A steel, mil-spec trigger is an acceptable option for a budget AR15 build as they are cheap, reliable, and will smooth out a bit after a few thousand trigger pulls. For just a little extra money you could have a polished and nickel teflon coated trigger which is what we highly recommend and consider the baseline. From there on up, it's all a matter of application, personal preference, application, and budget.
Mil-Spec ($35)
A mil-spec trigger is a very reliable single stage trigger based on the original M16 trigger design. Cheap, effective, and proven through decades of use.
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Nickel Teflon ($40)
Nickel Teflon coated enhanced triggers offer a smoother pull and cleaner release than mil-spec triggers for little added cost. This is a highly recommended upgrade.
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Trigger Adjuster ($20)
If you use any mil-spec style trigger, a trigger adjustment screw is great way to remove slack and fine tune the trigger pull. Follow the instructions carefully.
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Trigger Springs ($10)
Another affordable wa to upgrade a mil-spec style trigger is to upgrade the trigger springs. These reduce trigger pull to 3.5 lbs. Recommended for recreational rifles only.
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ALG QMS ($50)
This Quality Military Style (QMS) trigger by ALG is precision honed for a smooth trigger pull of about 6.5 lbs and retains mil-spec trigger level reliability.
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ALG ACT ($70)
The ALG Combat Trigger (ACT) builds upon the QMS model and adds a nickel boron coating for improved surface harness, reduced friction, and a 6 lb. trigger pull.
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Rise Armament ($100)
An enhanced drop in, single-stage trigger with a clean and crisp 3.5 lb trigger pull for about a hundred bucks is very hard to beat. Pro Tip: They go on sale frequently!
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Geissele ($230)
Regarded as on of the best all-around triggers on the market, the Geissele SSA 2-stage combat trigger has a 2.5lb primary and 2lb. second stage with a clean brake.
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Hiperfire ($240)
If you want an adjustable,single stage trigger with almost no pre-travel and a fast reset without loosing trigger energy, a Hipertouch trigger is worth every penny.
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Best AR15 Trigger and Hammer Pins
While we're on the subject of triggers, let's not forget about the trigger pins. Standard mil-spec trigger pins are held in place by friction and over time will have a tendency to "walk" out and elongate the lower receiver holes. A small investment into anti-walk pins will eliminate both of these potential issues and many aftermarket upgraded triggers will include them for this reason.
Pro Tip: Are your trigger pin holes worn out? Drill them out a hair and install a large pin trigger like this Two Stage Trigger from CMC.
Standard AR15 trigger pins are 0.154" in diameter. Some Geissele triggers use 0.155" pins and CMC offers up to 0.172" pins.
Elftmann Anti-Walk ($20)
Elftman anti-rotation and anti-walk pins are made of hardened steel and only require small flat screwdriver to install and remove. Simple, affordable, and effective.
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KNS Anti-Walk ($30)
Out favorite anti-walk and non-rotating trigger pins are made by KNS and very well designed. They are affordable, easy to install, and work perfectly.
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Titanium Pins ($20)
Don't like the look or feel of anti-walk trigger pins? Consider upgrading to these Ion Bond Finished titanium pins from V Seven Weapon Systems.
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Best AR15 Safety Selectors
A mil-spec safety selctor is one of the few AR15 components that we recommend keeping, unless you have a specific reason to replace it. Any rifle that is intended for personal protection, home defense, or combat use, you will want to keep the functionality as consistent as possible to remain compatible with your muscle memory. When milliseconds count, you don't want to be fumbling with an unfamiliar safety selctor.
Mil-Spec ($10)
Mil-spec AR15 safety selectors are well designed, reliable, and are fully textured with ridges to allow fast, easy, and consistant use with or without gloves.
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CMMG Ambi ($30)
If an amidextrous saftey selector is required for your application, we recommed a Mil-Spec style ambi-safety like this one from CMMG to retain consistancy.
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Battle Arms ($15)
Where cosmetics are more important than rifle consistancy, we really like the look and feel (and price) of this safety selector from Battle Arms Development.
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Phase 5 Ambi ($45)
This oversize ambidextrous safety selctor from Phase 5 is ideal for rifles built for use in cold climates or applications where heavy gloves are used.
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Hiperswitch Ambi ($50)
This safety selector from Hyperfire features oversized plastic levers that we actually find excessively bulky, but it does pair well with polymer lower receivers.
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Geissele Ambi ($75)
Similar to the CMMG ambi safety above, this unit from Geissele has a mil-spec style to it but adds interchangeable levers for convenience, albeit with a hefty price.
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Best AR15 Bolt Catch Release
One of the most overlooked components of an AR15 build is the bolt catch release. For most recreational or sporting applications, a mil-spec bolt catch works very well and typically does not need to be upgraded. However, if you plan to use your rifle with gloves or for competition or defensive purposes, a larger engagement button or an ambidextrous lever is highly recommended.
Mil-Spec ($10)
As with most mil-spec AR-15 parts, a stock bolt catch is cheap, reliable, and effective. It gets the job done as-is or can be paired with an ambidextrous bolt release lever.
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Magpul BAD ($30)
The Magpul Battery Assist Device (BAD) attaches to a mil-spec both catch and provides ambidextrous function along with an oversize button.
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Wilson 3-in-1 ($35)
Can't decide if you want a slim mil-spec bolt catch or an oversize button above or to the side? The Wilson Combat 3-Position bolt catch covers all the posibilites.
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Geissele Maritime ($35)
This is likely the most popular aftermarket bolt catch available and features oversize buttons for use with gloves. Note: May interfere with some anti-walk pins.
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B.A.D. Enhanced ($40)
The Battle Arms enhanced bolt catch is machined from billet steel and has large, skeletonized and textured buttons for reduced weight and easy engagement.
