My AR varmint gun has had a Jewel 2 stage trigger for over twenty years. It is worn out and now is basically a three round burst. I have to admit that I did have fun at the range today shooting the 400 yd steel plates with 3 round burst! I'm looking for either a singe or two stage trigger that is reliable and has a light enough trigger pull for shooting small groups with a heavy barrel varmint gun. What is available these days?
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Need a new AR-15 trigger
- Thread starter MJF
- Start date
I run these in ALL my AR's, and have been using Rise triggers since they were a fairly new company (circa 2016-ish). They're a great company and their triggers are phenomenal.
risearmament.com
RISE Armament RA-434 High Performance Trigger (HPT)
With a smooth break and crisp reset, the RISE Armament RA-434 High-Performance Trigger is a serious upgrade for your rifle.
risearmament.com
Those look great,I run these in ALL my AR's, and have been using Rise triggers since they were a fairly new company (circa 2016-ish). They're a great company and their triggers are phenomenal.
RISE Armament RA-434 High Performance Trigger (HPT)
With a smooth break and crisp reset, the RISE Armament RA-434 High-Performance Trigger is a serious upgrade for your rifle.
Thank you.
Ditto to what @FuhQ said- I use Rise Armament and have been very pleased with the feel and performance. I also hunt coyotes in the desert- it's a rough environment and I've never had an issue, ever.
Buddy of mine has an SSA-E and swears by it. So, you've got a few options.
Buddy of mine has an SSA-E and swears by it. So, you've got a few options.
Personally I’ve got to the point where I realize I prefer 2 stage trigger. AR’15, AI etc etc
Trigger Tech diamond. Ridiculously nice trigger.
For flat out best feel on a AR15.....Elf match.
For best bang for the buck .....Aim Surplus SSAT (which I fully believe is made by Rise, but is usually $79 on sale).
If you want to waste money on something that is nothing more than a modified Mil-Spec trigger....Geissele (the old one look should make it obvious).
If you have hard to ignite primers.....HiperFire (the one with 2 coil springs for the hammer Hiper-Touch).
You're used to a Jewell....the only thing that will feel as good is the Elftmann match.
For best bang for the buck .....Aim Surplus SSAT (which I fully believe is made by Rise, but is usually $79 on sale).
If you want to waste money on something that is nothing more than a modified Mil-Spec trigger....Geissele (the old one look should make it obvious).
If you have hard to ignite primers.....HiperFire (the one with 2 coil springs for the hammer Hiper-Touch).
You're used to a Jewell....the only thing that will feel as good is the Elftmann match.
Geissele DMR if you want the best match trigger on the market. Larue MBT-2S otherwise.
You heard it here first folks. You have zero idea what your talking about.
I had a Uintah bolt action upper but got rid of it. They recommended Velocity triggers.
I got another upper for the rifle but kept the Velocity trigger. Yesterday was the first time that I did some serious target work with the rifle. Like the OP, my rig is a varmint setup with an RRA upper that has their heaviest barrel.
I was pleasantly surprised. The rifle with the Velocity trigger performed much better than expected. The rifle was like a laser at 700 yards.
I decided to stretch it out to 1000 yards. Naturally it wasn't as accurate at that distance but was hitting 12 inch steel plates about 50% of the time. The trigger definitely helped with the wide flat face.
This is the one that I got.
velocitytriggers.com
If you get this trigger you are going to need a trigger guard with more room.
velocitytriggers.com
A word of caution is in order. I like to use the MagPul BAD lever on my gas guns. However, due to the more forward position of the trigger face there was little room to maneuver my trigger finger. I could feel the BAG lever on my nail and knuckle.
The possibility of a ND was to great so I removed the BAD lever, which isn't a great loss as this rifle is meant for varmint and target work anyway.
This is a five shot group at 100 yards that I shot with Federal GMM 77 SMK. The trigger made a lot of difference.
I got another upper for the rifle but kept the Velocity trigger. Yesterday was the first time that I did some serious target work with the rifle. Like the OP, my rig is a varmint setup with an RRA upper that has their heaviest barrel.
I was pleasantly surprised. The rifle with the Velocity trigger performed much better than expected. The rifle was like a laser at 700 yards.
I decided to stretch it out to 1000 yards. Naturally it wasn't as accurate at that distance but was hitting 12 inch steel plates about 50% of the time. The trigger definitely helped with the wide flat face.
This is the one that I got.
