AR drop in triggers

Micro man · November 2, 2018, 08:50 AM

A few years ago I purchased a separate upper,lower, and BCG from PSA to make my first AR15. I never liked the trigger that came with it and want to do an up grade. I mainly use the gun for punching holes in paper at the 100 yard range.

I have read some about drop in triggers available for this platform and wanted to get input from members before making the leap. Thanks for your time.

TrueBlue711 · November 2, 2018, 09:32 AM

There are a LOT of trigger replacements to choose from. When you say "drop in trigger", are you wanting a trigger where it's already one piece? Or are you looking at any trigger replacement. Also, what's your budget? That'll help narrow down what you're looking for.

There's a big discussion about single stage vs two stage triggers. Everybody has their personal preference. Personally, I prefer two stage triggers, but two of my ARs have single stages too. The only true "drop in" trigger I have is made by Velocity and it went for about $150. But compared to a Timney drop in trigger, that's cheap. Timney probably makes the best drop in trigger, but you're paying for it. But I'm very happy with the Velocity.

I would look at non-"drop in" triggers. They're super easy to install. My favorite triggers are made by Geissele, but their cheapest trigger is ~$125. If you're looking just for something that's a step better than the stock trigger you have and won't break the bank by any means, ALG makes a pretty good single stage trigger for about $50. I have one in my home defense AR and it's much better than most stock triggers. Honestly, their trigger should be the stock trigger in every AR and then upgrade from there.

pblanc · November 2, 2018, 09:56 AM

I have had good luck with a CMC AR15 single-stage trigger:

http://www.impactguns.com/ar-15-part...4004022-91503/

Micro man · November 2, 2018, 10:31 AM

I am not too savvy as far as replacing parts on the AR so I thought a drop in trigger would be easier . As far as single vs 2 stage I don't have a great preference one way or another. I figure I can spend up to $150 before I hear about it from the Mrs.

pblanc · November 2, 2018, 10:59 AM

Mil-spec AR triggers are not difficult to remove and install. There are a number of youtube videos that can help. Just be sure not to get the hammer spring installed backwards.

Willie Lowman · November 2, 2018, 12:56 PM

Get a Geissele. They are worth every penny. The installation only takes a few minutes. Not a drop in but they are the best IMO

Sharkbite · November 2, 2018, 02:50 PM

Single vs 2 stage....

I like single stage (POF is my choice) for fast shooting.
I like 2 stage (RRA is my choice here) for precise/long range type shooting.

Dusty Rivers · November 2, 2018, 03:27 PM

title says it all. This is a great trigger upgrade! Can be had for $99 when on sale direct from LaRue

Nathan · November 2, 2018, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Get a Geissele. They are worth every penny. The installation only takes a few minutes. Not a drop in but they are the best IMO

Why? Sell me, I’m all ears and my wallet is open.

I like the RA140 for about 90% of AR projects I hear about. I like Triggertech adjustable when thinking top end accuracy. I’ll bet that Larue is a great 80%’r too!

Tell me why I like the ones I recommend. It is simple.

Rangerrich99 · November 2, 2018, 04:37 PM

You don't state your budget, so these may be out of your range, however . . .

Of the drop-in (cassette-type) triggers I like both the CMC (about $150) and the Elftmann (about $190). I agree with you, cassette-type triggers are much easier to install. Not that traditional trigger are really difficult (I've got two Geisseles), but simply being able to drop the cassette in and push a couple pins through the appropriate holes is pretty nice.

Between the CMC and the Elftmann I think the Elf is better. It's significantly smoother and breaks more crisply. And the CMC is a nice trigger, far better than mil-spec.

You don't really state your intended purpose, so these triggers might be more than what you need, but they are both very good cassette triggers.

Good luck.

TruthTellers · November 2, 2018, 04:41 PM

Depends on what stage you want, single or two stage. Two stage triggers I've yet to find any under $100, but single stage you can get as low as $20.

I've seen Midway sell an "enhanced" single stage trigger for $35 when on sale.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/40...4-single-stage

The cheapest two stage trigger I've seen that others here and elsewhere have said is good is the Ruger MSR 452. I like that it comes with a grip, that alone is worth $14 to me.