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Badger Enhanced ($60)
A precision machined bolt catch with larger profile contact areas for faster engagement and improved performance by left handed shooters. A bit expensive though.
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Best AR15 Pivot and Takedown Pins
Another often overlooked componenent in many AR15 builds is the pair of pivot and takedown pins that attach the upper receiver to the lower receiver. Mil-spec pins work fine for most applications but do require the use of a punch or the tip of a bullet to be pushed out. Aftermarket pins are an affordable upgrade and allow for easier and faster openning, removal, and attachment of the upper receiver.
Strike Industries ($15)
Strike Industries is well known for making high quality, affordable AR15 parts and these longer takedown pins with large grip heads are no exception.
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Yankee Hill ($20)
By far, our favorite AR15 pivot and takedown pins are made by Yankee Hill. They feature extra large, easy to grip heads and are made of heat treated steel.
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Battle Arms ($30)
Battle Arms Development enhanced takedown pins are made of hardened steel, feature larger textured heads, and are .030" longer for easier push-through.
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V Seven Ultralight ($25)
These black anodized aluminum takedown pins weigh 5 grams (64% lighter than mil-spec) and have dimpled ends for easy push through with a punch or bullet tip
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Radian Weapons ($25)
Radian Weapins' low profile takedown pins feature their logo and a groove around the forward pin for eaier removal. Made from steel with a durable black nitride finish.
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Titanium ($30)
Another unique option for your AR15 takedown pins are these titanium pins from 2A Armament that weight 5 grams and are through drilled and pocketed.
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Best AR15 Magazine Releases
Two popular ways to improve the magazine release on your AR15 are to change the button and upgrade to an ambidextrous mechanism. A larger magazine release button allows for faster and more confident finger placement while an abidextrous arm means that you can release the magazine with your left thumb while removing it and keeping your trigger finger engaged.
Strike Industries ($15)
For $15 this magazine release from Strike Industries is a perfect upgrade over a mil-spec unit and features a unique, serrated, saddle-style button.
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Arms Unlimited Ambi ($25)
This budget friendly, simple, and reliable ambidextrous magazine release from Arms Unlimited is a worthwhile upgrade and pairs great with a Magpul button (below).
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Strike Ind. Ambi ($35)
The deep saddle button and extra large ambidextrous lever on this Strike Industries mag release make it our top pick. Use it as is or pair with a larger button.
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V Seven Titanium ($40)
For those persuing a titanium and/or ultra light theme for their AR15 build, we really like the fit and finish of this magazine release from V Seven Weapon Systems.
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Magpul Button ($20)
The Magpul enhanced magazine release button is a must have for any budget AR15 build. Wait for them to go on sale and then pick up a few sets.
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Battle Arms Button ($25)
Battle Arms Development offers their billet aluminum mag release buttons in medium and large sizes. The dovetail and set scew mounting provides a sold attachment.
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Odin Gen1 Button ($20)
CNC machined from billet aluminum, these magazine release buttons made by Odin and are available in three different styles and a handfull of colors.
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Odin Gen2 Button ($20)
The Gen 2 extended magazine release from Odin is compatible with the Magpul BAD lever and the addition of boomerang cuts reduces weight while adding texture.
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Odin Gen3 Button ($20)
Odin's ultra light Gen 3 extended mag button is designed to work with the Magpul BAD lever and KNS trigger pins while the jagged holes provide excellent grip.
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Best AR15 Pistol Grips
When it comes to upgrading the pistol grip of an AR15, there are many elements to consider but the first thing we like to point out is that a mil-spec pistol grip is quite good and retains consistancy at your main point of contact with the rifle. As for aftermarket grips, the main differences are going to be grip, texture, angle, and special features like interchangeable inserts, internal storage, or a palm shelf. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and that means getting your hands on as many models as you can and seeing which one is right for you.
Pro Tip: Different rifle applications benefit from different grips angles and features. Visit your local gun shop or gun show and make a list of the pistol grip models that fit your hand the best in different positions, with and without gloves.
Mil-Spec ($5)
Heavy duty polymer lower receiver with aggressive styling and reinforced critical areas. Engraved safety, single use jig included. Router jig compatible.
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ATI Recoil Reducing ($25)
Heavy duty polymer lower receiver with aggressive styling and reinforced critical areas. Engraved safety, single use jig included. Router jig compatible.
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Hogue ($25)
Heavy duty polymer lower receiver with aggressive styling and reinforced critical areas. Engraved safety, single use jig included. Router jig compatible.
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Magpul MOE K2+ ($25)
Heavy duty polymer lower receiver with aggressive styling and reinforced critical areas. Engraved safety, single use jig included. Router jig compatible.
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Magpul MIAD ($35)
Heavy duty polymer lower receiver with aggressive styling and reinforced critical areas. Engraved safety, single use jig included. Router jig compatible.
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Ergo Palm Shelf ($50)
Heavy duty polymer lower receiver with aggressive styling and reinforced critical areas. Engraved safety, single use jig included. Router jig compatible.
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Best AR15 Extreme Upgrades
One of the best features of the AR15 platform is that there is practically no limit to the degree to which it can be customized, adjusted, or improved. On the extreme end we find highly specialized upgrades like binary triggers and folding stock adapters.
Franklin Binary ($390)
The Franklin Armory Binary trigger system is ATF approved and allows for a shot to be fired on smooth trigger pull and crisp trigger releases.
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Folding Stock ($270)
Law Tactical's folding stock adapter is exceptionally well designed to safely allow the buffer tube assembly to be rotated away for a smaller storage profile.
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BAD Vert System ($410)
This ultra-low profile stock and buffer tube system from Battle Arms Development collapses down to 4.75" and is CNC machined from top quality materials.
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