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AR trigger

Snuby642

Two Star General
Full Member
Minuteman
  • Feb 11, 2017
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    For several lowers I own I have used the BCM PNT trigger.
    I like them smooth, and no failures.
    They run @ 65$ all over.

    For that price range are there other triggers that you prefer?

     
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    I've been wondering this too for the $60 - $100 mark. I love Giessele but if I could find something for half the price and not be able to tell much of the difference.. I'd be all in.
     
    I have not shot any Giessele triggers or any in that price range so as to not get spoiled.
    The BCM triggers are a huge inprovement to a standard trigger but will probably not compare.

    Many people at the range that shoot my guns are supprised at the quality for the price.
    Just was wondering if others are in this class.
     
    Larue MBT at $87 is a phenomenal deal. It is just as good as the Geiselle SSA at 1/3 the price and is billet not cast

    Other than that in the $65 price range they are all mostly just enhanced polished milspec triggers like ALG ACT, BCM PNT, etc.. If you are fine with that type of trigger Right to Bear has a nickel teflon coated one similar to the BCM for like $40

    You can find some single stage triggers for around $100 like Rise Armament, AIM surplus, and a few others go on sale occasionally
     
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    Larue MBT at $87 is a phenomenal deal. It is just as good as the Geiselle SSA at 1/3 the price and is billet not cast

    Other than that in the $65 price range they are all mostly just enhanced polished milspec triggers like ALG ACT, BCM PNT, etc.. If you are fine with that type of trigger Right to Bear has a nickel teflon coated one similar to the BCM for like $40

    You can find some single stage triggers for around $100 like Rise Armament, AIM surplus, and a few others go on sale occasionally
    The MBT is a decent trigger, but it is NOT an SSA.
     
    The MBT is a decent trigger, but it is NOT an SSA.
    I like it better than the Geiselle low end 2 stage or the low end RRA 2 stage.
    i did have a SLIGHT issue with the MBT.
    The profile at the rear of the trigger interfered (drag) with a push button safety. The MBT is a little wider there.
     

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    Just installed a couple Larue MBTs. I installed the light spring and thought the pull was too light. Went back and installed the heavier spring. Overall a big improvement over stock and worth the price. Had to wait a few weeks though as they were back ordered.
     
    Honestly you cannot go wrong with a MBT or Geissele. Timney and Trigger tech make phenomenal triggers for ARs but they are outside the budget you listed. Now if you stretch it out and decide to run higher end I would go for Timney or Trigger Tech before geissele.
     
    I think for the price I'm gonna give the MBT a try on my 308 and see how i like it
     
    Try the JP light trigger spring on the MBT. My next experiment will be to polish the engagement surfaces on the hammer. Then I may try to change the contour of the front contact surface of the hammer, like a 1911 sear kinda. I wish I could get the disconnect spring out of the MBT and either put in a lighter one or chop a few coils off the one in there.
     
    I will say that i believe the best trigger for an AR under 100 dollars is by far anything from the hiperfire edt line.
     
    I've been curious about the Hiperfire EDT trigger. I run 2 BCM PNT triggers now, both good triggers. I am torn between an MBT and the Hiperfire...

    I'm going to go with one or the other in my 308. I want it to be reliable as possible with best possible pull. So I'm guessing that the simpler the design, the more reliable it will be?
     
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    I've been curious about the Hiperfire EDT trigger. I run 2 BCM PNT triggers now, both good triggers. I am torn between an MBT and the Hiperfire...

    I'm going to go with one or the other in my 308. I want it to be reliable as possible with best possible pull. So I'm guessing that the simpler the design, the more reliable it will be?
    I will say that I have yet to have an issue with my hiperfire and I have put many rounds down range with the rifle that it’s in! It’s very smooth and crisp. Not super light, but lighter than milspec, and the reset is fanominal.
     
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    There's a guy with a 6.5 creedmoor gas gun that comes out to the local match. He's got a Timney Calvin trigger in the gun and doubles the damned thing at least once on every stage. He said he talked to Timney and they said to send it back for a new one. He did. Sure enough, first shot of first stage of the last match "Po-pop!!" He jumps off the trigger like he's trying to shoot singles from a full auto. Whatever you choose, make sure of your competency.
     
