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Calvin Elite AR15 Test

Subwrx300

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Minuteman
Jan 15, 2014
1,381
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Cedar Springs, MI
Bought a Calvin Elite for my 224V. Here's the review in a word: UNREAL!

I have a several triggers to compare against, including standard AR15 trigger groups, enhanced triggers with JP spring kits, Hyperfire 24C, and CMC two stage 1lb/3lb plus a CMC 2lb/2lb. I would rate this above the Hyperfire (due only to adjustability) and way above the rest both in terms of feel, crispness and reset.

The best way to describe the trigger (in my mind) is as follows: ZERO, ZERO take up, slightest pressure, BANG, and super-ultra positive reset of maybe 1mm. It feels like the break of a Hyperfire 24c, very loud and tactile reset of the CMC/Standard trigger, no discernable over travel and ability to break shot EXACTLY when you want without moving crosshair in the slightest. It makes calling shots is super easy.

Then there are the features that set it apart from every other trigger on the market (that I'm aware of): 5 different trigger shoes (if you count the skinny bar as a shoe), and completely adjustable trigger geometry (height, depth, cant and rotation). This level of customization is both amazing and somewhat complicated as it takes some time to test and adjust each shoe to your liking.

Once you find a shoe that fits your style (curved, flat, flat hooked, knurled round bar, or skinny thin bar), then you can adjust trigger height (up/down), depth (forward/rearward), trigger face rotation (left/right) and trigger cant (think pendulum swinging left/right). This is the part that takes some tinkering as with so many "settings" it can be tough to settle on best for you. However, I found setting everything in the middle of travel goves best starting point: medium height, middle depth, square face rotation and no can't. From there, I move shoe lower, forward and ever so slightly rotated rightward and canted slightly to left side.

In practice I was a bit nervous of negligent discharges or double tap due to trigger being so light, however within a few rounds, I had a good feel for trigger and felt very comfortable shooting prone, barricade, free recoil and even snap shooting. To be fair, you MUST practice extreme caution and safe trigger practices with this because 1.5lbs is deceptively light and no takeup means absolutely no margin of error. The safety is your friend.

This trigger turned my AR into a system that feels virtually identical to my bolt gun when running barricade practice. I can focus on target and simply finger rearward to break shot in near complete free recoil style or punch trigger without consequences you would see with heavier happy switches.

Basically best trigger I've tried yet if only for the ability to use multiple shape triggers on same rifle. The only "drawback" is also it's strength: it's SOOOO damn light that it will take another couple hundred rounds of hard practice under stress to ensure no NDs and/or bump fires when running quickly.

The only change I'd make is possibly having adjustable weight, like 1.5-3lbs. This can sort of be done by positioning trigger at it's highest position but only small difference, feels like an ounce or two different at most due to lower leverage point.

There are tons of pictures around but if anyone wants pictures, let me know and I'll add some.
 
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Surprised you haven't got any responses. The CE is easily the best AR trigger I've used, it's a shame I can't afford to have one in more of my rifles.

I've been using one all year in my 3 gun rifle with no safety issues, and thats a lot of running around with the safety off and shooting from weird positions. Sub .12 second split times are easy.
One caveat is the tensioning screws need to be kept tight or it will start doubling on you. I had them come loose once, after really cranking them down it hasn't been an issue.
 
Surprised you haven't got any responses. The CE is easily the best AR trigger I've used, it's a shame I can't afford to have one in more of my rifles.

I've been using one all year in my 3 gun rifle with no safety issues, and thats a lot of running around with the safety off and shooting from weird positions. Sub .12 second split times are easy.
One caveat is the tensioning screws need to be kept tight or it will start doubling on you. I had them come loose once, after really cranking them down it hasn't been an issue.
Good to know about the set screws. I'll check and tighten again to be sure.

On side note, I never thought I'd say a Hyperfire felt "heavy" .... Until now. Lol.
 
Yeah I'd been using a 24C prior to the CE and I thought it was probably the holy grail of triggers. Not sure how much better AR triggers can possibly get in the future.
 
Works great very light and crisp with a nice reset.
I had two issues with it, first I had to relieve the lower receiver trigger slot sightly as the horizontal trigger bar that the vertical rod clamps onto was making contact with the rear of the receiver.

Second, like the OP stated the trigger is so light and the reset short you can easily bump fire a second round if you shoot with a loose hold.
 
Works great very light and crisp with a nice reset.
I had two issues with it, first I had to relieve the lower receiver trigger slot sightly as the horizontal trigger bar that the vertical rod clamps onto was making contact with the rear of the receiver.

Second, like the OP stated the trigger is so light and the reset short you can easily bump fire a second round if you shoot with a loose hold.

I'm going to double check my clearance at trigger inlet for contact but I think I'm good.
I ran against my AR10 today with 24c and I don't think I'd want to run the CE in a harder recoiling (relatively) rifle like a 6.5CM or 6CM. The extra BCG mass drives the rifle forward hard enough that I think doubles would be hard to prevent under some circumstances.

In a 223 or 224V with a good brake, it's not bad and haven't had a double yet (knock on wood).