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-part...prod78719.aspx

Nathan · November 2, 2018, 05:28 PM

RA140 $85

Not a bad price.

rickyrick · November 2, 2018, 05:36 PM

I liked the POF trigger. But that’s the only drop-in Trigger I have.

I like my G2s from Geiselle the best, or however it’s spelt

DubC-Hicks · November 2, 2018, 05:49 PM

The Rise armament RA-434 is probably my favorite drop in trigger under $150. Super crisp, great reset. Love the profile of the trigger as well. POF is a close second. Both are single stage.

If you like two stage, I'll recommend the Geissele G2S or Larue MBT.

ed308 · November 2, 2018, 08:47 PM

I'm starting to feel like a broken record, since this question is asked almost weekly. LaRue's MBT is my recommendation for a great/inexpensive trigger. $87. Say you like Geissele? Try one. As good as their cheaper triggers and almost as good as their top of the line IMO. Great trigger for the price.

berettaprofessor · November 2, 2018, 08:50 PM

LaRue. $87. Great.

ms6852 · November 2, 2018, 09:15 PM

I put a Timney trigger on my AR. Pretty simple take out the trigger pin, remove old trigger, put new Timmney trigger in replace pin and tighten the two screws. Comes with instruction and within your budget.

TruthTellers · November 2, 2018, 11:34 PM

^ I have a Timney as well. Got it for a good sale price and compared to the CMC, which is made from sheet metal, I feel is a higher quality trigger.

Not knocking the CMC, but for $30 more I'd rather have a drop in trigger made on a milling machine, not a press brake.

50 shooter · November 3, 2018, 01:36 AM

Like a couple of others here, I picked up a Rise Armament trigger for my latest AR build. Have to say that I dont think I'll ever waste my time installing another standard AR trigger group again.

The RA triggers are very nice and come with a price that makes them worth using. Oh, dont forget to buy a set of anti walk pins as the standard trigger/sear pins won't work.

I'm sure you could probably Google drop in triggers and see if anyone has done a side by side comparison of all of them. I would like to see how RA ranked compared to the other ones.

rickyrick · November 3, 2018, 02:46 AM

The only basic trigger I still have is a plain ole cmmg. It’s in a neat little budget carbine that I tossed together. I’m leaving that trigger alone.

But yeah, I’ll never put a regular trigger into another.

rebs · November 3, 2018, 08:32 AM

Geissele is the best there is and you can find one in your price range

O4L · November 3, 2018, 08:41 AM

Optics Planet has a deal on this Rise Armament drop in trigger that comes with anti walk pins, free extended latch charging handle and free shipping.

https://www.opticsplanet.com/rise-ar...e-trigger.html

Scroll down to see 25% off code.

Arub · November 3, 2018, 07:38 PM

I performed trigger transplants to the RISE RA140s in both a S&W and an Anderson AR. No issues. No creep, breaks clean, attractive price.

Nathan · November 3, 2018, 09:54 PM

Can somebody tell me what characteristics put Geisselle in this conversation? Why would I want one over the Larue, RA or Triggertech? or Timney?

kymasabe · November 4, 2018, 08:59 AM

I'm a fan of Hiperfire EDT triggers, am running an SS in one gun and an HG in another. They go together like mil-spec triggers so all the parts look familiar. Not quite as nice as a Geisselle, but are just under $100.

November 2, 2018, 08:50 AM	#1
Micro man Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2014 Location: Southern Michigan Posts: 134	AR drop in triggers A few years ago I purchased a separate upper,lower, and BCG from PSA to make my first AR15. I never liked the trigger that came with it and want to do an up grade. I mainly use the gun for punching holes in paper at the 100 yard range. I have read some about drop in triggers available for this platform and wanted to get input from members before making the leap. Thanks for your time.

