Trigger System suggestions for AR-15?

cshreffler · May 19, 2009, 03:28 PM

What is a good replacement trigger for my LMT Standard 16" AR? I really like what I've read about the Gold Trigger System, but its a little more money than I'd like to spend and I have no experience with it.

Does anyone have comments on the Gold Trigger or any other suggestions?

Thanks!

rjrivero · May 19, 2009, 03:31 PM

Why not do one yourself?

http://www.sargenthome.com/15_Minute_AR_Trigger_Job.htm

DBAR · May 19, 2009, 03:35 PM

Rock River 2 stage trigger is probably the easiest, and least expensive. It's reliable, predicatable, and durable. Not the sweetest trigger, but a very good improvement.

You could spend more on others, and get really good results. I hear CMMG has a good trigger, but I've never tried it. I have the RRA's trigger, and a couple of Jard triggers working for me. The Jards are a bit of a pain in the ass to get adjusted, but they work great after all is said, and done.

There are a lot of different triggers out there, and there will be more suggestions. Maybe someone that has experience with the Gold Trigger will come along.

DBAR

precision_shooter · May 19, 2009, 03:38 PM

If you want a 2-stage trigger (which I prefer) then Rock River's is about the best for the money.

If you want a single stage trigger then the Jewel is a good one.

sneaky pete · May 19, 2009, 04:56 PM

old Sneaky Pete here: Been shooting since '52 and after spending 30 years in the US military I've shot most everything from BB guns to 8" Self-propelled Howitzers. Used a lot of 2-stage triggers (on M1Garands and M-16s) and I can't stand them ever since I got my hands on a couple of good single stage units. JP Enterprises has an outstanding 3# Fire control systm that I had them install on my '73 Colt SP-1 and it is really sweet But a little costly. BUT this year on a stripped Lower Receiver build I decided to go with a real light single stage for target shooting and I went with the JARD adjustable 1>1-1/2# trigger that I bought from Midway USA for $147.99 +S&H. Although the set-up and adjustment is detailed IF you follow the instructions that come with the unit (with 1 exception) they are incredably sweet with no take-up or over-travel. The 1 exception is I don't use the "Blue" locktite CUZ with the blue you have to back off your adjustment-apply the blue then RE-Adjust. Instead i adjust the unit exactly like I want it and then I use GREEN-Locktite which creeps down into the threads and sets them without moving anything. I have regularly "Cleaned" matches with that new JARD and recommend it to everyone. THANX--SNEAKY

3StrikesNC · May 19, 2009, 08:20 PM

I did a Jewell two-stage,

http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe...g?brandid=1528

I think it's great. Drastic improvement in my M&P 15.

DBAR · May 19, 2009, 09:09 PM

Quote:

I went with the JARD adjustable 1>1-1/2# trigger

sneaky pete,

That's a little light for my taste. I like them around 3lbs, but then again you probably shoot long range competition. 3lbs is better for 3 gun.

DBAR

HJ857 · May 20, 2009, 05:08 PM

I use a Jewell two stage as well. I like it because you can adjust pretty much every aspect of the trigger. One thing about light triggers is that it's easy to bumpfire them by accident if you don't have good trigger control or aren't paying attention. Having adjustability, especially on the second stage is nice to have.

comn-cents · May 20, 2009, 05:15 PM

Chip drop in.

Alleykat · May 20, 2009, 05:51 PM

I'm using the RRA NM two-stage and the JP trigger/hammer combo. Much prefer the JP. My JP pulls at around 3.5#.

bedlamite · May 20, 2009, 09:24 PM

Decent all around trigger on a budget? Rock River 2 stage
Benchrest rifle? Jewell 2 stage
Cost is no object when your life depends on it? Guisselle

cshreffler · May 28, 2009, 03:37 PM

Two questions:

1. The Geissele seems to have a heavier first stage and a lighter second stage... this is different than the others is it not? Can't wrap my head around that one... Does anyone have any specifics?

