ARC-Fire FRT Trigger
What Is the ARC-Fire FRT Trigger?
ARC Fire FRT . The ARC-Fire is a forced reset trigger system made by AS Designs (Active Safety Designs) for the AR-15 platform and several other modern sporting rifles. Instead of replacing your entire trigger group, the ARC-Fire works as an Active Reset Clutch (ARC) — a selector-based system that pairs with your existing trigger and mechanically forces it back into the reset position every time the bolt carrier group cycles.
In plain terms: after you fire a shot, the ARC-Fire uses the rearward motion of the bolt carrier to push your trigger forward again automatically. That means you don’t have to fully release the trigger yourself before you can fire the next round — the system does part of that work for you, which allows for noticeably faster, more controlled follow-up shots.
This puts the ARC-Fire in a specific category of AR-15 accessories known as forced reset triggers (FRTs), a category that has become one of the most talked-about corners of the AR-15 aftermarket parts world over the past few years.
How Does the ARC-Fire Work?
Unlike a complete drop-in FRT trigger (which replaces your whole fire control group), the ARC-Fire is different because it’s a selector-style clutch system, not a full trigger replacement.
Here’s the basic mechanical idea:
- You fire a round. The bolt carrier group moves rearward under recoil, just like in any semi-automatic AR-15.
- The ARC clutch engages. As the bolt carrier travels back, it interacts with the ARC-Fire’s internal cam and lever system.
- Your trigger is forced forward. The mechanism physically resets your trigger to the ready position instead of waiting for your finger to release it naturally.
- You pull again. Each shot still requires a distinct trigger pull — the rifle remains semi-automatic. There’s no continuous fire from a single pull.
Because the ARC-Fire works with your existing trigger rather than replacing it, one of its biggest selling points is that shooters can keep a high-end match trigger — like a Geissele SSA-E or SD3G with a super-safety cut — and still gain forced-reset functionality. That’s a meaningful difference from a full FRT trigger group, which usually comes with its own built-in trigger pull that can’t be swapped out.
ARC-Fire V1 vs. ARC-Fire V2: What Changed?
AS Designs released the second-generation ARC-Fire V2 in 2026, and it’s a substantial redesign rather than a minor update. If you’re comparing the two versions, here’s what’s different:
| Feature | ARC-Fire V1 | ARC-Fire V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Selector Lever | Long, low-profile, harder to find under stress | Taller, more tactile fin lever |
| Internal Components | Standard tool steel | M2 tool steel with DLC coating for reduced drag |
| Throw Configurations | Limited | Three options: 0-45-90, 0-45-180, 0-90-180 |
| Platform Support | AR-15 focused | AR-15, MCX, MPX, MP5, SCAR, JAKL, BRN-180, B&T, and more |
| Reset Feel | Reported as less consistent under rapid strings | Smoother, more consistent due to larger cam surfaces |
| Price | Varies by retailer | Around $249.99 for the ambidextrous kit |
The V2’s biggest mechanical upgrade is in the cam surfaces, which were enlarged to make trigger reset more consistent across different bolt carrier group velocities and buffer setups. Several hands-on reviewers have also pointed out that V2 components are not backward compatible with V1 units, so if you’re upgrading, you’ll need the full new kit rather than individual replacement parts.
Compatibility: What Works With the ARC-Fire?
Because the ARC-Fire is a selector-based system rather than a full trigger group, compatibility depends on both your platform and your existing trigger.
Compatible Triggers
The ARC-Fire is generally designed to work with:
- Mil-spec AR-15 triggers
- Geissele triggers with a super-safety cut (SSA, SSA-E, SSA-X, SD3G)
- ALG triggers
- BCM PNT triggers
- PSA EPT triggers
- Aero Precision triggers
- CMMG triggers
- Anderson triggers
Incompatible Triggers
Not every trigger on the market will work with the ARC-Fire system. Reported incompatibilities include:
- LaRue MBT-2S
- CMC Single Stage
- Rise Armament RA-140
Platform Support
The V2 in particular expanded platform compatibility well beyond a standard AR-15, adding support for:
- AR-15 (mil-spec lowers)
- SIG MCX and MCX Spear
- SIG MPX
- HK MP5-pattern builds
- B&T platforms
- SCAR
- JAKL
- BRN-180
If you’re running an HK-pattern rifle like the MR556 or HK416, keep in mind those platforms use different selector and trigger geometry, so installation typically follows a separate, platform-specific process compared to a standard AR-15 lower.
Before buying, it’s worth double-checking your exact lower receiver, trigger brand, and buffer system against the manufacturer’s current compatibility list, since these systems are sensitive to small mechanical differences between builds.
ARC-Fire vs. a Full FRT Trigger: Which Is Right for You?
People shopping for forced-reset technology usually end up comparing two different approaches: a selector-based system like the ARC-Fire, versus a complete drop-in FRT trigger that replaces the whole fire control group.
Choose the ARC-Fire If:
- You already own a premium trigger (like a Geissele) and don’t want to give up that trigger pull
- You want flexibility across multiple platforms (MCX, MPX, MP5, etc.)
