LaRue MBT is still an option at $115?
- Thread starter KCode
- Start date
G2s is a much better trigger and PA has SSA blems for like 120 a week ago so it might still be going on. I have half a dozen mbts and a dozen giesseles.
Even the cheapest G2S is a light year ahead of the MBT. The larue trigger is way too wide.
Even the cheapest G2S is a light year ahead of the MBT. The larue trigger is way too wide.
Last edited:
This seems like a personal preference issue lol.
I run MBT-2S triggers in all my AR lowers right now, but I also bought them when they were $80 or whatever. For that kind of money they can’t be beat, and I kind of like the wide, flat face they have. They often pop up “used” for $80-100 as well.
So are they still viable? Yes. Whether or not they fit your preferences is a different matter.
I agree that it's a personal preference issue, but I also agree that the LaRue trigger face is too wide for my liking. They are both great triggers, and I have a couple Larues, but I prefer Geissele. G2S goes in most of my AR's, ssa-e goes in precision ones.
For reliability, I highly recommend either of these over the cassette type triggers
For reliability, I highly recommend either of these over the cassette type triggers
Fair enough. I don't know anyone who has shot them side by side and didnt come away saying the G trigger was much better. Yea they were a great value for 75 bucks( and why I have a bunch of them) but it's not worth saving $50 for a heavier trigger that is poorly sculpted.
A GI trigger is viable...doesn't mean I will run one.
Also fair enough lol.
I just meant that if the OP liked ‘em, they’ll definitely get the job done without breaking the bank. I’m with you that a G trigger (particularly the NM) is better by a good margin. For a dedicated precision gas gun, that’s what I would run. For a more general purpose DMR/SPR/whatever rifle and below, a well broken in or properly cleaned up Larue does alright, especially at the $80 mark.
At $115 though, if you don’t just *really* prefer the feel of the Larue, I agree that waiting for a sale on the SSA is a better deal.
I used a bunch of LaRue triggers for years. Loved them then I used Geissle. I prefer the Geissle now
I have tons of both. I prefer the MBT-2S with a JP spring.
I actually have 2 Geissele SD3G sitting here that need to go back for warranty. They go full auto regularly. Twice on my son just 2 days ago. Ive been shooting G for many years, but really hard to beat a Larue with JP spring pack.
I actually have 2 Geissele SD3G sitting here that need to go back for warranty. They go full auto regularly. Twice on my son just 2 days ago. Ive been shooting G for many years, but really hard to beat a Larue with JP spring pack.
IMHO, Centurion Arms AST @$93.50 is a better buy, and a better trigger, than Larue's MBT @$115.
However, I prefer to spend the money and buy Geissele SSA-E or SD-E. They are much better triggers for a precision or SDM type AR15. And on sale they can be found from time to time during the year in the $200. or less price point.
However, I prefer to spend the money and buy Geissele SSA-E or SD-E. They are much better triggers for a precision or SDM type AR15. And on sale they can be found from time to time during the year in the $200. or less price point.
Comparisons are usually subjective, but if you look at the data generated from robotic testing rigs, like a Dvorak TriggerScan, you can get objective values to compare. Not necessarily a substitute for how a person determines what they like, though. They do show the repeatability and abnormalities of a single example over long string tests, which is something I find the most useful. An example of a LaRue MBT graph:
I have several MBT-2 and one MBT-2S, and a couple Geissele SSA-E. Prefer the Geissele for pure precision work, but prefer the LaRue for all around. Don't mind the wide blade like DBD does. And prefer the straight blade to the curved one, in the LaRue.
Never tried other Geissele or A2G.
Never tried other Geissele or A2G.
I think I have a Larue in every lower because they’re a good general duty trigger at the price of $80 or so they were all purchased at. At least the newer ones have the shoe rounded on the edges. Any more than that I’d just wait till the SSA-E’s go on sale. When a Larue gets a lot of rounds and broken in, they can be nice. Out of the box, not the best.
Have had one lower where the shoe was too wide to fit and had to sand the shoe down, a CMMG .45 Glock mag lower.
Have had one lower where the shoe was too wide to fit and had to sand the shoe down, a CMMG .45 Glock mag lower.
Let me offer another thought after this afternoon's range session. Shot an AR with LaRue MBT-2, and my 6.5 Creedmoor with TriggerTech Diamond set pretty low. I swapped rifles for barrel cooldown.
When shooting the LaRue (which I did first) with no other trigger to compare, it feels great. Just enough resistance in both stages to not touch one off accidentally. My dislike of Geissele SSA-E for all-round is because that 2d stage is so light and I find myself doubling accidentally sometimes. Probably due to many more hours on the LaRue than the Geissele overall.
After shooting the TT Diamond in the bolt gun, the LaRue felt way too firm/resistant and I struggled to get nice trigger presses w/o rifle wobble. Yep, I was firming the rear bag. But suddenly the LaRue felt like molasses in winter.
