Trigger for M&P 15-22

idek · November 12, 2020, 11:51 PM

I've asked questions in the past pertaining to building my first AR. Instead, I've gotten an M&P 15-22.

It's the MOE SL version with Magpul stuff on it. I like it but am curious about trigger upgrades.

I will mention that this is NOT being used as a trainer rifle for a defense/combat AR, so the suggestion of "use what you have on your real AR" does not apply. The gun will just be a plinker and maybe used for some small game. I have several other .22s with trigger weights ranging from about 2.5-4#, so I'd like something in that ballpark. Also, I think I would prefer a single-stage trigger, but I am open to two-stage (not very knowledgeable about this).

I've looked on some websites and see some drop-in options below $200 that I think might work. That includes options from CMC and Timney. I have Timney in a bolt rifle. I have no experience with CMC.

Can anyone offer suggestions? Also, I don't know if any particular triggers won't work with the 15-22, so if you know something about that, I'd appreciate your input.

Scorch · November 13, 2020, 12:55 AM

The CMC triggers are kinda rough. Well made, but not as nice as a Timney. Go for the Timney for the extra few bucks. Or you can look around and find knock-offs for a little less.

Shadow9mm · November 13, 2020, 07:49 AM

Larue MBT. They are a fantastic trigger at a reasonable price. I would put it up againt timminey or any of the other higher end drop in styles.

Double K · November 13, 2020, 11:06 AM

I just put a Rise armament in a friends gun, great trigger for 129.00, the Timney that's under 140.00 is also just fine, there's no need to spend 2-300.00 on an AR today.
Both of these are available with anti-walk pins for a little more, it's cheaper to buy them together.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1021179552

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1021438589?pid=143421

idek · November 13, 2020, 01:00 PM

Thanks for the input. I will look into the various suggestions.

One more question...

When I search for "M&p 15-22 trigger" one of the top results was from velocitytriggers.com. (I've never heard of the company before) Most of their triggers are listed as having a 3# pull weight. However, for the 22LR ARs, they say their 4# trigger (which has a heavier hammer spring) is a better choice to get better primer strikes on rimfire cases.

Can anyone verify if this is something I should consider (regardless of which brand I go with)? Will a slightly heavier trigger give better results in primer ignition? I have 10/22s with 2.5# triggers that function just fine, but AR triggers may be a different beast.

Double K · November 13, 2020, 01:17 PM

Mine has never had an issue with light primer strikes and the trigger is 3lbs measured.

I didn't have the lower, I started from scratch, the idea was to have a exact copy of my 223 only in 22lr.
It was more expensive that I thought it would be but all the factory AR 22's I've looked at are made with inexpensive parts, I figured on shooting the gun a lot and wanted it to last, function well and be accurate. It's embarrassing how much I spent on it, I'll have to shoot it a lot to get my money's worth from the project.

Here's what went into it,

Rock River Arms Lower
Rise Armament 3.5 single stage trigger
Timber Creek ambi safety
" " extended magazine release
Mission First Tactical Battlelink utility stock
" " " engage pistol grip
" " " trigger guard
CMC anti-walk pins
UTG 6 position buffer tube
Redi-mag adapter for S&W magazines
Lower receiver pin and spring kit, mil-spec bolt release from local Murdocks
CMMG complete 16"upper

brasscollector · November 13, 2020, 02:42 PM

I have a CMMG 22LR dedicated upper. I did have issues with light strikes when I had the JP 3.5# spring set installed. I replaced the hammer spring with a heavier one and the issue went away. I have gone at least 1,200 rounds w/o any light strike issues since. Pull in mine is around 4# and is a "standard" two-stage trigger. You might get away with a lighter pull by using a drop-in/cartridge style trigger.

Txhillbilly · November 14, 2020, 01:24 AM

I put a 3lb Rise trigger in mine. Never had any issues with it.

idek · November 14, 2020, 10:51 AM

Thanks for the continued input. It sounds like the heavier trigger is NOT a must.

Another point I'd like clarified is that of putting a trigger assembly in the polymer lower. Some places mention needing a steel sleeve or shim. Is that something I need in addition to anti-walk pins?

RC20 · November 14, 2020, 06:13 PM

I would suggest the Rock River Arms (RRA) Two stage chrome match trigger

Before I gave up the AR platform (hated the ergonomic) I had two of them, one in an MP15-22.