    There's a guy with a 6.5 creedmoor gas gun that comes out to the local match. He's got a Timney Calvin trigger in the gun and doubles the damned thing at least once on every stage. He said he talked to Timney and they said to send it back for a new one. He did. Sure enough, first shot of first stage of the last match "Po-pop!!" He jumps off the trigger like he's trying to shoot singles from a full auto. Whatever you choose, make sure of your competency.
    This issue can be a recoil control issue and not a trigger problem. If he doesn't have positive control of the rifle and it recoils this causes the trigger to reset and then as the gun recoils forward his finger with press the trigger again. Not necessarily a Timney problem.
     
    For several lowers I own I have used the BCM PNT trigger.
    I like them smooth, and no failures.
    They run @ 65$ all over.

    For that price range are there other triggers that you prefer?

    For that price, I'd stick with the BCM trigger or look at an ALG Defense Enhanced Mil-spec. If you're willing to spend slightly more the MBT isn't a bad deal. Some triggers change in time. For the worse. I have a KAC 2 stage in my SR-15. When I first got it I thought it was 98% what a Geissele SSA trigger is. I've got 2k rounds through the gun now and there is noticeable creep. My Geissele triggers stay consistent. The cost isn't only the name on the side.
     
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    This issue can be a recoil control issue and not a trigger problem. If he doesn't have positive control of the rifle and it recoils this causes the trigger to reset and then as the gun recoils forward his finger with press the trigger again. Not necessarily a Timney problem.

    Absolutely not a Timney problem. I don't think his first trigger was faulty. He just has terrible trigger control. That is why I said to make sure that you are competent with whatever trigger you choose. A light trigger with a short reset can amplify sloppy trigger control.
     
    There's a guy with a 6.5 creedmoor gas gun that comes out to the local match. He's got a Timney Calvin trigger in the gun and doubles the damned thing at least once on every stage. He said he talked to Timney and they said to send it back for a new one. He did. Sure enough, first shot of first stage of the last match "Po-pop!!" He jumps off the trigger like he's trying to shoot singles from a full auto. Whatever you choose, make sure of your competency.
    Yeah thats going to happen everytime you try to free recoil with the CE. Even with a 223. I may have tried it, 3 shot bursts told me it was a bad idea...
     
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    @Wolfhunter
    I like the comparisons you gave.
    I have wore out a barrel with the same bcm trigger, no problems. A blowout with cleaner and drop of oil is all the attention they get.

    Since any ar I have is subject to multi tasking and being loaned /shared with others I will stick to them.

    Same trigger feel across the board is nice anyway. Lol
     
    Honestly a trigger can make or break the accuracy of a rifle. Sure a rifle is a system and a good barrele, bolt carrier ect is also important, but having a smooth and consistent trigger will greatly imporove your accuracy. Geissele’s are hands down the best ive ever shot and worth every cent. I have a BCM in my budget AR becuase my delton failed and i was broke and the bcm works, but it is not as smooth nor is it adjustable like my Geissele.

    Geissele has something for everyone and you will not be disappointed.
     
    Do you have an idea of whether you’d like a single stage or a two stage trigger? Some guys (with more experience than me) might be able to offer more better recommendations based on your preference.

    I’ve shot a BCM rifle with the PNT for a few years and just switched to an Elftmann. I know it’s outside the price range you mentioned, but the take-up is nearly non-existant and it breaks so much crisper than the PNT.
     
    Try trigger tech adaptive. Wide range of adjustment for all different applications.

    They are an investment but so is everything else we buy.

    As my wise brother told me - cry once and enjoy your investment for a long time!!!
     
    I've got 6 larues now, 1 rra nm. In RR and Anderson lowers.

    I like my triggers in the 1-2lb range. Crisp and clean break. Since it's not possible to get down to that weight, I'm ok with clean and crisp. The higher weight in the first vs second stage does trick you into thinking it's lighter than it is.

    I've tried 4 of the giessle triggers, and every last one of them felt gritty and had a mushy break. I'd never buy one. They are a huge step up from mil-spec but they're still shit.
    They sell because they've built a huge following online with guys who don't know what a good trigger feels like.