November 2, 2018, 09:32 AM	#2
TrueBlue711 Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2011 Posts: 489	There are a LOT of trigger replacements to choose from. When you say "drop in trigger", are you wanting a trigger where it's already one piece? Or are you looking at any trigger replacement. Also, what's your budget? That'll help narrow down what you're looking for. There's a big discussion about single stage vs two stage triggers. Everybody has their personal preference. Personally, I prefer two stage triggers, but two of my ARs have single stages too. The only true "drop in" trigger I have is made by Velocity and it went for about $150. But compared to a Timney drop in trigger, that's cheap. Timney probably makes the best drop in trigger, but you're paying for it. But I'm very happy with the Velocity. I would look at non-"drop in" triggers. They're super easy to install. My favorite triggers are made by Geissele, but their cheapest trigger is ~$125. If you're looking just for something that's a step better than the stock trigger you have and won't break the bank by any means, ALG makes a pretty good single stage trigger for about $50. I have one in my home defense AR and it's much better than most stock triggers. Honestly, their trigger should be the stock trigger in every AR and then upgrade from there. Last edited by TrueBlue711; November 2, 2018 at 09:45 AM.

November 2, 2018, 12:56 PM	#6
Willie Lowman Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Location: Uh-Hi-O Posts: 3,006	Get a Geissele. They are worth every penny. The installation only takes a few minutes. Not a drop in but they are the best IMO __________________ "9mm has a very long history of being a pointy little bullet moving quickly" --Sevens

November 2, 2018, 03:27 PM	#8
Dusty Rivers Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2008 Posts: 235	LaRue MBT. Two stage trigger that's hard to beat on price and quality, especially when on sale for $ title says it all. This is a great trigger upgrade! Can be had for $99 when on sale direct from LaRue __________________ Dusty: I'm kind of a big deal! Rob Pincus follower PDN NRA Lifetime Member, our only voice!

November 2, 2018, 04:41 PM	#11
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,883	Depends on what stage you want, single or two stage. Two stage triggers I've yet to find any under $100, but single stage you can get as low as $20. I've seen Midway sell an "enhanced" single stage trigger for $35 when on sale. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/40...4-single-stage The cheapest two stage trigger I've seen that others here and elsewhere have said is good is the Ruger MSR 452. I like that it comes with a grip, that alone is worth $14 to me. https://www.brownells.com/rifle-part...prod78719.aspx __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

November 2, 2018, 09:56 AM	#3
pblanc Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 697	I have had good luck with a CMC AR15 single-stage trigger: http://www.impactguns.com/ar-15-part...4004022-91503/

November 2, 2018, 10:31 AM	#4
Micro man Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2014 Location: Southern Michigan Posts: 134	I am not too savvy as far as replacing parts on the AR so I thought a drop in trigger would be easier . As far as single vs 2 stage I don't have a great preference one way or another. I figure I can spend up to $150 before I hear about it from the Mrs.

November 2, 2018, 10:59 AM	#5
pblanc Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 697	Mil-spec AR triggers are not difficult to remove and install. There are a number of youtube videos that can help. Just be sure not to get the hammer spring installed backwards.

November 2, 2018, 02:50 PM	#7
Sharkbite Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2013 Location: Western slope of Colorado Posts: 3,679	Single vs 2 stage.... I like single stage (POF is my choice) for fast shooting. I like 2 stage (RRA is my choice here) for precise/long range type shooting.

November 2, 2018, 04:37 PM	#10
Rangerrich99 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2014 Location: Kinda near Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,254	You don't state your budget, so these may be out of your range, however . . . Of the drop-in (cassette-type) triggers I like both the CMC (about $150) and the Elftmann (about $190). I agree with you, cassette-type triggers are much easier to install. Not that traditional trigger are really difficult (I've got two Geisseles), but simply being able to drop the cassette in and push a couple pins through the appropriate holes is pretty nice. Between the CMC and the Elftmann I think the Elf is better. It's significantly smoother and breaks more crisply. And the CMC is a nice trigger, far better than mil-spec. You don't really state your intended purpose, so these triggers might be more than what you need, but they are both very good cassette triggers. Good luck.

November 2, 2018, 05:28 PM	#12
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,328	RA140 $85 Not a bad price.

