Wood AR 15 Build Trigger: Geissele SSA-E

The Trigger: Geissele SSA-E

Jerking the trigger

As with many AR-15 components, there are a quite a few options for triggers. The main categories of triggers are: one and two-Stage, flat or curved Bow and “drop in” or not.

Of the three categories we feel that the one vs. two-stage decision is the most important. The curve of the bow and the ease of installation are important distinctions but a one-stage trigger functions differently than a two-stage every time you fire a round. One-stage triggers feel similar to single-action pistol triggers in that they have a consistent pull weight up until and through the break. Two-stage triggers on the other hand, have one pull weight up until right before the break and then a different pull weight to release the hammer. This two-stage pull allows the shooter to squeeze the trigger up to the break and hold it there if desired. When ready, the shooter can then pull through the break (this is how typical mil-sec AR-15 triggers work). The consistent pull of a one-stage trigger is smoother but does not allow the shooter to hold the trigger right before the break.

Full Specifications:

Manufacturer: Geissele

Price: $240.00 (MSRP)

Stages: 2

Stage 1 Weight: 2.3 lbs

Stage 2 Weight: 1.2 lbs

Bow Type: Curved

I am sure you can hear the bias in the description above: we chose a two stage trigger. We also wanted a curved bow (similar to those we used in the military) and weren’t concerned with the ease of installation. With these preferences in mind we researched the best trigger we could find regardless of price and landed on the Giessele. A $240.00 trigger is certainly not cheap but we look forward to seeing how it feels/functions in the rifle.