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AR Drop In Triggers?

6.3K views 40 replies 36 participants last post by  TacTechToyTrader  
#1 ·
Seeking advice on AR drop in triggers to replace a creepy mil-spec unit.

Brand & model?

Two stage, or single?

Pull weight?

Curved, or straight?

Thank you.
 
#2 ·
I replaced the factory trigger (the Armageddon roller-trigger) on my JP CTR-02 with a drop-in Trigger Tech Diamond. Wow. What a huge difference. The Diamond is the top of the line but there are other models to fit most folks' budgets. I've got Diamonds in 4 different rifles, and since they are easily adjustable with the turn of a screw, I've set all of them to about 2.0 lbs for consistency. I prefer the straight lever. The Trigger Tech AR triggers are 2-stage triggers but I have single-stage triggers in my bolt-action rifles. They are easy to install (except on my JP, I had to swap out the safety since the JP safety is proprietary and it wasn't compatible with the Trigger Tech. I installed a Radian, which is awesome).

Timney also makes great triggers too, and many guys I know love their Calvin Elite models. Good luck in your hunt, OP. I'm sure there will be many others who can chime in on their preferences.

Here are a couple of links for you:

 
#3 ·
Triggertech is great. I think the use case for that is hunting or target shooting. Look at elftmann as well. And lastly wilson TTU is highly underrated, criminally underrated and the cheapest option.

Wilson doesn’t do flat face TTU so you won’t look the best on Instagram.
 
#5 ·
Geissele is the gold standard for a reason. Flat or curved seems to be personal preference, though not many people seem to go back to curved once trying flat. I don’t worry about pull weights. I have a better pull with two stage triggers but think that’s probably also personal preference.

For RDS guns, I go SD-C. For LPVO guns, I go SD-E.


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#34 ·
Agreed- Geissele in all my carbines.


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#7 ·
I have in my rifles at the moment: (drop in all 3.5#)
-Timney Impact PCC single stage, flat bow (Troy AR9)
-POF single stage, flat bow (think 4#)
-Velocity single stage, custom bow (don’t remember exact model, I will look it up)
-Elftman single stage, flat bow
- TriggerTech competition, 2 stage, flat bow
The Triggertech is my only 2 stage trigger (just like shooting my 1911s) yet it probably my favorite of them all so far. The thing is that I have each rifle set up a bit different. The optics and purpose of the rifle kinda dictated my trigger choice. The Triggertech is different in the way the trigger functions. I felt the difference with the break and the reset. For the price I got it for (less than $150) I feel it was my best bang for the buck trigger purchase I’ve made yet
 
#10 ·
I have a couple of velocity drop ins, I have never out ran the velocity triggers and they are well made, solid and cost about a $150. I have the curved triggers on mine. One is 4lb. the other is 3.5lb., I have other triggers, but they aren't drop in.
 
#15 ·
I'm familiar with the LaRue Tactical MBT-2S-SB. It has been sold out whenever I have looked.

Perhaps my use of "Drop-In" isn't correct terminology.

Intended firearm usage? General service. I don't have much AR experience yet.

I'm considering a single stage trigger. I would like to standardize my experience & learning curve for now & future purchases/uses. What might be any negatives on a single stage?
 
#17 ·
I use single stage triggers in systems meant for short distance, quick delivery. Not saying that is the only or intended use, just the way I do it. In that circumstance I have found the ATC gold flat face and G3SD flat face to be reasonable options. Short positive reset, on both with a nice clean break. The former is 3.5 lbs. The latter takes a lot of practice at the 3.5 lbs weight, but there is a 5 lbs option that is easier to deal with.

As others have mentioned, I believe you would get optimum use of your money through a Larue. It may not be as refined as the other options I mentioned, but it is half the cost or thereabouts.

If budget is not a concern, I would recommend the ATC flat single stage.

If your intended use is to get tight groups at longer distances, a two stage (my preference is curved) might be a better option. Generally the second stage poundage is substantially lower (1-3 lbs) and you have a cleaner break (though there are some single stage triggers that are close). Good for bench systems. Keep in mind that low break force means the reset is less pronounced which may not be ideal for quicker delivery. Likewise with the single stage, higher break force would make it less ideal for precision.
 
#20 ·
Been verry happy with the two Hyper Fire triggers I put in my ARs. The AR10 has a flat trigger with an adjustable curved pad. The ar15 is curved and serrated. Both at 2.5# both single stage.
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#21 ·
I really like the ke arms slt. There's no disconnector so you feel nothing but the break and you only notice a reset if you ride the trigger. It's listed at 4.5lbs and you can get curved or flat. They call it single stage but that would mean it has a consistent pull through the full range of motion. It doesn't. There is no range or motion. Just you and the wall. They recommend it for the sig mpx which is notorious for eating triggers so it's not just nice but tough as well.
 
