A cheap gun can surprise you. A cheap trigger? Not so much. Some of these are stiff, gritty, heavy, or just plain inconsistent. You pull the trigger and wonder if it’s ever going to break—or worse, it surprises you when it does. Whether it’s a mil-spec AR that feels like it’s dragging through gravel or a striker-fired pistol with mush for days, these triggers make shooting feel more like a chore than a skill. Here are 15 budget triggers that leave a lot to be desired.
PSA AR-15 Mil-Spec Trigger
This one’s about as standard as it gets, and unfortunately, that includes the gritty pull and vague break. It’s heavy, it stacks oddly, and it feels like it was built more for passing inspection than for actual use. Yes, it’s functional—but if you’re trying to shoot groups, don’t expect this trigger to help.
Taurus G2C
The G2C is a popular budget carry gun, but its trigger is a mess. It’s got a long, heavy pull with a sluggish reset. There’s a weird stacking halfway through that makes it hard to shoot consistently. It’ll go bang, but don’t expect it to feel good doing it.
DPMS Panther Oracle Trigger
The DPMS Oracle is affordable, but its trigger feels like you’re dragging it through wet gravel. It’s rough, has a vague wall, and doesn’t break clean. You’ll end up fighting the trigger more than running the gun. It’s usable—but barely.
Canik TP9DA Double Action
Canik makes some great triggers—just not this one. The DA pull on the TP9DA is long and oddly heavy, and the reset feels like it’s a mile away. Compared to their striker-fired versions, this trigger feels like an afterthought.
Anderson AR-15 Lower Parts Kit Trigger
Anderson’s lower parts kits are everywhere, and they get the job done. But the trigger feels like it was made from cut-up rebar. It’s spongy, gritty, and inconsistent. You’ll be tempted to replace it before your second mag.
Hi-Point C9
The Hi-Point C9 isn’t built for finesse, and the trigger is proof. It’s stiff, unpredictable, and reset is just a suggestion. If you’re used to clean, consistent triggers, this one will feel like punishment. You press and hope.
Ruger EC9s
This budget Ruger carry gun comes with a trigger that feels like you’re pushing through wet foam. It’s not smooth, it’s not crisp, and the reset is soft and weirdly long. It’s functional, but it doesn’t do you any favors on accuracy.
Kel-Tec P11
The P11 trigger is famously bad. Long, heavy, and downright mushy, it’s one of the worst striker-fired triggers out there. It feels more like a stapler than a firearm. If you can shoot this well, you can shoot anything.
Smith & Wesson SD9 VE
The SD9 VE was supposed to be a budget Glock alternative, but the trigger didn’t get the memo. It’s stiff, breaks late, and comes with a reset that’s hard to feel. It’s serviceable, but not something you’ll enjoy.
ATI Omni Hybrid Trigger
The Omni Hybrid comes with a trigger that feels like it’s made of Legos and regret. Gritty, inconsistent, and prone to stacking, it doesn’t help new shooters or experienced ones. It gets you by—but just barely.
Rock Island Armory GI 1911 Trigger
The RIA GI 1911 gives you that old-school look, but the trigger feels more like an old lawn mower throttle. It’s heavy and sluggish, with a gritty break that makes follow-up shots harder than they need to be.
SCCY CPX-2
The CPX-2’s trigger is long and heavy—really heavy. It’s designed that way for safety, but it feels like you’re hauling a rope out of a well. It’ll go off eventually, but it might take all your finger strength to get there.
Bushmaster QRC Trigger
This is another mil-spec AR trigger that checks the boxes and not much else. It’s heavy, crunchy, and has no business being in a rifle that’s otherwise pretty capable. You’ll feel every ounce of that pull.
Taurus TH9
This DA/SA pistol has a trigger that’s all over the place. The double-action is long and gritty, and the single-action isn’t much better. There’s no clear wall or break, and it resets with all the enthusiasm of a damp sponge.
Century Arms C39v2
The trigger on this American-made AK isn’t the worst—until you try to shoot fast. It’s spongy, inconsistent, and doesn’t have the clean break you want in a semi-auto. It works, but it doesn’t feel right.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