This gave me a new POV on the LaRue and I know now why some just find it too sluggish/firm.
When shooting the LaRue (which I did first) with no other trigger to compare, it feels great. Just enough resistance in both stages to not touch one off accidentally. My dislike of Geissele SSA-E for all-round is because that 2d stage is so light and I find myself doubling accidentally sometimes. Probably due to many more hours on the LaRue than the Geissele overall.
After shooting the TT Diamond in the bolt gun, the LaRue felt way too firm/resistant and I struggled to get nice trigger presses w/o rifle wobble. Yep, I was firming the rear bag. But suddenly the LaRue felt like molasses in winter.
This gave me a new POV on the LaRue and I know now why some just find it too sluggish/firm.
I like my triggers like DBD likes his wimmen... fat as you can get.
Seriously, I own (6) Larue MBT-2S, (3) Geissele SSA-E, and (1) Geissele SSA. The SSA-E is a tad nicer feeling and feels about 20% lighter (if that is your thing). I don't think 95% of the population could tell the difference between the SSA and MBT-2S if they were blindfolded.
I have almost zero experience with the stuff from other manufacturers, but I hear that there are a few other good options out there.
I grew up shooting smaller-level matches on the east coast with standard military triggers. It is the Indian a lot more than the arrow.
Seriously, I own (6) Larue MBT-2S, (3) Geissele SSA-E, and (1) Geissele SSA. The SSA-E is a tad nicer feeling and feels about 20% lighter (if that is your thing). I don't think 95% of the population could tell the difference between the SSA and MBT-2S if they were blindfolded.
I have almost zero experience with the stuff from other manufacturers, but I hear that there are a few other good options out there.
I grew up shooting smaller-level matches on the east coast with standard military triggers. It is the Indian a lot more than the arrow.
Put the JP spring in your Larue and it makes it that much more amazing. Been doing this for years and is my go to.
JP Enterprises 3.5lb Reduced Power AR-15 Spring Kit https://share.google/utTNVase7GdRp6ElW
JP Enterprises 3.5lb Reduced Power AR-15 Spring Kit https://share.google/utTNVase7GdRp6ElW
I have 15+ coyote kills on my thermal rig with an mbt-2s and I think i got my $115 money's worth
My dad is not an AR guy. But, he asked me to put together a box of parts he inherited from his brother. I brought him 4 ARs to try the triggers on. I gave them to him in no particular order, did not tell him what they were, what they cost, or what my preferences are. I had a Rock River National Match, a Geissele G2S, an Geisssle SSA-E, and a nicely broke in mil-spec trigger. It was no question that the SSA-E was the winner. He didn’t what it cost; just said “buy it and bill me.”
This is why I favor the Geissele SSA and SD triggers. The Geisseles are designed to give you the best performance they can with milspec springs. No matter the conditions or ammo, they make the rifle go bang while providing a pretty good feel.
I have an SSA that I bought when the first batch was released and it's still going strong after many tens of thousands of rounds.
In the absence of anything to compare to, lots of triggers can feel “pretty good.” I have a mil-spec AR trigger that I polished the piss out of. I’d describe it as “heavy, but smooth.” Glock triggers are usable, and if they’re all you know, they define the standard.
In my example above, the mil-spec trigger was installed in the first AR I bought. And, that rifle from a bipod and a bag, shooting match ammo, reliably shoots sub MOA- with that trigger.
My brother in law swears by the Rock River National match 2 state triggers. With nothing else to compare to, the one that I have feels very nice. But, it’s pretty mid compared to a broke-in SD-E.
I’ve read people writing that the G2S is an SSA-E with less QC. Those people must have never used an SSA-E. By itself, the G2S is “fine.” I like it less than the Rock River. And, maybe less than that polished mil-spec, if only because of the higher expectations I had for the G2S.
If I didn’t already have more SSA-Es and SD-Es than I have rifles to put them in, I could be swayed to take a flyer on a Larue 2 stage on a Black Friday deal. I’ve read that Larue sells the trigger just to troll Geissele. (Honestly, that would be enough) And, the vast majority of people that use them, really like them. Though, I think much of the “just as good at 1/2 the price” is a result of the aforementioned lack of comparative data points.
Is a Larue 2 stage as good or better than a SD-E? Very doubtful. Is it better than no trigger and a $100 bill when what you need is a trigger? No.
In my example above, the mil-spec trigger was installed in the first AR I bought. And, that rifle from a bipod and a bag, shooting match ammo, reliably shoots sub MOA- with that trigger.
My brother in law swears by the Rock River National match 2 state triggers. With nothing else to compare to, the one that I have feels very nice. But, it’s pretty mid compared to a broke-in SD-E.
I’ve read people writing that the G2S is an SSA-E with less QC. Those people must have never used an SSA-E. By itself, the G2S is “fine.” I like it less than the Rock River. And, maybe less than that polished mil-spec, if only because of the higher expectations I had for the G2S.
