So I’m pondering AR-15 triggers.
The main goal? A better trigger for the “hunting” AR, something that’s easier for the kiddos to manage.
I actually think the Rock River Arms NM 2-stage would be good for this, and doesn’t cost a fortune. And it just so happens I have one in another AR. So what did I do? I went the no-cost route and swapped the triggers. Now the RRA NM 2-stage is in the “hunting” Bushmaster, and the Bushmaster factory trigger is in my RRA “fighting” AR.
I had Daughter try things out again, and at least in doing some dry-fire here at home she’s much happier with the RRA trigger in the Bushy. Works for me!
Funny thing. With the Bushy trigger in the RRA, the trigger feels better. It’s still heavy, but the grittyness is gone. Maybe the disassembly of the triggers dislodged something? Maybe a little shaving of steel was caught in there? I don’t know, but I didn’t do anything except remove and install the triggers (no buffing/polishing or even a simple cleaning). Frankly it feels not too terrible to me now!
I’m really trying to reign in my spending, especially on guns and gun-related stuff. While this setup still leaves me wanting a bit better “fighting” trigger, I’m pretty sure I can live with this setup for now. Problems are solved, I’m satisfied with results, and it didn’t cost me anything other than a small amount of time. Sure down the line I’ll probably look further into triggers, especially because it’s an eventual dream to build my own AR from the ground-up. But for now, I think I can put this problem to bed.
Oh, and I cannot recommend The AR-15 Complete Assembly Guide by Walt Kuleck with Clint McKee enough. The step-by-step instructions and copious pictures (all taken from the right angles) really helped with the disassembly and reassembly. Made it a snap!
Stuff From Hsoi 
Tried to post earlier must be having intrawebs troubles.
JP Enterprises!
Have a complete FCG in the tack driver and won another set off the prize table at the Rocky Mountain Three Gun and put that set in misbeHavens AR with a factory hammer spring to give it more reliability with factory/mil surp ammo.
They support the shooting sports as well as making great parts for your AR.
Nope. The other posting came through just fine.
This whole AR trigger thing is something I’ve been pondering for some time (to fix/upgrade the trigger in the Bushy). On New Years Eve a friend of mine was over and I got to try out a Wilson Combat 6.8 with the SWEEEEEET Wilson TTU single-stage trigger. We got to talk a lot about triggers too, so it really spurred me into action. It’s been all I’ve been thinking about this new year so far. 😉
I wanted to try something while I had the time (before vacation is over), so I tried the swap and well… it’s Good Enough for now.
I will look into other triggers down the line, because I’d love to build my own AR so might as well build the ultimate one for me with the best parts. But for now well… hey… this works, and it didn’t cost me a thing.
I will look at the JP’s tho. I hear only good things about them.
IMNSHO, single stage triggers have no place on a military style semi-auto rifle and the standard Colt AR trigger is absolutely atrocious. My favorite AR trigger ever made was the 2-stage Chip McCormick drop-in FLAT faced AR trigger… but for whatever reason Chip discontinued these and hasn’t made any more in years. The RR 2-stage is a good choice and I have it in one of my ARs but its a pain to install and is a bit too finicky… not nearly as reliable and consistent as a drop-in enclosed trigger unit. If you ask me, you should always go with a 2-stage trigger, but thats just my highly prejudiced preference.
So elucidate for me.
In your mind, what purpose does a single-stage trigger have (if any), military style semi-auto or otherwise rifle? Why then a two-stage being superior?
I’ve had no problems with my RR, but I have read some things about it being good but not the best. Some would say it’s good as a benchrest or competition trigger, but they wouldn’t want to use it in a fighting/SHTF trigger. I certainly have enjoyed the trigger.
Note, I’m asking this out of honest desire to learn. I’m all ears here. As I wrote above to the TXGunGeek, I think I’m going to stick with the setup I now have (the swapped triggers) because my main goal was to make a better shooter for my kids and I can cope with the Bushy trigger. But down the line I’d love to build my own AR so I might as well blue-sky it and make it the best AR I can. Now that said, I still know you can build for different purposes and at least at this time the goal of “my first AR build” would be a SHTF/fighting rifle.
I’m prejudiced because I learned to shoot with an M1 Carbine and M1 Garand. Trigger control on a rifle makes more intuitive sense if something is actually moving in response to your progressive trigger squeeze… you take up the slack then rest on that shelf while you seek your final alignment. The pressure curve from zero to bang without any mechanical movement of a single stage trigger seems just wrong to me. Also, with a two stage, you have a more positive followthrough and re-set than with most monolithic single stage triggers.
I can maybe see light single stage triggers on bolt action rifles, but I have to admit I’m a big fan of the new trigger safety triggers like the Savage Accutrigger which are in effect two stage triggers (some part of the mechanism moves during the pressure curve before the sear is disengaged). The traditional Colt style AR trigger is a lawyers trigger. Its meant to be a heavy and hard gross point and click interface. It has no finesse as with the M1/M1A 2-stage trigger which while a battle rifle trigger that can be jerked and slapped in the heat of battle can still offer that smooth take-up and light precipice of the final alignment that a two-stage offers.
I see what you’re saying. Good food for thought.
There’s a sticky on M4carbine where someone reviewed a whole bunch of triggers and IIRC the reviewer liked Geissele (probably spelled wrong) the best.
I actually found that and linked to it in my previous AR Triggers post.
The upshot of a lot of the trigger stuff seems to be that there’s no one best trigger. Ultimately it depends what you want the gun for.
As for the one stage two stage I’ll put this forward. The same reasoning that drives much of my pistol technique, look to the professionals. I happen to live next door to a Navy fast boat unit designated marksman who is a 1000yd competitor and instructor now. He and a number of others I have had the occasion to meet have all had single stage triggers unless forced by NRA rules to have a two stage. Even some of them stick with heavy single stage for service rifle because they prefer single stage instead of the two step shooting. If the pull is crisp and smooth, the extra weight doesn’t completely matter to them.
BTW, ts includes semi autos as well as bolties.
Hrm. more good food for thought.