2. Does anyone have a URL for the Jewell Manufacturer's web site?

lipadj46 · May 28, 2009, 04:15 PM

There is a guy that does AR trigger jobs cheap forget his name but I have it in my email. PM me if you want the info.

HJ857 · May 28, 2009, 05:04 PM

My Jewell has a lighter first stage and a heavier second. It can be adjusted so that the second stage is not apparent and works like a single stage, it can also be adjusted so light that it won't light off the round.

Dallas Jack · May 28, 2009, 06:03 PM

I bought the Timney singe stage. Works for me.
Dallas Jack

wdelack · May 29, 2009, 07:07 PM

I've tried the Gold Trigger in a couple different ARs and have been very pleased with the results. I have a Jewell trigger in one of my Remington 700s and found them to be excellent triggers as well. Both the Gold and Jewell compare favorably with the Target AccuTrigger in my Savage F/TR.

cshreffler · July 10, 2009, 11:47 AM

For those that are interested, I ended up purchasing and installing a Geissele Service Weight Trigger.

Completely awesome Trigger. Would be hard pressed to consider anything else after having fired this one.

Dallas Jack · July 10, 2009, 01:08 PM

Was it very hard to install? I looked at a Geissele but I wasn't sure I could install it. I ended up with a Timney. It works fine and was very easy to install. Good luck with your new trigger.
Dallas Jack

Alleykat · July 10, 2009, 01:12 PM

Can't imagine that any trigger for an AR would be hard to install.

Dallas Jack · July 10, 2009, 01:34 PM

That's how I felt about it but looking at a picture of the Geissele the half moon piece with the notches and spring kind of threw me. I may have thought different if I had one in my hand to look at. You are right in that every trigger I have put in was a simple install.
Dallas Jack

cshreffler · July 10, 2009, 03:12 PM

No, it was not difficult to install at all. The trigger came with a hand punch that is used to hold the components in place while you insert the permanent pins.

It was a 'little' difficult dealing with the hammer spring tension, but other than that it was very easy to install.

ISP 5353 · July 10, 2009, 03:24 PM

Jewel two stage. Easy to install and very adjustable.

overkill556x45 · July 10, 2009, 03:31 PM

I think the Rock River Arms 2-stage is the best mix of a light pull and a rugged design. There are no set screws to back out or get stripped. There are lighter and crisper triggers out there, but the RRA is the best light/rugged mix for a pretty good price. I think I got mine for around $120 shipped a year or so ago.

On a side note, my AR shooting buddy has an RRA M4gery and I have an M&P15. Between us, we have about a case and a half of Wolf Military Classic through our rifles using the RRA two-stage triggers. I have heard a handful of stories where someone has adjusted their trigger too low or bubba'd a trigger so that it wouldn't always tap the primer hard enough. I think if the RRA was going to produce light primer strikes, it would have done it on the Wolf steel case stuff. We also have put a bunch of PRVI Partisan and actual surplus (not brand name) M193 through our rifles. No problems at all.

Alleykat · July 10, 2009, 05:16 PM

Quote:

I have heard a handful of stories where someone has adjusted their trigger too low or bubba'd a trigger so that it wouldn't always tap the primer hard enough. I think if the RRA was going to produce light primer strikes, it would have done it on the Wolf steel case stuff. We also have put a bunch of PRVI Partisan and actual surplus (not brand name) M193 through our rifles. No problems at all.
overkill556x45 is offline Report Post

If one follows the instructions that come with the JP trigger, one will use red (271) Loctite on the setscrews. They won't come out!! Also, regardless of how one adjusts the engagement and overtravel on the JP set, the strength of the hammer strike isn't affected. So much for the "light strike" theories. Friends don't let friends shoot Wolf ammo!

Gewehr98 · July 10, 2009, 06:25 PM

I installed a JP Enterprises single-stage trigger in my Colt AR.

It breaks like the proverbial glass rod.

