AR-15 triggers. What do you like? What do you have? What are you interested in trying?

[Browning]

I've been bitten by the trigger bug recently. I currently have 3 mil-spec triggers of varying degrees of okayness, one RRA NM trigger and I recently added a Geissele G2S-E.

The Geissele is what prompted this. It feels quite a bit better than what replaced it.

To me if you forget about the hype the last two actually feel pretty similar except the Geissele is lighter, but with more travel towards the wall in the first stage before you hit that wall. Both are smooth.

For spare parts I have five triggers in boxes, two of which are pretty good RRA 2 stage mil-spec triggers that I'd probably use in upcoming builds if I hadn't caught the trigger bug so bad. The rest are an Armalite, a PSA and a beat to death Colt (that might still have some life left in it).

The AR's that have been through my hands in the past all had 2-stage regular old triggers except for one CMC flat single stage trigger that I really should have taken out of that rifle before I sold it. I've kicked myself for years about that.

The triggers that I'm interested in buying (or at least trying) are the Franklin Armory BFS-III, the Geissele Super Dynamic Enhanced (SD-E) and the KE Arms SLT-1 with their 45 degree safety.

The BFS-III
https://www.franklinarmory.com/products/binary-firing-system-gen-iii-trigger-pack

• Because it puts out double taps for you.



The Geissele SD-E
https://geissele.com/super-dynamic-enhanced-trigger.html

• Because I like flat faced triggers. There's something about them that makes them seem lighter and easier to hit with.



KE Arms SLT-1
http://www.kearms.com/slt-1-sear-link-technology-trigger.aspx

• With this trigger you can actually put on the safety no matter what. On an empty rifle with most other AR's you can't do that.

Shorter video


Longer video


So what do you guys have, what do you like and what are you wanting to try or buy? Multiple choices are allowed and aren't public.

 

[Walkalong]

That last video was terribly long winded and 90% or better had nothing to do with the trigger in question. Certainly didn't make me want to try it. I just don't get U-Tube video makers. Most are so terrible about staying on topic and being clear and concise. I guess they just like to hear themselves talk.

Ones I have had or have:

ALG. Good for the money.
Larue MBT. OK, wasn't wowed, gave it away.
GS-2. Love it.
Spikes Battle Trigger. Nice for a working defensive weapon.
RRA 2 stage. Started double tapping and I threw it away.
Timney drop in. Pretty nice but some creep and the break isn't as predictable as it should be. Not good for the money IMHO.

 

[sota]

Rise Armament RA-140 is a sweet trigger for $100.

I also have several rifles with PSA's EPT trigger I'm waiting to get to the range to try and see how they feel. In dry fire they feel nice.

 

[Walkalong]

Rise Armament RA-140 is a sweet trigger for $100.

One I have wanted to try. They have certainly gotten some good press.

 

[dieselchief]

I would like to try a drop in trigger, not sure which one.
I have a older ar10 b series. it requires a 'narrow hammer" to fit the bcg. if while playing with any of your triggers and you notice a drop in one with a .300 width hammer instead of the usual .495 I would appreciate a sound out.
...jard makes a adjustable one but I would prefer a drop in to limit grief. thanks, dc.

 

[Creature]

I have owned a few high-end triggers. Used quite a few more. I sold all of them off. All of my ARs are now equipped with Wilson Combat triggers.

 

[Hokie_PhD]

I have a PSA and an ALG. The PSA is ok. Basic milspec, the ALG is nicer but nothing to do a happy dance over.
For my next build I’m thinking I should try a nicer trigger but I’m afraid if I do, I’ll become a trigger snob and will on,y want really nice ones.

So we’ll see.

 

[sota]

One I have wanted to try. They have certainly gotten some good press.

I can tell you that I bought basically on recommendation of one of the last things I ever read on TTAG (before I realized just how much shark jumping their "political side" was doing) and I will say I don't regret it. It's smooth, it's got a short reset, it's glass-wall break is stunning, the over travel is nearly non-existent, it's easy to install. Based on the results of me sighting in the trifecta of EPT configured rifles I have I might be buying more. While I don't have experience with many other triggers, and I don't doubt you could probably get something "better", I don't see anything giving you THAT much more.

