How Do AR15 Safety Selectors Work? 

AR15 safety selectors are vital components in the AR-style rifle platform, serving to prevent accidental discharges. The safety selector is a lever typically located on the rifle's lower receiver. It allows the shooter to switch between Safe and Semi-Automatic.  

Safe

In this position, the trigger mechanism is disabled. Moving the safety selector to this setting prevents the hammer from being released, ensuring the rifle cannot be fired.  

Semi-Automatic

In this mode, the rifle can fire one round for each pull of the trigger. After firing, the bolt cycles automatically, chambering a new round, but the shooter must release the trigger and pull it again to fire another shot.

How Safety Selectors Operate 

The safety selector itself typically consists of a rotating lever that engages a disconnector within the lower receiver. When the hammer is in the Safe position, a detent or pin prevents it from moving. The shooter can operate the safety selector with their thumb without removing their hand from the pistol grip, allowing for quick transitions between safety and firing modes.

Choosing the Best AR-15 Safety Selector 

Safety selectors can come in various styles and configurations, including ambidextrous models that allow operation from either side of the rifle. Some options allow for adjustable lever lengths, providing a more customized experience based on the shooter’s preference.

Ambidextrous Safety for the AR15

Choosing an ambidextrous safety for the AR15 enhances versatility, allowing both right- and left-handed shooters to operate the firearm efficiently. This design enables the safety to be engaged from either side, improving handling in various scenarios and benefiting those who may switch hands or left-handed users.

BAD-ASS-PRO

The new BAD-ASS-PRO line of safety selectors comes standard with a reversible throw safety center with 0°-90° and 0°-60° short-throw options. Both the standard and short safety levers are entirely interchangeable and modular, making them suitable for left- or right-handed shooters. The new BAD-ASS-PRO is now 100% compatible with all known (3) AR variant lower receivers, and triggers designed to work with the “Mil-Spec” AR-15 semi-auto safeties. 

BAD-ASS-LITE

The BAD-ASS-LITE line of safety selectors features strong, CNC-machined 7075-T6 aluminum skeletonized levers. The reversible throw steel safety core offers 0°-90° and 0°-60° short-throw options. The aluminum safety levers are interchangeable and modular for both left- and right-handed shooters. 

BAD-ASS-ELITE

The BAD-ASS-ELITE is a lightweight, professional-grade semi-auto safety selector with a FIBER OPTIC option. “E” stands for Enhanced, and “LITE” stands for Lightweight. It features CNC-machined billet 7075-T6 aluminum levers. The selector includes a reversible throw steel safety core with two options: 0°-90° and 0°-60°. The fiber optic option allows users to select any color tube for visibility and accommodates a .060” (1.5mm) diameter fiber optic.