Geissele SSA-E or High Speed National Match?

mudholestomper · Oct 11, 2025

I’m finishing up my 308 AR10 precision rifle. It’s currently got a CMC single stage flat bow trigger.

The last time I measured the pull weight, it was right at 2-2.25lbs. It’s been a while since, so I don’t remember exactly.

It’s a fine trigger, but I want a light 2-stage trigger. Sub 2lb on the second stage.

I’m looking at the different versions of the SSA-E as well as the High Speed National Match, but can’t decide which is the best choice.

This gun is a 15lb bench gun that I’m using to learn the fundamentals of long range. It’s built on Aero Precision receivers and rail, an 18” X-Caliber barrel, a RifleSpeed gas block, rifle length gas and buffer, and a JP bcg. Current glass is a Trijicon Tenmile 3-18 in an ADM mount.

I like the idea of having the 3 different spring sets if the role of the rifle changes, and the 2nd stage of the HSNM trigger can get down under 1/2lb.

The SSA-E is obviously a very proven commodity, and the 2nd stage is also really light around 1-1.5lb.

Thoughts on which would be the best choice?

Hi-Speed National Match - Trigger Set

1st Stage 2nd Stage Total Weight Service Rifle 3.2 - 5 lbs. 0.5 - 1.5 lbs. 4.5 lbs. Minimum DMR 2.5 - 3.6 lbs. 0.5 - 1.5 lbs. 3.0 - 5.1 lbs. Match Rifle 1.5 - 2.5 lbs. 6.0 - 14 oz. 1.9 - 3.4 lbs All weights are approximate. Please note, our triggers are designed for mil-spec AR15/M4...

geissele.com

https://geissele.com/super-semi-automatic-enhanced-ssa-e-trigger.html

TicTacTex · Oct 11, 2025

The best choice is the one you’re the most happy with.
Triggers are just one of those items you end up buying multiples of and trying for yourself to see what fits you the best.

Bacarrat · Oct 11, 2025

I have multiples of both. If i was to pick one, SSAE. Don't need a trigger that light personally. On the NM I installed them and never messed with the trigger pull. It's very light straight from the factory and the 1st stage is very short. It all comes down to a personal preference. Even on my AI's I don't mess with the trigger pull weight and I'm perfectly happy with the 3.5-2.5lb pull weight on those.

Gasgun · Oct 11, 2025

I have a Hi Speed NM and a few SSA-EX.
They are so close that IMO, it’s not worth the effort setting up the Hi-Speed.
The SSA-EX is drop in and go.

vanrichten · Oct 11, 2025

I personally love the flat trigger SSA and have a dozen of them. I have a NM still in the package I’ll eventually put in my A2 but I’ve been “meaning to do that” for about a year.

jmornoinf · Oct 11, 2025

SSA-E

Hoser · Oct 11, 2025

NM for sure unless you have short fingers.

Nik H · Oct 11, 2025

I've tried both of your choices and the newer SSA-EX. The EX is pretty sweet. The National Match is also pretty nice but a little more finicky.

I know this is no help but you won't go wrong with any of those choices and it does come down to what you will actually prefer.

mudholestomper · Oct 11, 2025

TicTacTex said:
The best choice is the one you’re the most happy with.
Triggers are just one of those items you end up buying multiples of and trying for yourself to see what fits you the best.

I can’t justify spending $250-$300 per trigger so I can try for myself and see what fits me best. I’d be willing to bet that most people would find that approach unreasonable.

I have considerable experience with lots of triggers and so do the members here. And I outlined my objective reasons for looking at these two triggers

jmornoinf said:
SSA-E

It’s close to useless for you to answer and not provide any context for your answer.

mudholestomper · Oct 11, 2025

Hoser said:
NM for sure unless you have short fingers.

Why?

DeathBeforeDismount · Oct 13, 2025

SD-E is the best trigger they make imo. The x triggers aren't really even noticable and your just paying for the coating. Have owned dozens of G triggers over the years and tried them all. Hi speed is still a great trigger but you can get similar performance for less money.

TimK · Oct 13, 2025

I have several of both and strongly prefer the national match. Not only is it adjustable (you might want light weight someday), but I also think it's a crisper break.

Hoser · Oct 15, 2025

mudholestomper said:
Why?

The front face of the trigger shoe is moved forward a little bit.

Clayman · Oct 15, 2025

I have multiple SSA-E, SD-E and one NM. The NM the way mine is set up is about 1 lb less combined force pull than my SSA-E/SD-E triggers at just under 2 lb.

As far as drop in I love the trigger tech diamond, you can adjust it to a very light pull weight.

rdinak · Friday at 8:43 PM

I lost count after the first 7 or 8 SSA-E’s. Still miss the old Jewel trigger.

Whenever the Black Friday sales roll out, I will be looking for another SSA-E.

tarheel7734 · Friday at 8:59 PM

mudholestomper said:
I’m finishing up my 308 AR10 precision rifle. It’s currently got a CMC single stage flat bow trigger.

The last time I measured the pull weight, it was right at 2-2.25lbs. It’s been a while since, so I don’t remember exactly.

It’s a fine trigger, but I want a light 2-stage trigger. Sub 2lb on the second stage.

I’m looking at the different versions of the SSA-E as well as the High Speed National Match, but can’t decide which is the best choice.