- You’re comfortable with a slightly more involved installation process
- You want adjustable selector throw options
Choose a Complete FRT Trigger If:
- You want the simplest possible installation — push pins out, drop the unit in, push pins back in
- You don’t already own a trigger you’re attached to
- You’d rather have an all-in-one unit than combine multiple components
The tradeoff is straightforward: a full FRT trigger is easier to install but comes with its own fixed trigger pull, which tends to be noticeably grittier than a dedicated match trigger. The ARC-Fire takes more setup — you generally need both the ARC-Fire kit and a compatible trigger — but it lets you keep the trigger feel you already like.
Installation: What to Expect
AS Designs and most retailers recommend that the ARC-Fire be installed by a qualified gunsmith, and for good reason. The system involves precise selector timing and trigger group interaction, and incorrect installation can cause malfunctions or unreliable cycling.
A few installation notes worth knowing before you start:
- Orientation matters. Some buyers have reported installing the internal cam backward, which can put the selector into safe mode unintentionally. Careful attention during assembly is important.
- Be cautious closing the upper receiver. The lever that resets the trigger can get struck if the upper is closed carelessly, so slow, deliberate handling during installation matters.
- Torque and thread-locker. Components should be torqued to the manufacturer’s spec, and a small amount of thread-locking compound is often recommended to keep everything seated properly under recoil.
- No FFL required. The ARC-Fire is classified as a trigger accessory, not a firearm, so it ships directly to your address without requiring a federal firearms license transfer.
If you’re experienced with AR-15 lower assembly and selector-based systems, a self-install is possible for many builders. If you’re newer to detailed AR-15 gunsmithing, having a professional handle it — or at least verify the install — is the safer route.
Is the ARC-Fire FRT Trigger Legal?
This is the question most buyers want answered first, so here’s where things currently stand.
Federal Legal Status
Forced reset triggers as a category went through a long, high-profile legal battle with the ATF. After years of seizures and litigation, the U.S. Department of Justice settled with a major FRT manufacturer in May 2025, and forced reset triggers are federally legal as of that settlement. The ATF’s earlier position that FRTs qualified as machine guns under the National Firearms Act was vacated as part of that resolution.
That means, at the federal level, forced reset trigger systems like the ARC-Fire are not classified as machine guns and don’t require NFA registration, a tax stamp, or an FFL transfer.
State Legal Status
Federal legality is only half the picture. State laws vary significantly, and roughly 15 or more states still restrict or prohibit forced reset triggers as rapid-fire trigger activators, even though the federal ban was lifted. Some states enforce this through bump-stock statutes, others through separate rapid-fire device laws, and penalties can be severe — in some states, possession is treated as a felony.
Because this area of law has moved quickly and continues to shift, here’s what to actually do before buying:
- Check your specific state statute, not just general news coverage, since laws can differ even between neighboring states.
- Confirm the retailer’s shipping restrictions. Reputable FRT sellers block shipments into states where the product isn’t legal.
- Recheck before installing, since state-level rules on this topic have changed multiple times in the past two years and may change again.
Pricing and Where the ARC-Fire Fits in the Market
The ARC-Fire V2 ambidextrous kit is generally priced around $249.99, which places it in the mid-to-upper range of the forced-reset trigger accessory market. For comparison:
- Budget selector-based options start around $139
- ARC-Fire V2 sits around $249.99
- Complete drop-in FRT triggers from other manufacturers often run $299 and up
Because the ARC-Fire requires a compatible trigger you may already own — or need to purchase separately — the effective total cost depends heavily on your existing setup. Someone who already owns a Geissele SSA-E with a super-safety cut is really only paying for the ARC-Fire kit itself. Someone starting from scratch may end up spending close to, or more than, the cost of a complete FRT trigger once a compatible trigger is factored in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the ARC-Fire make an AR-15 fully automatic? No. The rifle still fires one round per distinct trigger pull. The ARC-Fire mechanically resets the trigger faster than a shooter’s finger would on its own, but it does not create continuous fire from a single pull, which is the legal definition that separates semi-automatic from fully automatic fire.
Is the ARC-Fire a trigger or a selector? It’s a selector-based system, officially described as an Active Reset Clutch. It replaces your rifle’s safety selector and works alongside your existing trigger, rather than replacing the trigger group entirely.
Can I use the ARC-Fire with any AR-15 trigger? No. It’s compatible with mil-spec triggers and several aftermarket triggers that have a super-safety cut, including certain Geissele models. It is not compatible with every trigger on the market — check the current compatibility list before buying.
Is the ARC-Fire legal in the USA? Forced reset trigger systems are legal under federal law following a 2025 DOJ settlement, but a number of states still restrict or ban them. Always confirm your specific state’s current law before purchasing.
What’s the difference between the ARC-Fire V1 and V2? The V2 features a redesigned selector lever, upgraded M2 tool steel components with a DLC coating, larger cam surfaces for more consistent reset engagement, multiple throw configuration options, and expanded platform compatibility beyond the AR-15.
Do I need a gunsmith to install the ARC-Fire? It’s recommended. Installation involves precise selector timing, and incorrect assembly can cause malfunctions. Experienced builders may be comfortable self-installing, but professional installation or verification is the safer route for most buyers.
Does the ARC-Fire work on non-AR-15 platforms? The V2 expanded compatibility to include platforms like the SIG MCX, MPX, HK MP5-pattern builds, B&T platforms, SCAR, JAKL, and BRN-180, in addition to the standard AR-15.