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Choosing a Dogwood FRT starts with knowing which gun you plan to run it in, a question we hear constantly at AR15Discounts. We field forced reset trigger questions every week, from first-time AR owners to builders who have tried half a dozen systems. Dogwood Armory keeps coming up for good reasons, and this review covers every Dogwood product we carry.
For years, forced reset triggers were mostly an AR-15 story. That has changed quickly. Today the same idea reaches pistols such as the Glock, the Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0, and the Taurus TX22. Dogwood Armory, based in Asheboro, North Carolina, builds for both sides of that market.
TL;DR- Too Long Didn’t Read
Dogwood Armory builds forced reset triggers for both the AR-15 and popular pistols, and AR15Discounts carries the full lineup. The right model depends on the gun you plan to run it in.
- The FKT-15 drops into a standard mil-spec AR-15 lower with no permanent modifications and includes a 3-position selector.
- Pistol options cover Gen 1 through Gen 3 Glocks, the S&W M&P 2.0, and the Taurus TX22.
- AR builds need an M16-profile bolt carrier group and the right buffer weight to reset reliably.
- Forced reset triggers are banned in several states, so check federal and state law before ordering.
How a Dogwood FRT Works
A standard semi-automatic trigger waits for you to release it before it resets. A forced reset design takes that job over mechanically. As the action cycles, the device pushes the trigger back to its forward position, so it is ready for the next press sooner. Each shot still requires its own function of the trigger.
On the AR-15, that energy comes from the bolt carrier group. On the pistols, the slide does the work as it cycles. If you are new to the category, our forced reset trigger vs. standard trigger article walks through the mechanics in more detail.
What Makes Dogwood Different
Plenty of companies sell forced reset devices now. In our experience, buyers want three things. They want a device that fits the rifle they already own, they want flexibility, and they want a fair price. Dogwood checks those boxes better than most.
The flagship AR-15 unit drops into a standard mil-spec lower with no drilling or cutting. Each kit includes a 3-position selector rather than charging extra for one. The unit can also move between compatible rifles, so one purchase can serve more than one build. Few brands also cover popular pistols, and Dogwood does that at prices that start well below what most shooters expect.
Dogwood FRT for the AR-15: The FKT-15
The Dogwood Armory FKT-15 is the heart of the lineup and the Dogwood FRT most AR owners start with. Dogwood describes it as a drop-in forced reset system for standard mil-spec AR-15 lowers, with zero permanent modifications. The kit contains the drop-in unit and one mil-spec style 3-position selector. It is designed for mil-spec triggers, and Dogwood says aftermarket and two-stage triggers are compatible with some modifications.
Two Positions or Three
Out of the box, the FKT-15 can run as a 2-position system with your factory selector. When you want more control, the included 3-position selector adds a dedicated position. Dogwood says that selector takes about three minutes to install.
One Trigger, Several Rifles
Because nothing is permanently changed, the unit comes out as easily as it goes in. Dogwood points out that you can swap it between mil-spec rifles during the same range session. At $250 at the time of writing, it lands at a price point that makes sense for a first forced reset system.
Setting Up Your Rifle for a Dogwood FRT
Drop-in does not mean every rifle is ready as it sits. Our forced reset system host weapon requirements page covers the details, and it is worth reading before you order.
The big items are simple to check. AR-platform forced reset systems need an M16-profile bolt carrier group, since lightweight or semi-auto carriers will not time the reset correctly. Buffer weight matters too, with an H2 as the starting point on carbine gas and an H3 recommended. Pistol-length and suppressed builds should start at H3 or heavier.
Selector-based systems also need a low-shelf or M16-profile trigger pocket, and the rear of the trigger should be squared rather than notched. Run quality brass-cased ammunition while you confirm reliable operation. Our forced reset trigger buying guide covers how to match a device to your build.
Dogwood FRT Options for Pistols
This is where Dogwood separates itself from AR-only brands. The company covers three of the most common pistols we see. Before you read further, check the legal section below, because pistol FRTs sit in a different place than AR-15 units.
G Spot V2 for Glock
The Dogwood Armory G Spot V2 fits Gen 1 through Gen 3 double-stack Glocks, excluding .45 ACP and 10mm models. Each kit includes an aluminum trigger shoe, springs, hardware, and two trips to help with fitting. You can choose a curved or flat trigger shoe in black or silver, with most versions around $50 at the time of writing. Dogwood recommends it for shooters comfortable with light gunsmithing.