This gun is a 15lb bench gun that I’m using to learn the fundamentals of long range. It’s built on Aero Precision receivers and rail, an 18” X-Caliber barrel, a RifleSpeed gas block, rifle length gas and buffer, and a JP bcg. Current glass is a Trijicon Tenmile 3-18 in an ADM mount.

I like the idea of having the 3 different spring sets if the role of the rifle changes, and the 2nd stage of the HSNM trigger can get down under 1/2lb.

The SSA-E is obviously a very proven commodity, and the 2nd stage is also really light around 1-1.5lb.

Thoughts on which would be the best choice?

Hi-Speed National Match - Trigger Set

1st Stage 2nd Stage Total Weight Service Rifle 3.2 - 5 lbs. 0.5 - 1.5 lbs. 4.5 lbs. Minimum DMR 2.5 - 3.6 lbs. 0.5 - 1.5 lbs. 3.0 - 5.1 lbs. Match Rifle 1.5 - 2.5 lbs. 6.0 - 14 oz. 1.9 - 3.4 lbs All weights are approximate. Please note, our triggers are designed for mil-spec AR15/M4...

geissele.com

https://geissele.com/super-semi-automatic-enhanced-ssa-e-trigger.html

If you dont need adjustability that the nm offers, the ssa-e is an amazing trigger. I actually put it in all my ar platform rifles.

mudholestomper · Tuesday at 6:59 PM

Well, dammit, y’all were supposed to make this decision easier lol.

I’m going to keep my eyes on the sales/blems/equipment exchanges and pick up whatever comes in at the best deal - nm/ssa-e/sd-e.

And right after I type that, I think “I’m very comfortable setting up the nm trigger, and this is a bench gun that I’ve invested a lot of time and money into making it the best it can be, and the nm seems like the best option for precision”.

Awesome to have these options!

I have a Larue MBT-2 in my main squeeze 13.7. It’s a good trigger, but I don’t like the reset too much. But it’s in my go to rifle, so that says something.

I see the ssa-e commonly compared to the mbt-2, with a mix of which is better leaning Geissele.

But I don’t hear anyone compare the mbt-2 with the nm.

tarheel7734 · Tuesday at 7:02 PM

mudholestomper said:
Well, dammit, y’all were supposed to make this decision easier lol.

I’m going to keep my eyes on the sales/blems/equipment exchanges and pick up whatever comes in at the best deal - nm/ssa-e/sd-e.

And right after I type that, I think “I’m very comfortable setting up the nm trigger, and this is a bench gun that I’ve invested a lot of time and money into making it the best it can be, and the nm seems like the best option for precision”.

Awesome to have these options!

I have a Larue MBT-2 in my main squeeze 13.7. It’s a good trigger, but I don’t like the reset too much. But it’s in my go to rifle, so that says something.

I see the ssa-e commonly compared to the mbt-2, with a mix of which is better leaning Geissele.

But I don’t hear anyone compare the mbt-2 with the nm.

The mbt2 is not in same category as nm. It's closer to the standard ssa.

Bacarrat · Tuesday at 7:28 PM

mudholestomper said:
Well, dammit, y’all were supposed to make this decision easier lol.

I’m going to keep my eyes on the sales/blems/equipment exchanges and pick up whatever comes in at the best deal - nm/ssa-e/sd-e.

And right after I type that, I think “I’m very comfortable setting up the nm trigger, and this is a bench gun that I’ve invested a lot of time and money into making it the best it can be, and the nm seems like the best option for precision”.

Awesome to have these options!

I have a Larue MBT-2 in my main squeeze 13.7. It’s a good trigger, but I don’t like the reset too much. But it’s in my go to rifle, so that says something.

I see the ssa-e commonly compared to the mbt-2, with a mix of which is better leaning Geissele.

But I don’t hear anyone compare the mbt-2 with the nm.

Check with Primary Arms they always have sales on the G triggers, especially during any holiday. Or you can get a blem. It works all the same and I could never find any cosmetic issues with it nor do I care.

Geissele Automatics Super Semi-Automatic Two Stage AR-15 Trigger - BLEMULA

These blemished products are guaranteed to function correctly but may have minor cosmetic defects.

www.primaryarms.com

This blows the MBT2 out of the water. I got one the other day wanting to be different. I took it out within a day and ordered another SSAE.

surprisingrerun · Tuesday at 9:04 PM

Any reason you aren't considering the TriggerTech AR10 triggers as well? For two stage I think they are hard to beat.

ggmanning · Tuesday at 9:25 PM

I have both and I prefer the NM for the feel. The NM will adjust lower but I have them set similarly in pull weight. Both are great but the NM breaks cleaner for me.......splitting hairs though unless you want very light.

SV_Dude · Tuesday at 9:36 PM

I use the SD-E for my gap10. It’s a very nice trigger but I wouldn’t mind if it was a bit lighter. Not that there’s anything wrong with it to begin with, I just prefer a little lighter trigger for the AR’s. I bought some NM springs that I’m going to put in it and tinker a bit. I would have just gone with the NM trigger but I wanted a flat trigger.

I use a trigger tech diamond in my ar15 and it’s awesome. Id definitely be happy with that in any ar.

oldrifleman · Tuesday at 9:40 PM

I have gone SSA-E with lightning bow

Geissele SSA-E or High Speed National Match?

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