November 2, 2018, 05:36 PM	#13
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,236	I liked the POF trigger. But that’s the only drop-in Trigger I have. I like my G2s from Geiselle the best, or however it’s spelt

November 2, 2018, 05:49 PM	#14
DubC-Hicks Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2009 Location: Backwoods, Northern MI Posts: 1,031	The Rise armament RA-434 is probably my favorite drop in trigger under $150. Super crisp, great reset. Love the profile of the trigger as well. POF is a close second. Both are single stage. If you like two stage, I'll recommend the Geissele G2S or Larue MBT. __________________ ”Gun control is like trying to reduce drunk driving by making it tougher for sober people to own cars.” ~Unknown

November 2, 2018, 08:47 PM	#15
ed308 Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2016 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,147	I'm starting to feel like a broken record, since this question is asked almost weekly. LaRue's MBT is my recommendation for a great/inexpensive trigger. $87. Say you like Geissele? Try one. As good as their cheaper triggers and almost as good as their top of the line IMO. Great trigger for the price.

November 2, 2018, 08:50 PM	#16
berettaprofessor Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2008 Posts: 1,091	LaRue. $87. Great.

November 2, 2018, 09:15 PM	#17
ms6852 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 1,394	I put a Timney trigger on my AR. Pretty simple take out the trigger pin, remove old trigger, put new Timmney trigger in replace pin and tighten the two screws. Comes with instruction and within your budget. __________________ ONLY TWO DEFINING FORCES HAVE GIVEN UP THEIR LIVES FOR YOU. ONE IS JESUS CHRIST FOR YOUR SOUL AND THE OTHER IS THE AMERICAN SOLDIER FOR YOUR FREEDOM.

November 2, 2018, 11:34 PM	#18
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,883	^ I have a Timney as well. Got it for a good sale price and compared to the CMC, which is made from sheet metal, I feel is a higher quality trigger. Not knocking the CMC, but for $30 more I'd rather have a drop in trigger made on a milling machine, not a press brake. __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

November 3, 2018, 01:36 AM	#19
50 shooter Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2002 Location: SoCal PRK Posts: 986	Like a couple of others here, I picked up a Rise Armament trigger for my latest AR build. Have to say that I dont think I'll ever waste my time installing another standard AR trigger group again. The RA triggers are very nice and come with a price that makes them worth using. Oh, dont forget to buy a set of anti walk pins as the standard trigger/sear pins won't work. I'm sure you could probably Google drop in triggers and see if anyone has done a side by side comparison of all of them. I would like to see how RA ranked compared to the other ones. __________________ I see the world thru bloodshot eyes Streets filled with blood from distant lies The dogs of war never compromise, No time for rearranging.

November 3, 2018, 02:46 AM	#20
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,236	The only basic trigger I still have is a plain ole cmmg. It’s in a neat little budget carbine that I tossed together. I’m leaving that trigger alone. But yeah, I’ll never put a regular trigger into another.

November 3, 2018, 08:32 AM	#21
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	Geissele is the best there is and you can find one in your price range

November 3, 2018, 08:41 AM	#22
O4L Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2015 Posts: 646	Optics Planet has a deal on this Rise Armament drop in trigger that comes with anti walk pins, free extended latch charging handle and free shipping. https://www.opticsplanet.com/rise-ar...e-trigger.html Scroll down to see 25% off code.

November 3, 2018, 07:38 PM	#23
Arub Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2001 Location: UCLA (upper corner of lower Alabama) Posts: 533	I performed trigger transplants to the RISE RA140s in both a S&W and an Anderson AR. No issues. No creep, breaks clean, attractive price.

November 3, 2018, 09:54 PM	#24
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,328	Can somebody tell me what characteristics put Geisselle in this conversation? Why would I want one over the Larue, RA or Triggertech? or Timney?

November 4, 2018, 08:59 AM	#25
kymasabe Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2005 Location: SW Florida Posts: 2,747	I'm a fan of Hiperfire EDT triggers, am running an SS in one gun and an HG in another. They go together like mil-spec triggers so all the parts look familiar. Not quite as nice as a Geisselle, but are just under $100. __________________ God's creatures big and small, eat them one, eat them all.