MPC Triggers - Velocity Precision Engineering
Velocity Triggers are match grade, single stage, drop-in triggers for the AR platform. The Marksman Performance Choice Trigger is a single stage, drop-in trigger designed to give you more customization options and improve your finger’s position on the trigger. Each trigger shoe is 3/8" wide...
velocitytriggers.com
If you get this trigger you are going to need a trigger guard with more room.
Sentinel Trigger Guards - Velocity Precision Engineering
The Sentinel Trigger Guard, part of our MPC Series line of products, is manufactured from Billet 6061 T6 aluminum and then anodized or cerakoted for the appropriate color. The Sentinel design allows shooters a strong trigger guard with more room, especially when wearing gloves. * The Sentinel...
velocitytriggers.com
A word of caution is in order. I like to use the MagPul BAD lever on my gas guns. However, due to the more forward position of the trigger face there was little room to maneuver my trigger finger. I could feel the BAG lever on my nail and knuckle.
The possibility of a ND was to great so I removed the BAD lever, which isn't a great loss as this rifle is meant for varmint and target work anyway.
This is a five shot group at 100 yards that I shot with Federal GMM 77 SMK. The trigger made a lot of difference.
All things being equal the ssa, but just to include a lower cost option I love the hiperfire edt series for about a third of the cost, and it still has a great pull.
+1 on the Hiper-Fire. I have the EDT on a couple of rifles. Works great.
I'd go with the Larue MBT 2 stage trigger. Great trigger for the money.
Almost all my AR's have the SSA-E plus 1 Geissele NM, 1 AR Gold, 1TT Adjustable and 1 POF.
I have had 2 fail on me. I've never had other triggers fail.
Lol at your Geissele statement. The SSA-E/SD-E are absolutely phenomenal triggers. I've tried basically everything but a Timney Calvin Elite. The SSA-E/SD-E remains my favorite that isn't a 1.5lb Triggertech diamond on my precision builds.
SSA is in most of my guns, for more precision SSA-E or for the cheaper option, The Larue is a value single stage.
PB
PB
As much as I hate that dude, he's right. Geissele single-stage are nothing more than a highly polished-up milspec for a "reliability factor". Geissele even said that himself. IMO, they're a waste of money for what they ask for them. If you know what you're doing, you can get out a dremel and some fine-grit sandpaper and make a milspec almost the same thing for free. It is what it is.
Yeah, their 2-stage triggers are slightly different, but they're still not all that great, IMO. Drop-ins can get you MUCH better performance with the same reliability these days...And some are fully-adjustable on pull weight. So, why even fuck with a milspec-based anything when you can buy a drop-in precision trigger for the same price?
Once again, just my opinion... Don't like it? Not my problem. No apologies.
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Another vote here for the Rise Armament RA-434. Very crisp trigger, love it.
No their ALG (QMS quality mil spec & ACT advanced combat trigger) triggers are basically enhanced/polished mil spec. Then they have their budget G2S triggers. Everything else including their SSP aren't even remotely close to a milspec trigger. A ssp 3lb break with no take up isn't comparable to a bubba'd milspec and I highly doubt Bill said it was.
You would be the only person I've ever seen refer to cheaper drop ins as "MUCH" better than a SSA-E or SSP. You can say Geissele is over priced but they are still easily some of the finest triggers made. I find it hard to believe you have quality trigger time behind a SSA-E and came to the conclusion it's not that great.
I finger Geiselle triggers every chance I get, which is pretty often. Still trying to figure out what all the fuss is about.
It's really hard to beat the LaRue MBT-2S for the money (~$100). They're my go-to triggers that punch above their price point. I sold my Geissele SSA to buy 2 MBT-2S and don't regret it.
But I'd personally spend a bit more on the TriggerTech 3.5 lb Competitive (under $150 with code AR15) that feels lighter than advertised. Normally $225. These things are fantastic if you don't mind the very short first stage (think 1911 take-up). The flat bow isn't for everyone, but I've grown to like it.
www.opticsplanet.com
If you're willing to spend a bit more, TriggerTech's top tier triggers are their Adaptable (2.5 - 5.0 lbs) and Diamond (1.5 - 4.0 lbs) that rarely go on sale, but are well worth the money if you're chasing that last bit of precision. If you're going to spend Geissele money, you might be better off with a drop-in trigger.
But I'd personally spend a bit more on the TriggerTech 3.5 lb Competitive (under $150 with code AR15) that feels lighter than advertised. Normally $225. These things are fantastic if you don't mind the very short first stage (think 1911 take-up). The flat bow isn't for everyone, but I've grown to like it.