S&W M&P 2.0 Forced Reset System
The Dogwood Armory S&W M&P 2.0 Forced Reset System replaces the factory backplate. It covers M&P 2.0 pistols in 9mm, 10mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, including full-size, compact, subcompact, metal frame, Performance Center, and thumb safety models. It fits non-select fire configurations and sells for $139.95 at the time of writing.
Taurus TX22 Forced Reset Trigger
For rimfire shooters, the Dogwood Armory Taurus TX22 Forced Reset Trigger replaces the factory disconnector and uses the slide’s cycling to reset the trigger. A punch, hammer, and sandpaper may be needed for fitting. At $14.95 at the time of writing, it is the least expensive way into the Dogwood lineup. We also carry the MP5 Black Widow PolyPew Lower with a Super Safety for MKE-pattern MP5 clone builders.
Know Your Law Before You Buy
Federal status is the first thing every buyer should understand. In May 2025, the Department of Justice settled its litigation with Rare Breed Triggers. Under that agreement, the government stopped treating forced reset triggers that meet the agreement’s definition as machine guns. To qualify, the hammer must release from the sear and the trigger must reset after every round.
That settlement has limits, and they matter for pistols. Rare Breed agreed not to make or market FRTs for handguns whose magazine loads into the grip, which describes the Glock, M&P 2.0, and TX22. The agreement also does not prevent enforcement against other manufacturers. Because of that, we do not describe the pistol units as federally cleared, and buyers should research current federal guidance before they order.
State law is a separate question. As of this writing, states including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington, along with the District of Columbia, prohibit forced reset triggers. Laws can change quickly, so check your state and local rules before you buy. This article is not legal advice.
Why Choose a Dogwood FRT
When buyers ask us to compare brands, we come back to the same points. Dogwood gives AR owners a true mil-spec drop-in with a 3-position selector in the box. The unit moves between compatible rifles, which adds value for anyone with more than one build. The brand also reaches pistols that most competitors ignore, and prices run from under $15 to $250. That combination of fit, flexibility, and value is why we think a Dogwood FRT deserves a close look.
Final Thoughts
After countless conversations with forced reset trigger buyers, we have learned that the right device is the one that fits your gun, your budget, and your local laws. Dogwood Armory covers more of those situations than most brands, from the FKT-15 for the AR-15 to its pistol systems. Read the host requirements, confirm your state rules, and then shop the full Dogwood Armory lineup at AR15Discounts. Our team talks through these builds every day and is happy to help you choose. You can also review product details directly at Dogwood Armory.
FAQ
A standard trigger resets only after you release it. Dogwood forced reset triggers use the cycling of the bolt carrier or slide to push the trigger forward after each shot, so it is ready for the next press sooner. Each shot still requires its own function of the trigger.
Dogwood makes AR-15 and pistol systems. AR15Discounts carries the FKT-15 for AR-15 rifles, the G Spot V2 for Gen 1 through Gen 3 double-stack Glocks, a forced reset system for the S&W M&P 2.0, and a forced reset trigger for the Taurus TX22.
The FKT-15 drops into a standard mil-spec lower with no permanent modifications. It includes a 3-position selector, runs as a 2-position system with your factory selector, and can be moved between compatible rifles.
No. Several states, including California, New York, Illinois, and Washington, prohibit forced reset triggers. The 2025 federal settlement also does not cover handguns whose magazine loads into the grip. Check federal guidance and your state and local laws before buying.
The FKT-15 fits standard mil-spec AR-15 lowers with an M16-profile bolt carrier group. For Glocks, the G Spot V2 fits Gen 1 through Gen 3 double-stack models except .45 ACP and 10mm. The M&P 2.0 system fits non-select fire M&P 2.0 pistols in 9mm, 10mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, and the TX22 unit fits the Taurus TX22.
The FKT-15 can run as a 2-position system using your factory selector. Installing the included 3-position selector adds a dedicated position, giving you more control over how the rifle operates.
Reliability depends heavily on the host firearm. AR-15 rifles should use an M16-profile bolt carrier group, the correct buffer weight, proper gas, and quality brass-cased ammunition. Most reliability complaints we hear trace back to one of those items.
Most issues trace back to setup, such as a semi-auto bolt carrier, a buffer that is too light, a high-shelf lower, or an undergassed rifle. Some units may need minor fitting depending on the rifle or trigger. Reviewing our host weapon requirements first prevents most of these problems.
Warranty terms are set by the manufacturer and can change. For current warranty details, contact Dogwood Armory directly before or after your purchase.
Treat the firearm with the same care as any other, and confirm safe, reliable function before live fire. Install the device according to the instructions, verify host compatibility, and keep your finger off the trigger until you are on target. Above all, confirm that the device is legal where you live.