 

[kimberkid]

I have a PSA and an ALG. The PSA is ok. Basic milspec, the ALG is nicer but nothing to do a happy dance over.
For my next build I’m thinking I should try a nicer trigger but I’m afraid if I do, I’ll become a trigger snob and will on,y want really nice ones.

So we’ll see.

That is kind of what happens ... which is why I've got several RRA triggers!
---------------
I almost exclusively I use RRA NM or Varmint triggers I've been using them for years. One lower is 12-13 years old, and has at least 10K rounds through it, never had a DT and it still right at 4.5 pounds . I've seen comments about the RRA doing the double tap, but no one ever contacts RRA ... every single person says they just threw the $125 trigger away.

Last year I decided to build a 6.5 Creedmoor and spared no expense, Spikes matched receiver set, JP Enterprise everything except a Geissele SD-E trigger and PRS stock ... to say I was disappointed in the trigger is an understatement ... at the time that trigger was $259 ... and I couldn't feel the $100 difference between that and a RRA Varmint trigger. Both have a total pull weight of 3.5 pounds. I have in a nearly identical 223 AR. The only difference I can see or feel between the two is the SD-E has the flat blade trigger ... which I do like but can't see that its worth the additional $$$

 

[Orcon]

It's pretty amazing what a bit of careful polishing can do to a mil-spec fire control group. I used 800 and 1200 grit wet/dry sandpaper and finished up with an 8" cloth buffing wheel and some 6000 grit honing compound on the bearing surfaces. It doesn't make the pull-weight any lighter but it certainly got rid of the noticeable roughness of the pull. That being said, I did buy a Larue MBT-2S when they were on sale for $99 and it is quite good.

I'd like to try out the KAC 2-stage Match but I can't justify spending $100 more than comparable offerings just because it says KAC on it.

 

[Schlegel]

I have a nickle teflon coated mil-spec trigger and a LaRue MBT-2. Even just the coated one is a great improvement. The LaRue was a Christmas present from my wife. I put it on my scoped upper, it's a dramatically lighter and shorter trigger. I like it.

 

[SwampWolf]

I really can't compare because I've only tried a couple of the triggers being rated. I can say that I really like the Rock River National Match unit. The 2-stage pull feels just right to me; the trigger has been reliable and is relatively affordable.

 

[entropy]

It's pretty amazing what a bit of careful polishing can do to a mil-spec fire control group.

Yep. I took my issue rifle's trigger down to 2.5# with a bit of judicious work with the ceramic stones in my Armorer kit. Smooth as silk, made it a joy to shoot. I had to transfer the trigger and hammer to another rifle in the Arms Room, from a unit not being tested when the testers came around yearly. Then I'd switch it back.

 

[imashooter]

I have a couple of mil-spec that in general are acceptable. I have two PSA /EPTs that are noticeably smoother than mil-spec but close to the same pre-travel and reset.

I have one RA-140 which is ok and better than the above.

I have a 3lb. Timney Competition which is very nice and better than all my above. The Timney curved trigger is more of a cross between a flat and curved.

I have one Hiperfire 24C i to which I installed the gray colored toggle springs. which is claimed to provide 2 lbs trigger pull. I measured mine both on the bench and live fire with both a digital and manual gauge. The average is 1.7 lbs. I really like this one though it might be set too light for some folks for specific situations.

I like the engineering of the 24C, it appears well made with solid and nicely finished parts and materials. I also like that it's an "open" assembly vs a closed cassette module. The reason I prefer open is for inspection, cleaning, and lubing. I also like flat triggers as found on the 24C. It comes with an adjustable shoe which I likely will never install.

In all likelihood, my next build will probably be equipped with the flat-trigger model of the 3 lb Timney Competition. The Timney is like a super wife and the 24C a lover.

