REVIEW: Geissele Automatics Super Semi-Automatic Trigger

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An often underestimated accessory on the AR platform is the trigger. Usually, people try to save money by sticking with the standard trigger. This usually results in a heavy trigger pull, a mushy break, and an undefined break point, making precise shooting nearly impossible. However, for the LEGO-System AR15/10 (and other platforms), there are interchangeable trigger solutions available that can make life easier. Well-known options here include Timney Triggers USA, which has been producing triggers for almost every weapon since 1946. However, since 2004, another manufacturer has been making a name for itself in the German market: The company Geissele Automatics. One of their classic offerings is the Super Semi-Automatic Trigger (SSA), which we have taken a closer look at and tested for you.

One late evening, we decided to replace the existing Timney Competition Match trigger in an Oberland AR-10 platform with the Geissele SSA trigger. The trigger itself comes with a package containing instructions, oil, retaining pins, the two trigger components, and a silver sleeve for knocking out the retaining pins. The SSA is very similar to the standard AR system trigger, so anyone who has tinkered with it before will feel right at home. The Timney trigger, on the other hand, is a so-called drop-in trigger – only a single component that needs to be installed. Therefore, the installation process requires more precision and should only be done by knowledgeable personnel if you are unsure.

The installation process is explained in detail by Geissele on Youtube. In summary:

1. Tap out the pins of the existing trigger
2. Remove the trigger
3. Remove the safety (if necessary – in our case, it was, according to the instructions)
4. Insert the SSA lower part
5. Insert the SSA upper part
6. Insert the pins
7. Install the safety (if necessary)

What sets the Geissele SSA apart? We didn't have very high expectations for the trigger since we already had a good match trigger from Timney in use. However, after installation, we found that the Super Semi-Automatic trigger was quite impressive during dry firing. But let's stick to the facts and compare it to the Timney match trigger.

TThe Timney Competition Trigger comes with a trigger pull weight of 1800 grams. The take-up is virtually non-existent, and there is about 1mm of travel until the trigger breaks. As mentioned before, it is a really good trigger compared to the standard trigger and is designed for precision shooting. It is priced at 240 €.

The SSA is not a match trigger, but is intended for military use. It is highly popular among special forces (Geissele also produces full-auto triggers), as with it's perfectly defined take-up and break point, one can quickly or precisely shoot. The SSA has a take-up of several millimeters with a trigger pull resistance of about 900 grams (measured with a digital luggage scale). Then comes the break point, which breaks like glass after one millimeter and offers a resistance of about 1100 grams. This adds up to 2 KG trigger pull weight. More than the Timney, but definitely easier to handle due to the distinction. The take-up also provides the typical intentional stress-safety characteristic of the standard trigger, only more clearly defined.

After completing the installation, we packed everything up and looked forward to the upcoming weekends at the shooting range. We took our time and thoroughly tested the trigger.

Precision:

Shooting prone at 100m or 300m, the SSA slightly outperformed the Timney. This now depends on the shooter's personal preferences. With the Timney Competition, you are immediately at the break point and you feel the pressure for quite some time until the trigger breaks. The Geissele allows you to clearly stop at the take-up and break point and says: STOP, take a moment to yourself… it can't be described better. After that, you only have to overcome 1100 grams, which is easier to do (with your finger).

The reduced resistance also leads to fewer outliers even for an inexperienced shooter, improving the shot group.

Speed:

In terms of speed, all points go to Geissele. We fired multiple 5-shot groups in 5-10 seconds and were delighted to see how close the groups were. Again, thanks to the take-up and clearly defined break point, it was no problem and a true pleasure with the SSA.

CONCLUSION: The Super Semi-Automatic Trigger from Geissele is one of the best replacement triggers for the AR system that money can buy. The smooth take-up with 900 grams provides the necessary safety in stressful situations, and the actual trigger resistance of 1100 grams is perfect for quick or precise shots. Drawbacks? None. Everything has been done right here. Thank you, Geissele!

You can get the SSA and other triggers from Geissele Automatics at Spartac.de for about 270 €