May 19, 2009, 03:28 PM	#1
cshreffler Member Join Date: April 15, 2009 Posts: 20	Trigger System suggestions for AR-15? What is a good replacement trigger for my LMT Standard 16" AR? I really like what I've read about the Gold Trigger System, but its a little more money than I'd like to spend and I have no experience with it. Does anyone have comments on the Gold Trigger or any other suggestions? Thanks!

May 19, 2009, 04:56 PM	#5
sneaky pete Senior Member Join Date: November 24, 2004 Location: Florida Keys Posts: 510	Everyone has their own preferences mine is single stage old Sneaky Pete here: Been shooting since '52 and after spending 30 years in the US military I've shot most everything from BB guns to 8" Self-propelled Howitzers. Used a lot of 2-stage triggers (on M1Garands and M-16s) and I can't stand them ever since I got my hands on a couple of good single stage units. JP Enterprises has an outstanding 3# Fire control systm that I had them install on my '73 Colt SP-1 and it is really sweet But a little costly. BUT this year on a stripped Lower Receiver build I decided to go with a real light single stage for target shooting and I went with the JARD adjustable 1>1-1/2# trigger that I bought from Midway USA for $147.99 +S&H. Although the set-up and adjustment is detailed IF you follow the instructions that come with the unit (with 1 exception) they are incredably sweet with no take-up or over-travel. The 1 exception is I don't use the "Blue" locktite CUZ with the blue you have to back off your adjustment-apply the blue then RE-Adjust. Instead i adjust the unit exactly like I want it and then I use GREEN-Locktite which creeps down into the threads and sets them without moving anything. I have regularly "Cleaned" matches with that new JARD and recommend it to everyone. THANX--SNEAKY

May 20, 2009, 09:24 PM	#11
bedlamite Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2000 Location: WI Posts: 1,395	Decent all around trigger on a budget? Rock River 2 stage Benchrest rifle? Jewell 2 stage Cost is no object when your life depends on it? Guisselle __________________ A plan is just a list of things that doesn't happen.

July 10, 2009, 06:25 PM	#25
Gewehr98 Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2000 Location: Token Creek, WI Posts: 4,067	From out in left field... I installed a JP Enterprises single-stage trigger in my Colt AR. It breaks like the proverbial glass rod.

May 19, 2009, 03:31 PM	#2
rjrivero Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 1,399	Why not do one yourself? http://www.sargenthome.com/15_Minute_AR_Trigger_Job.htm

May 19, 2009, 03:35 PM	#3
DBAR Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2009 Posts: 941	Rock River 2 stage trigger is probably the easiest, and least expensive. It's reliable, predicatable, and durable. Not the sweetest trigger, but a very good improvement. You could spend more on others, and get really good results. I hear CMMG has a good trigger, but I've never tried it. I have the RRA's trigger, and a couple of Jard triggers working for me. The Jards are a bit of a pain in the ass to get adjusted, but they work great after all is said, and done. There are a lot of different triggers out there, and there will be more suggestions. Maybe someone that has experience with the Gold Trigger will come along. DBAR

May 19, 2009, 03:38 PM	#4
precision_shooter Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 2,475	If you want a 2-stage trigger (which I prefer) then Rock River's is about the best for the money. If you want a single stage trigger then the Jewel is a good one.

May 19, 2009, 08:20 PM	#6
3StrikesNC Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2007 Location: in a house Posts: 473	I did a Jewell two-stage, http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe...g?brandid=1528 I think it's great. Drastic improvement in my M&P 15.

May 20, 2009, 05:08 PM	#8
HJ857 Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2007 Posts: 448	I use a Jewell two stage as well. I like it because you can adjust pretty much every aspect of the trigger. One thing about light triggers is that it's easy to bumpfire them by accident if you don't have good trigger control or aren't paying attention. Having adjustability, especially on the second stage is nice to have.

May 20, 2009, 05:15 PM	#9
comn-cents Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2008 Location: Pac.N.W. Posts: 1,804	Chip drop in.

May 20, 2009, 05:51 PM	#10
Alleykat Junior member Join Date: July 26, 2007 Posts: 3,668	I'm using the RRA NM two-stage and the JP trigger/hammer combo. Much prefer the JP. My JP pulls at around 3.5#.