 

[Jesse H]

Geissele because they went in work guns. Liked them so much I got them for all of them.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

My first trigger upgrade was a PSA's EPT. A little better then milspec, glad I got it on sale ans didn’t pay full price.
I then went with a friend’s recommendation and got a AGL A.C.T. trigger. It’s a great trigger for the money. I have two rifles with this trigger.
I bought a Hiperfire EDT2 trigger on sale from Joe Bob Outfitters. I have to say that I really like this trigger. I like it so much that I bought three more. I have two installed and two for future builds.
I don’t have a need for super light triggers on most of my ARs, I like them in the 4 to 5 lbs range.
I have a Rise Armament RA-140 3.5lbs trigger in my side charger AR, but I built it for playing at the range and have no plans to use it for self defense.
I have no use for binary triggers. I see them as over priced and good for wasting money. I fired a lot of full auto in the military so, having something close to full auto doesn’t do much for me.

 

[Browning]

That last video was terribly long winded and 90% or better had nothing to do with the trigger in question. Certainly didn't make me want to try it. I just don't get U-Tube video makers. Most are so terrible about staying on topic and being clear and concise. I guess they just like to hear themselves talk.

Ehh, maybe. I actually like those guys though. I figured if people didn't like it they'd just do what I do and fast forward to the part about the KE Arms trigger.

Just in case I added a second video that's much shorter and only talks about the trigger.

 

[Rittmeister]

I put a RRA National Match 2-stage in my Frankengun (Aero Precision lower, RRA trigger, DD upper). This gun has iron sights only and it's a great combination.

My other gun is also a Frankengun; I put a Palmetto upper together with a complete Anderson lower that I picked up used, which has a Timney trigger in it. Not sure of the model but it's single stage, and has about a 3-lb break. I like it equally (I have a red-dot/magnifier combo on this gun) to the RRA.

Both rifles are chambered in 5.56 and shoot more accurately than I can. Particularly the gun with the RRA trigger; I don't shoot fabulous groups but I have no trouble hitting a pop can at 100 yards, standing offhand.

YMMV.

 

[Mixed Nuts]

I have the Geissele SSP Flat Bow and I set it up with the 3.5# spring (you get a heavy spring also that I tried but disliked). It is very nice single stage trigger and have it paired with an ergo tactical deluxe grip. The grip is fat and it fills up enough of my hand that my trigger finger reaches the SSP in just the right spot.

I recommend the combination.

 

[ewlyon]

I guess I am in the minority here of preferring the mil-spec trigger. I have a Rock River single stage in one of my ARs and probably won't change it, but I prefer the two-stage feel and after a lot of oil and dry firing all my cheapo triggers feel nice and smooth.
My brother has Geissele triggers in some of his ARs and I have tried them and was not impressed. They aren't bad, but they weren't anything special either.
Would love to try that JP roller trigger though.

 

[Mixed Nuts]

I guess I am in the minority here of preferring the mil-spec trigger. I have a Rock River single stage in one of my ARs and probably won't change it, but I prefer the two-stage feel and after a lot of oil and dry firing all my cheapo triggers feel nice and smooth.
My brother has Geissele triggers in some of his ARs and I have tried them and was not impressed. They aren't bad, but they weren't anything special either.
Would love to try that JP roller trigger though.

At the time of this writing the survey data has you in the majority. I'm curious, which Geissele triggers does your brother have?

 

[Nacho Man]

POF 4.5 (Scoped Target rifle) Chugging along no problems, wish it was 4lbs but no biggie.
PNT (factory BCM rifle/HD gun) No worries, nice n smooth.
Hipperfire EDT2 (retro dissipator) Nice for the money $65, no complaints.

 

[Chuck R.]

3 Geisselè SSA-Ès here.

Fantastic triggers with zero loss in reliability. Working on getting a 4th now.

 

[Klint Beastwood]

I’m really surprised not more people use timney. I’ve used timney triggers for all sorts rifles. Never had a problem. Then again I use, and ok with just a factory fire control group. I’ve rerarely if ever blamed a poor shot on a trigger. It’s more convienient I suppose trying to hit a 10 in target at a light year away however.

 

[FL-NC]

I have a Geisselles in my OBR and my Barne's Precision 3 gun rifle. My other 3 gun is a Larue stealth carbine with a Larue MBT. My hunting AR has a MBT. I am happy with both for the purposes I have used them. Most of my other guns have Mil-spec DPMS.At one time I used a JP that had a tendency to get out of adjustment and malfunction, and I tried a Jard that worked great until it didn't and it started "doubling", so no more JP or Jard triggers in my future. Larue occasionally does sales on the MBT.