#22 · (Edited)
If I was in a battlefield environment, likely to be wearing gloves, and forced to work the gun in all manner of ambient conditions, I'd want a 2-stage trigger.

Some of that thinking may have been in the back of my mind when I put LaRue 2-stages (these are not drop-in) in all my AR's years ago. But, I use my AR's mainly for hunting and the disparity between the crisp, single stage-triggers in all of my other platforms caused me some problems in the field. In other words, everything works great on a 100 yard square range, but under real conditions that's not always the case.

All my AR's now have Wilson Combat TR-TTU single-stage triggers. The trigger pull with these units is light and clean, so trigger finger discipline is paramount. Most (if not all) of my fellow comrades get a "surprise" bang the first time they shoot my guns, because they all use 2-stage triggers.

The mission (the real one, not the imagined one) drives the gear, so let some reality based analysis determine what might best serve your needs. Shooting the two trigger designs back to back is the best way to compare and contrast the differences IMO.

ETA: If I only owned one rifle, I'd have stayed with the 2-S LaRue. Switching around with different platforms is where the difference caused me some grief.
 
#24 ·
If I was in a battlefield environment, likely to be wearing gloves, and forced to work the gun in all manner of ambient conditions, I'd want a 2-stage trigger.

Some of that thinking may have been in the back of my mind when I put LaRue 2-stages in all my AR's years ago. But, I use my AR's mainly for hunting and the disparity between the crisp, single stage-triggers in all of my other platforms caused me some problems in the field. In other words, everything works great on a 100 yard square range, but under real conditions that's not always the case.

All my AR's now have Wilson Combat TR-TTU single-stage triggers. The trigger pull with these units is light and clean, so trigger finger discipline is paramount. Most (if not all) of my fellow comrades get a "surprise" bang the first time they shoot my guns, because they all use 2-stage triggers.

The mission (the real one, not the imagined one) drives the gear, so let some reality based analysis determine what might best serve your needs. Shooting the two trigger designs back to back is the best way to compare and contrast the differences IMO.
I have never been a fan of 2 stage triggers. I carried an M-16/M-4 for 30 years.
 
#25 ·
What's the gun being used for? Home or truck SD weapon? Range toy? For SD 3-4 lb single stage. Timney is one of my favorites. A Trigger Tech 2-stage is on one of my builds. Very nice and crisp.
 
#26 ·
For me I follow the below for my general usage AR

Super Budget: BCM with lighter springs, yields a nice 5-6lb trigger.

Budget: Larue 2-stage flat trigger.

No Budget: Geissele SSA-E Flat Trigger.

I will say, I bought a Wilson Combat single stage for a sizeable discount ($135 shipped) and have been pleasantly surprised with its feel so far.
 
#28 · (Edited)
Seeking advice on AR drop in triggers to replace a creepy mil-spec unit.

Brand & model?

Two stage, or single?

Pull weight?

Curved, or straight?
Brand & model? Drop-in, AR Gold is what I have. I really want to try the Q Literally The Best Trigger Ever Made and would trust Triggertech.

Two stage, or single? Preference. What you are comfortable and confident with. I generally do two-stage for where I want to be more accurate. Single for dick around range toy.

Pull weight? Preference. I prefer some resistance, but light enough where I can consistently fire a lot.

Curved or straight? Preference. I go with straight because I feel it's a more consistent pull.

Overall I think I have 9 Geissele's and 2-3 AR Gold.
SD-3G, SD-E, SD-C, SSP.
They are all different in their own way.

I'm familiar with the LaRue Tactical MBT-2S-SB. It has been sold out whenever I have looked.

Perhaps my use of "Drop-In" isn't correct terminology.

Intended firearm usage? General service. I don't have much AR experience yet.

I'm considering a single stage trigger. I would like to standardize my experience & learning curve for now & future purchases/uses. What might be any negatives on a single stage?
General. MBT is a solid choice. Sometimes worth just paying a little more second hand. I see them pop up all the time.

Choosing between single and double stage, try them both out before committing.

Standardizing, eh. Each has it's purpose. Plan on many AR's? AR Gold is known to some as 1911-like. I can kind of see that.

Personally if it's general purpose, I would want something that's reliable and proven. I wouldn't put a drop-in trigger in that category. I believe they are more novelty like.
Some of the ones with fine adjustments seem to be more sensitive. The ones with adjustment screws, pads and plates.

Budget : ALG
Mid: MBT
Yes: Geissele. Not the G2S or whatever.
 
#31 ·
I’ve put CMC single stage flat triggers in almost of my 14.5-16” ARs. I use the 3.5 lb. Has a very clean break with no pre or over travel and an almost instant reset. Very easy to install as well and comes with anti walk screws. If I was going for accuracy I might switch to one of their two stage triggers but the flat triggers have been perfect out of the box every time.