May 28, 2009, 03:37 PM	#12
cshreffler Member Join Date: April 15, 2009 Posts: 20	Two questions: 1. The Geissele seems to have a heavier first stage and a lighter second stage... this is different than the others is it not? Can't wrap my head around that one... Does anyone have any specifics? 2. Does anyone have a URL for the Jewell Manufacturer's web site?

May 28, 2009, 04:15 PM	#13
lipadj46 Senior Member Join Date: January 21, 2009 Posts: 494	There is a guy that does AR trigger jobs cheap forget his name but I have it in my email. PM me if you want the info.

May 28, 2009, 05:04 PM	#14
HJ857 Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2007 Posts: 448	My Jewell has a lighter first stage and a heavier second. It can be adjusted so that the second stage is not apparent and works like a single stage, it can also be adjusted so light that it won't light off the round.

May 28, 2009, 06:03 PM	#15
Dallas Jack Senior Member Join Date: February 25, 2005 Location: Dallas Posts: 386	I bought the Timney singe stage. Works for me. Dallas Jack

May 29, 2009, 07:07 PM	#16
wdelack Senior Member Join Date: November 27, 2005 Location: Houston, TX. Posts: 439	I've tried the Gold Trigger in a couple different ARs and have been very pleased with the results. I have a Jewell trigger in one of my Remington 700s and found them to be excellent triggers as well. Both the Gold and Jewell compare favorably with the Target AccuTrigger in my Savage F/TR.

July 10, 2009, 11:47 AM	#17
cshreffler Member Join Date: April 15, 2009 Posts: 20	For those that are interested, I ended up purchasing and installing a Geissele Service Weight Trigger. Completely awesome Trigger. Would be hard pressed to consider anything else after having fired this one.

July 10, 2009, 01:08 PM	#18
Dallas Jack Senior Member Join Date: February 25, 2005 Location: Dallas Posts: 386	Was it very hard to install? I looked at a Geissele but I wasn't sure I could install it. I ended up with a Timney. It works fine and was very easy to install. Good luck with your new trigger. Dallas Jack

July 10, 2009, 01:12 PM	#19
Alleykat Junior member Join Date: July 26, 2007 Posts: 3,668	Can't imagine that any trigger for an AR would be hard to install.

July 10, 2009, 01:34 PM	#20
Dallas Jack Senior Member Join Date: February 25, 2005 Location: Dallas Posts: 386	That's how I felt about it but looking at a picture of the Geissele the half moon piece with the notches and spring kind of threw me. I may have thought different if I had one in my hand to look at. You are right in that every trigger I have put in was a simple install. Dallas Jack

July 10, 2009, 03:12 PM	#21
cshreffler Member Join Date: April 15, 2009 Posts: 20	No, it was not difficult to install at all. The trigger came with a hand punch that is used to hold the components in place while you insert the permanent pins. It was a 'little' difficult dealing with the hammer spring tension, but other than that it was very easy to install.

July 10, 2009, 03:24 PM	#22
ISP 5353 Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 134	Jewel two stage. Easy to install and very adjustable.

July 10, 2009, 03:31 PM	#23
overkill556x45 Senior Member Join Date: August 19, 2007 Location: Iowa Posts: 624	I think the Rock River Arms 2-stage is the best mix of a light pull and a rugged design. There are no set screws to back out or get stripped. There are lighter and crisper triggers out there, but the RRA is the best light/rugged mix for a pretty good price. I think I got mine for around $120 shipped a year or so ago. On a side note, my AR shooting buddy has an RRA M4gery and I have an M&P15. Between us, we have about a case and a half of Wolf Military Classic through our rifles using the RRA two-stage triggers. I have heard a handful of stories where someone has adjusted their trigger too low or bubba'd a trigger so that it wouldn't always tap the primer hard enough. I think if the RRA was going to produce light primer strikes, it would have done it on the Wolf steel case stuff. We also have put a bunch of PRVI Partisan and actual surplus (not brand name) M193 through our rifles. No problems at all.