Triggertech AR-15 Special Edition Independence Day Trigger
Shop Triggertech AR-15 Special Edition Independence Day Trigger | 4.6 Star Rating on 11 Reviews for Triggertech AR-15 Special Edition Independence Day Trigger + Free Shipping over $49.
www.opticsplanet.com
If you're willing to spend a bit more, TriggerTech's top tier triggers are their Adaptable (2.5 - 5.0 lbs) and Diamond (1.5 - 4.0 lbs) that rarely go on sale, but are well worth the money if you're chasing that last bit of precision. If you're going to spend Geissele money, you might be better off with a drop-in trigger.
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And I'll continue to say it...Because they're not. They're nice, but they're not worthy of all the ego stroking they get amongst the masses. I've shot a ton of them, and spent a fair bit of trigger time with quite a few Geissele products. And I've even shot a few of their rifles and uppers...I just don't see what all the fuss is about. I find it hard to believe how many people are constantly blowing Geissele. Their stuff is nice, but I wouldn't say it's the best thing ever made. I mean, other things exist that are just as good, or better in their respective price ranges.
I bought a Triggertech Diamond last month. When I installed/tried it I said "What the...?" I failed to read that it was a "short two stage". (the ad I bought it from many not even have said it) Generally not a fan of two stage triggers, but I have to admit, I don't hate it. In hindsight I think it's better for what I'll be using it for, often hunting in cold weather. I think that extra touch will be a good thing.
My dad is something of a fudd, but asked me to build an AR for him. He had no pre-conception about what manufacturers make “the best” triggers, nor how much they cost. I have a few lowers with various triggers installed, and when it came time to select a trigger, I brought out the rifles and let him “blind test” the triggers. I didn’t tell him what to expect, who made it, or how much it cost. And, I didn’t give them to him in any particular order. He pulled a SD-E, G2S, Rock River national match, SSA-E, and a DPMS milspec AR trigger. His rating (crisp and clean pull), in descending order was SSA-E/SD-E, RRNM, big gap, G2S, bigger gap, mil spec. When told the SSA-E was $249 vs the $99 RRNM, he ordered the Geissele the next day.
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Try the LaRue 2-stage with JP reduced springs. Reduces the pull weight and has the sharpest break of the triggers I’ve used. If you’re concerned with light strikes keep the FP hammer spring in. The trigger spring will manipulate the 1st stage pull weight.
You can also do this with the G triggers. In the G triggers you can manipulate the 2nd stage pull weight by changing or cutting your disconnecter spring.
I believe the LaRue triggers are tougher. I’ve snapped several G triggers on MCX’s and PCC before they came out with triggers with bridges specific to those systems. I’ve ran LaRue triggers on MCX/PCC’s with zero failures and no hammer deformation.
TT diamond I snapped a hammer. It was in a Seekins SP10.
Hyper fire I have to over gas the system to defeat the extra spring tension.
You can also do this with the G triggers. In the G triggers you can manipulate the 2nd stage pull weight by changing or cutting your disconnecter spring.
I believe the LaRue triggers are tougher. I’ve snapped several G triggers on MCX’s and PCC before they came out with triggers with bridges specific to those systems. I’ve ran LaRue triggers on MCX/PCC’s with zero failures and no hammer deformation.
TT diamond I snapped a hammer. It was in a Seekins SP10.
Hyper fire I have to over gas the system to defeat the extra spring tension.
- Nov 3, 2010
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Ok Boomer…
Look closer, the sear and engagement surfaces are not even close to being the same.
I have geissele and rise. They are good but I think the geissele is over priced. Just ordered a cmc competition to try out.
If I look close enough, I'm sure the molecular construction is different......slightly.
Hey - you seem like a really smart guy.
Why don’t you go ahead and school us all with your in depth trigger engineering knowledge and experience.
Ray Charles could see the difference here. Give it up, you are full of shit on this subject.
I don’t like the long overall pull of the Geissele SSA-E triggers which equates to an overly long reset. For a varmint/target rifle this isn’t a big deal though. I have settled on Wilson Combat and CMC single stage triggers for my AR rifles. Neither have any perceived creep whatsoever. Fantastic triggers.
I’m not the biggest two stage fan, but the Wilson Combat 2 stage has a cleaner brake and a much shorter pull and reset than an SSA-E. I haven’t used a CMC 2-stage so I can’t comment.
I’m not the biggest two stage fan, but the Wilson Combat 2 stage has a cleaner brake and a much shorter pull and reset than an SSA-E. I haven’t used a CMC 2-stage so I can’t comment.