    The larue is a nice clean "take-up" for the first stage, then you hit the wall and it has a nice crisp break. If it didn't have the first stage I'd swear it was a heavy benchrest trigger.


    I'm also a fan of heat treated s7. You will never, ever, wear it out.
     
    I've got 6 larues now, 1 rra nm. In RR and Anderson lowers.

    I like my triggers in the 1-2lb range. Crisp and clean break. Since it's not possible to get down to that weight, I'm ok with clean and crisp. The higher weight in the first vs second stage does trick you into thinking it's lighter than it is.

    I've tried 4 of the giessle triggers, and every last one of them felt gritty and had a mushy break. I'd never buy one. They are a huge step up from mil-spec but they're still shit.
    They sell because they've built a huge following online with guys who don't know what a good trigger feels like.

    The larue is a nice clean "take-up" for the first stage, then you hit the wall and it has a nice crisp break. If it didn't have the first stage I'd swear it was a heavy benchrest trigger.


    I'm also a fan of heat treated s7. You will never, ever, wear it out.

    Which geissele triggers did you try? Some aren’t designed to be the most crisp trigger, and break like a carrot instead of a glass rod?
     
    I have the rr 2 stage in one of my 6.5 ar-10’s I put it in just to run it as I was waiting on my elfmann but I ended leaving the rr in and putting the elfman in another build, it’s a pretty decent trigger
     
    I've got 6 larues now, 1 rra nm. In RR and Anderson lowers.

    I like my triggers in the 1-2lb range. Crisp and clean break. Since it's not possible to get down to that weight, I'm ok with clean and crisp. The higher weight in the first vs second stage does trick you into thinking it's lighter than it is.

    I've tried 4 of the giessle triggers, and every last one of them felt gritty and had a mushy break. I'd never buy one. They are a huge step up from mil-spec but they're still shit.
    They sell because they've built a huge following online with guys who don't know what a good trigger feels like.

    The larue is a nice clean "take-up" for the first stage, then you hit the wall and it has a nice crisp break. If it didn't have the first stage I'd swear it was a heavy benchrest trigger.


    I'm also a fan of heat treated s7. You will never, ever, wear it out.

    The LaRue trigger is a good value at 87$, but it’s NOWHERE near a benchrest trigger. Not close. I have one in one of my AR’s and I’ve caught myself on several occasions coming out of pulling the trigger to check and see if I had the safety on.

    You can get down to the sub 2lb trigger, it’s just not a LaRue. I know my Geissele National Match triggers do, and I believe other brands can as well.

    And the statement as to why Geissele triggers sell is laughable. They sell because they have a good product. A product that is associated with success in national level competitions. They maintain their pricing structure because people will pay for their performance. They didn’t come out at 199$ and then have to lower the price to 87$ to gain market share.

    That said, there’s not much else to consider at the 87$ price point than the MBT2. There are better triggers, but you’ll pay more for them. Same as with most consumer goods.
     
    i have the BCM in all my ARs......for the price its a solid trigger.
     
    ...giessle triggers, ...(truncated nonsense)...
    They sell because they've built a huge following online with guys who don't know what a good trigger feels like.
    Man, if that doesn't sound just like...
    The larue ...(truncated nonsense)... I'd swear it was a heavy benchrest trigger.
    ...Yup, there we go.


    I think you might have someone locally selling you something as Geissele that isn't, or something. Your reports don't compare well against anyone else's.

    I own both brands - the Larue is maybe a tie with a not-great SSA, and so pulls ahead in value, but between triggerface geometry and the lack of a SSA-E level Larue trigger, all my serious-use guns get Geissele. Still plenty of Larue, and I expect to replace them with the flat bow triggers, should they ever start shipping.
     
    Last edited:
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    Am I uncool if I’ve tried, rise armament, psa single stage, and cmc flat 2.5lb “3gun” single stage? I like the flatbow single stage 2.5 cmc so much I have zero interest in trying anything else. I just really love the cmc flat with the bottom shelf to index off of. I got both my cmc’s On sale. Seems like they discount them often.
     
