AR Trigger recommendations

[pbwalker]

try searching for "AR" and "Trigger" and you get a bajillion responses! Sorry if this has been covered before.

I am starting my first AR build. Just got the lower today and now it's time to research triggers.

I've been looking at a Rock River Arms Two Stage Trigger and it seems to have great reviews.

I'd love to solicit additional recommendations or feedback!

Thanks!

[Backslider]

I like the RRA trigger, but it came stock on my rifle and I have nothing else to compare it to.

[FlynJay]

I have a Jewel two stage match trigger that I am very happy with. The only downfall is that it doesn't work with the 22 conversion.

[y5e06]

A friend and myself both built del-tons about the same time. I got the basic lower kit, he got the Rock River 2-stage.... the 2 stage sure is nice. I wish I had sprung for it. However I did a basic polish job (no re-shaping or grinding) on mine it works quite well now.

[G.A. Heath]

First off what will you be using the gun for? A trigger needs to be chosen based on the firearms intended use.

[Lumberjack98]

G.A. is right. That will help you decide.

I have a Rock River two stage and LOVE it!! My AR is geared toward home defense / competition / plinking.

[The Annoyed Man]

My son's RRA varmint rifle has a very nice 2 stage trigger — probably the same unit that others have referred to. But my Bushmaster 24" varminter's 2 stage competition trigger is even better, and Bushmaster sells it separately. It has a 3.5 lb. first stage, and a 1 lb second stage, and it breaks just a tad more crisply.

But, like G.A. Heath has said, it really depends on your application. What is highly desirable in a Varmint/Hunting/Sniping/Target application may not be desirable in a CQB application, where a single stage pull with a somewhat higher pull weight is not only probably more safe, but less distracting to the shooter. I think an ideal CQB trigger would break like a glass rod with about a 4 lb pull.

If you are looking for a multi-role application, then go with a high end single stage trigger, and set the pull to about 4 lbs. That will still be good enough for hunting applications, and not to light for clearing rooms.

...or, like y5e06 did, do a simple polish job on your generic trigger and be happy with it for a whole lot less money.

[RECIT]

I have the RRA two stage that came factory in my LAR-8 and it is great. I also have a low end parts kits in one of my carbines and there is a huge difference between the two. I don't think you need to spend $2-300 on a really fancy one if you are not competing, but everyone appreciates a better trigger and for $130 range I think the RRA trigger is as good as it gets.

[HankB]

I put the RRA 2-stage in my recent build, *lightly* tuned it per the procedure at ar15.com, and am very happy with it. Break is very clean, right around 5 lbs. (Feels lighter.)

I put a Jewell in my Bushmaster - that trigger is better, and I've got it set very light - around 2 lbs - but it's crisp with no creep. Needless to say, I'd have to adjust it upwards if I were to shoot the rifle in "Service Rifle" competition . . . but since I don't use the rifle that way, I set it the way I like it. Installation & adjustment was a bit time consuming for a first-timer, but good instructions are available on the web.

Reliability has been perfect, regardless of ammo.

[Sidro]

Have a JP trigger in a LR-300SAUM and Chip McCormick in a R25 7mm-08. Like them both but plan to replace triggers in four more ar's and they will get the McCormick trigger. 3 to 3.5 lbs, very crisp and no creep in a drop in package.

[pbwalker]

First off what will you be using the gun for? A trigger needs to be chosen based on the firearms intended use.

Good point G.A.!

I'm starting my build because the AR I have now has an A2 upper, which won't allow me to put optics on it unless I add one of those handle rails (which are way too high up for my liking). The reason I want optics is for varmint hunting...which leads me to the answer to the question...

I'd love a varmint gun but also something that could be used as a tac driver. Aside from a shoulder carry for varmints, I'd like to be able to bipod the rifle and shoot 100 rounds through the same hole at 100 yards.

[RECIT]

Buy a LaRue 20" stealth upper and be done. The accuracy is in the upper and I wouldn't think has much to do with the trigger at all. An A2 style upper with a carry handle is great for service or plinking, but not the best choice for a varmint or target rifle. I would recommend something with a free float hand guard and a heavy barrel. Both of those two items will increase accuracy quite a bit.

[G.A. Heath]

Ok, My Advice is go with a good two stage trigger for your application. I would go with nothing lighter than a 4.5lb pull since you will be using it for hunting. As for an upper I am partial to Yankee Hill Machine free float handguards and you can add the bipod stud easily enough. If you were in my area I would help you in person, but if you have any questions at all let me know and I will be more than glad to help as best as I can. I have in fact built three ARs and walked two other people through building their own. I still need to get an optic for my 6.8 SPC build as I keep stealing its optics for other firearms.