Drop in and it was the best thing about the AR of either type

note: Mostly I am a target shooter and the AR just is not it for that sans one of the really accurate ones and I would rather shoot bolt action, I know many love the AR, just not for me

November 12, 2020, 11:51 PM	#1
idek Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2009 Posts: 903	Trigger for M&P 15-22 I've asked questions in the past pertaining to building my first AR. Instead, I've gotten an M&P 15-22. It's the MOE SL version with Magpul stuff on it. I like it but am curious about trigger upgrades. I will mention that this is NOT being used as a trainer rifle for a defense/combat AR, so the suggestion of "use what you have on your real AR" does not apply. The gun will just be a plinker and maybe used for some small game. I have several other .22s with trigger weights ranging from about 2.5-4#, so I'd like something in that ballpark. Also, I think I would prefer a single-stage trigger, but I am open to two-stage (not very knowledgeable about this). I've looked on some websites and see some drop-in options below $200 that I think might work. That includes options from CMC and Timney. I have Timney in a bolt rifle. I have no experience with CMC. Can anyone offer suggestions? Also, I don't know if any particular triggers won't work with the 15-22, so if you know something about that, I'd appreciate your input.

November 13, 2020, 12:55 AM	#2
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	The CMC triggers are kinda rough. Well made, but not as nice as a Timney. Go for the Timney for the extra few bucks. Or you can look around and find knock-offs for a little less. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

November 13, 2020, 07:49 AM	#3
Shadow9mm Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 3,974	Larue MBT. They are a fantastic trigger at a reasonable price. I would put it up againt timminey or any of the other higher end drop in styles. __________________ I don't believe in "range fodder" that is why I reload.

November 13, 2020, 01:17 PM	#6
Double K Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2020 Location: Colorado Posts: 486	Mine has never had an issue with light primer strikes and the trigger is 3lbs measured. I didn't have the lower, I started from scratch, the idea was to have a exact copy of my 223 only in 22lr. It was more expensive that I thought it would be but all the factory AR 22's I've looked at are made with inexpensive parts, I figured on shooting the gun a lot and wanted it to last, function well and be accurate. It's embarrassing how much I spent on it, I'll have to shoot it a lot to get my money's worth from the project. Here's what went into it, Rock River Arms Lower Rise Armament 3.5 single stage trigger Timber Creek ambi safety " " extended magazine release Mission First Tactical Battlelink utility stock " " " engage pistol grip " " " trigger guard CMC anti-walk pins UTG 6 position buffer tube Redi-mag adapter for S&W magazines Lower receiver pin and spring kit, mil-spec bolt release from local Murdocks CMMG complete 16"upper Last edited by Double K; November 13, 2020 at 01:27 PM.

November 13, 2020, 02:42 PM	#7
brasscollector Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2015 Posts: 526	I have a CMMG 22LR dedicated upper. I did have issues with light strikes when I had the JP 3.5# spring set installed. I replaced the hammer spring with a heavier one and the issue went away. I have gone at least 1,200 rounds w/o any light strike issues since. Pull in mine is around 4# and is a "standard" two-stage trigger. You might get away with a lighter pull by using a drop-in/cartridge style trigger. __________________ He may look dumb, but that's just a disguise. -Charlie Daniels

November 13, 2020, 11:06 AM	#4
Double K Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2020 Location: Colorado Posts: 486	I just put a Rise armament in a friends gun, great trigger for 129.00, the Timney that's under 140.00 is also just fine, there's no need to spend 2-300.00 on an AR today. Both of these are available with anti-walk pins for a little more, it's cheaper to buy them together. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1021179552 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1021438589?pid=143421

November 13, 2020, 01:00 PM	#5
idek Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2009 Posts: 903	Thanks for the input. I will look into the various suggestions. One more question... When I search for "M&p 15-22 trigger" one of the top results was from velocitytriggers.com. (I've never heard of the company before) Most of their triggers are listed as having a 3# pull weight. However, for the 22LR ARs, they say their 4# trigger (which has a heavier hammer spring) is a better choice to get better primer strikes on rimfire cases. Can anyone verify if this is something I should consider (regardless of which brand I go with)? Will a slightly heavier trigger give better results in primer ignition? I have 10/22s with 2.5# triggers that function just fine, but AR triggers may be a different beast.

November 14, 2020, 01:24 AM	#8
Txhillbilly Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2008 Posts: 512	I put a 3lb Rise trigger in mine. Never had any issues with it.

November 14, 2020, 10:51 AM	#9
idek Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2009 Posts: 903	Thanks for the continued input. It sounds like the heavier trigger is NOT a must. Another point I'd like clarified is that of putting a trigger assembly in the polymer lower. Some places mention needing a steel sleeve or shim. Is that something I need in addition to anti-walk pins?

November 14, 2020, 06:13 PM	#10
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,014	I would suggest the Rock River Arms (RRA) Two stage chrome match trigger Before I gave up the AR platform (hated the ergonomic) I had two of them, one in an MP15-22. Drop in and it was the best thing about the AR of either type note: Mostly I am a target shooter and the AR just is not it for that sans one of the really accurate ones and I would rather shoot bolt action, I know many love the AR, just not for me __________________ Science and Facts are True whether you believe it or not