Our RA-535 APT — the Ferrari of triggers — is the one that started it all. It’s no surprise the trigger is one of the most important upgrades an AR-15 owner can make to a rifle. But remember, there are plenty of reasonably priced, aftermarket triggers on the shelf that offer enough room for any budget to try out a few. For a first-time AR owner, it’s not a bad idea to work with a mil-spec trigger. Every shooter has different preferences and different thoughts on what’s best for different shooting scenarios. There are different schools of thought on what triggers work best for which disciplines.
RTB LEFT HANDED .22LR Conversion – Replaces Standard BCG
That means each bolt is individually tested at a proof load. Mil-spec doesn’t mean the best or the worst; it’s just in spec for a military contract. But all it really means is that it is built to certain dimensional specifications so that it can work in military firearms. The main takeaway here is just get a full-auto weighted BCG if reliability is a concern. Full-auto profile means that the BCG is slightly longer and heavier, with an additional lug at its rear. Let’s clear the air first – “full-auto” BCGs are legal and don’t magically make your AR-15 automatic.
Back the Blue Trigger
Not only is this our most popular drop-in trigger on the site, but the RA-140 has hundreds of 5 star reviews across the internet. Rise Armament RA-140 Drop-In Trigger – This is considered by many to be the best bang-for-your-buck trigger on the market. This crisp, clean trigger is an instant upgrade to a stock trigger. The Swingfast hammer head provides a more accurate experience. This is why they are great options when it comes to accuracy-drive pursuits, such as competition shooting.
The X-PRT 90 is a semi-automatic reset system requiring a separate trigger pull for each round fired. The X-PRT 90 is engineered so that the shooter must pull the trigger for each round fired, regardless of selector position. When choosing an FRT-trigger, there are several factors to consider, including compatibility with your firearm, trigger pull weight, and budget.
At this point, the shooter will provide pressure on the trigger blade inside the trigger guard. A flat cut in this drum allows clearance for the trigger to travel once the shooter moves the selector switch to the “fire” position. We’ve already covered some of the mechanics when discussing types of AR triggers on the market.
- Aftermarket AR triggers also allow users to hone their rifles for specific tasks.
- Of course, choosing the “best” AR-15 trigger is an entirely subjective task.
- Each BCG is MPI and HPT, but the real secret sauce is in the bolt.
- The Pew Pew Tactical team has put a lot of rounds through a lot of BCGs during our testing of complete rifles, builds, barrels, optics, & ammo.
Triggers
Another go-to for competition shooting is the Rubber City Armory Titanium BCG, but it costs a pretty penny since the carrier is Titanium. If you look closely, you’ll see that the Titanium carrier is black DLC (diamond-like coating) while the bolt is silver (nickel-boron). Each of these carriers is MPI and HPT, and features a full-auto profile. Toolcraft, which is one of the largest OEM manufacturers of bolt carrier groups, makes these for PSA. NIB coating on bolt-carrier groups helps increase lubricity and ease of cleanup. Wyatt has been involved in shooting sports for over two decades as an avid hunter, recreational shooter, and former competitive shooter.
For a long-range gun or a hunting rig, many believe having a two-stage trigger that provides take-up for a decision-making phase can be helpful. Aftermarket AR triggers also allow users to hone their rifles for specific tasks. The consistency provided frt trigger in a purpose-built AR trigger allows shooters of every experience level to focus on the other variables involved in making a perfect shot. As with all parts of your gun, it’s important to inspect and clean your drop-in trigger when you do your 500-round cleaning and inspection. Once the shooter releases the trigger, the disconnector allows the hammer to rest on the trigger sear. The disconnector grabs the hammer and holds it down until the shooter releases pressure on the trigger.
So you want to pick a trigger that maximizes the likelihood of every round going exactly where you want, when you want. However, there are many who argue that a lighter trigger is safer for home defense since it typically leads to more accurate shot placement. For home-defense use, going with a slightly heavier, combat-style trigger might be a safer bet. Well, it still depends on what you’re planning to use the gun for. Obviously, you can’t shoot it because there’s no trigger! There, you need to decide what kind of trigger to put in your AR-15.