    Man, if that doesn't sound just like...

    ...Yup, there we go.


    I think you might have someone locally selling you something as Geissele that isn't, or something. Your reports don't compare well against anyone else's.

    I own both brands - the Larue is maybe a tie with a not-great SSA, and so pulls ahead in value, but between triggerface geometry and the lack of a SSA-E level Larue trigger, all my serious-use guns get Geissele. Still plenty of Larue, and I expect to replace them with the flat bow triggers, should they ever start shipping.


    I'm not a larue fan and haven't bought a single thing from him except triggers. I'll agree most of his stuff is outdated and stupid expensive.

    Mine have that glass rod break on the second stage with no creep or grit.

    The Geissele's I've tried felt more like an ak trigger. Gritty, creepy, mushy break with tons of overtravel. Several different owners, no idea on purchase since nobody local sells them.

    I was most disappointed in the one timney I've tried. It was gritty and creepy but at least broke clean. I was going to buy a few since I like the Calvin elite in my 700, but that one scared me away.


    Last I looked I couldn't find a trigger that would go below 3 lbs, but it has been 4-5 years.
     
    I've been happy with the 3lb Velocity drop in trigger in my accuracy AR. It's easy to shoot well and hasn't had a problem with the gunk that rifle gets from being shot supressed all the time. I think it ran me about $130 shipped.

    I'll probably try one of the LaRue MBTs in the next build to see what all the hullabaloo is about.
     
    Without a doubt, if you have the budget. Go Geissele, they are awesome and love all of mine. But, that being said. the Larue MBT is really good for the price.
     
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    I have Geissele and LaRue triggers. But now I think I might try Foxtrot Mike's 2 stage for $75 and see how it stacks
     
    I have Geissele and LaRue triggers. But now I think I might try Foxtrot Mike's 2 stage for $75 and see how it stacks


    I have one Schmid Tool & Engineering 2 stage trigger that has a hiccup... 4 others are perfectly good for the price... not sure about longevity though.

    And if you didn't know the Schmid / 1005 is sold by many companies, Foxtrot Mikes, Ruger , PSA ... so many I can't remember them all.


    products-1005-tactical-2-stage-nickel-boron-trigger.jpg
     
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    I recently installed the LMT Axle (Euro Version), and I have to say that I really like it a lot. It is a tad heavier than 4.5 lbs, but it is very nice. I have also used the following triggers, SSA, SSA-E, Larue MBT 2. Of all the triggers, the SSA is in my mind the nicest trigger, and at 4.5 lbs, it is all you need for DMR or National Match competition. If you track the market, you can generally pick up an SSA-E for less than a SSA when they go on sale. I think the SSA is more versatile, as it supports competition shooting and there is a higher demand for it. I find the SSA-E to be too light of trigger pull on an AR at 3.5lbs. I do not care for the Larue MBT. It is a great value, but I would pay more for the SSA or the AXLE. The AXLE was recently on sale for $149 which is a great value for that trigger. The MBT trigger shape just doesn't feel right to me. That's a personal preference, but when you are use to a specific feel, changing it up sometimes doesn't work.
     
    The Geissele/ALG Defense QMS and ACT are very good triggers for the money.
     
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    I've got an SSA, and couple of BCM PNTs. I prefer the BCM over the Geissele for all of the shooting that I have done with both rifles. Also have an ACT and G2S that are not yet installed. I'll probably trade/sell the G2S and maybe the SSA. My only issue with the SSA is that it's too light for my tastes.

    Also been eyeing the Centurion Arms single stage as a SD trigger. Curious about their 2-stage as well, if anyone has info on either of those.
     
    For several lowers I own I have used the BCM PNT trigger.
    I like them smooth, and no failures.
    They run @ 65$ all over.

    For that price range are there other triggers that you prefer?

    Old thread, but someone else dragged it up from the dead...

    In that price-range? No.

    In the $150 price range, the Rise Armament 434 is a solid unit. I have quite a few of them.

    In the $200+, the TriggerTech Adaptable Single-Stage adjustable and single-stage Diamond triggers are the top dogs. I run several of each of these, too.