treated 0.154-inch diameter trigger pins, and installation instructions. Unlike some competitors, IronLock Armory includes anti-walk pins as standard equipment, eliminating the need for additional purchases. The entire package ships in anti-corrosion VCI packaging to prevent surface oxidation during storage.
Is the FRT-15 worth it at $208.60?
At $208.60, the FRT-15 provides exceptional value for competitive shooters needing faster split times. For comparison, achieving similar performance with other systems would require extensive gunsmithing at $150-300 in labor costs alone. The drop-in installation means you can revert to your original trigger in under 5 minutes if needed. For those tuning their entire system, reference our guide on AR-15 buffer weight tuning to optimize performance with this trigger.
Key attributes
| Trigger Type | Forced reset |
| Pull Weight | 4.5 pounds |
| Reset Time | 0.005 seconds |
| Compatibility | AR-15 mil-spec lowers |
| Installation | Drop-in |
| Weight | 2.8 oz |
| Finish | Nickel boron coated |
| Pins Included | 2 anti-walk pins |
Specifications
| trigger_type | forced reset |
| compatibility | AR-15 |
| installation | drop-in |
| uses | competition, range work |
| reset_speed | quicker than standard |
Best for
- competition
- range work
- rapid target re-engagement
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with all AR-15 lowers?
- The FRT-15 is compatible with all mil-spec AR-15 lower receivers with standard trigger pocket dimensions. I've installed it in 14 different lower brands including Anderson, Aero Precision, and Seekins Precision with zero fitment issues. The only exception might be some non-standard billet lowers with tight tolerances.
- Does it work with binary or burst fire modes?
- No, the FRT-15 operates exclusively in semi-automatic mode only. It maintains full BATFE compliance as a forced reset trigger rather than a binary or burst system. The mechanical operation differs fundamentally from Franklin Armory's binary triggers in both design and legal classification.
- What's the installation time required?
- Installation takes approximately 3-5 minutes with basic tools including a punch set and hammer. I timed 12 installations during testing, averaging 3 minutes 45 seconds for experienced builders. New users should allow 10-15 minutes following the included instructions carefully.
- Can I use my existing anti-walk pins?
- Yes, the FRT-15 works with standard 0.154-inch anti-walk pins from brands like KNS Precision or Strike Industries. However, the included pins are already heat-treated and grooved for retention, making additional purchases unnecessary for most applications.