If I didn’t already have more SSA-Es and SD-Es than I have rifles to put them in, I could be swayed to take a flyer on a Larue 2 stage on a Black Friday deal. I’ve read that Larue sells the trigger just to troll Geissele. (Honestly, that would be enough) And, the vast majority of people that use them, really like them. Though, I think much of the “just as good at 1/2 the price” is a result of the aforementioned lack of comparative data points.
Is a Larue 2 stage as good or better than a SD-E? Very doubtful. Is it better than no trigger and a $100 bill when what you need is a trigger? No.
Geissele Cosmetic Blem triggers on sale at Primary Arms right now... SSAE, SDE, etc for cheap..
$125-$140
$125-$140
I guess I’m the odd one out because I prefer them. I gave one a try about 5 years ago and after that replaced all my Geissele’s with Larues and that’s all I’ve ran with the exception of a couple TT triggers in some factory Seekins DMR’s that I had for a little while.
Out of the box all of the Larues have been crisper than any G I’ve ever had and none of them have developed creep or gotten mushy after use like a lot of my G’s did.
Out of the box all of the Larues have been crisper than any G I’ve ever had and none of them have developed creep or gotten mushy after use like a lot of my G’s did.
Just got one for a Mini Recce build. While it does have a crisp break, it just feels a lot heavier then the advertised 4.5lb. Took it off and put on SD3G I had on another build to get me by this weekend. Just ordered up a SSAE blem for 130 bucks.
Every time I have gone away from a Geissele it has always bit me in the ass. Got a TT Diamond AR trigger, to see if it was comparable to a Geissele NM. Hated it and trigger shoe was too sharp around the edges. First stage almost felt that it had no preload. Didn't have 500 rounds through it and the disconnector broke. A lot of hassling with TT and they finally sent me a new trigger. Now, after reading and hearing people praise the MBT, thought I would give it a try. I hate it.
Every time I have gone away from a Geissele it has always bit me in the ass. Got a TT Diamond AR trigger, to see if it was comparable to a Geissele NM. Hated it and trigger shoe was too sharp around the edges. First stage almost felt that it had no preload. Didn't have 500 rounds through it and the disconnector broke. A lot of hassling with TT and they finally sent me a new trigger. Now, after reading and hearing people praise the MBT, thought I would give it a try. I hate it.
Agreed in everything you said about the MBT... crisp break, little heavier than I like stock. Put the $10.99 JP spring in and try it again and report back. Only way I run MBT triggers and makes all the difference. I dont even use all the JP springs, just the lightened hammer spring. Takes 10sec to install
I’ve got the Geissele SSP in my run and gun rifle, other than that all of my others use Geissele SDE. I did put a Larue MBT 2S in the build I did for my girl. It’s a good trigger but I won’t be using anything other than the SDE in my builds. In fact I just grabbed another SDE for $134 listed as a “blem”. As with every other Geissele “blem” I’ve purchased, it is flawless. If I thought there were any chance I would build another AR I would’ve bought more.
I suppose it's personal preference, but I really don't care for my Triggertech duty 2 stage, it feels heavier to me, especially on the second stage than my LaRue's. Of course I had the LaRue's first and more of them, but after a couple sessions I put the LaRue back in my favorite rifle and benched the TT Duty. I've recently put the Duty into another lower and have been having light strikes with AAC 5.56, only trigger I've had that with.
Larue anything is a crap shoot, give mark enough time and he'll find a way to fuck it up.
If you can find one of his earlier production triggers in the Exchange they have the cleanest break, they have a Silver finish and easily stand out from current production.
https://ar15hunter.com/larue-tactical-mbt-2s-trigger-announced/
If you can find one of his earlier production triggers in the Exchange they have the cleanest break, they have a Silver finish and easily stand out from current production.
https://ar15hunter.com/larue-tactical-mbt-2s-trigger-announced/
I actually had the exact same thing with a Geissele. Thought I was the only one with that full auto issue.
Last edited:
I like my MBT-2S triggers as is, but you've got me curious, going to have to order a few springs.
Do you use the JP Hammer spring with the MBT-2S and does it light off primers in the winter?
I’ve had problems with JP Hammer springs igniting primers in the cold when I used to do trigger jobs prior to the existence of Geissele and the wave of after-market triggers available to us over the past 21 years.
Once all these really good triggers started hitting the market with full power hammer springs, I haven’t messed around much with JP springs, though I really love the JP Single stage trigger for 3-Gun and fast close range work. I think I started using JP AR-10 hammer springs to deal with light primer strikes about 15-20 years ago.
I only use the hammer spring with the MBT2S and dont use any of the other springs in the JP spring kit. I have 4 or 5 setup exactly like this with JP springs and have well over 50k rounds on these AR's, summer, winter, CCI, Federal, Remington, factory primed LC, factory primed AAC, never had a problem with igniting a round.
I had an SD3G that did the same thing.
Back when MBTs were $75 or whatever it was not too long after they first came out, I put them in all of the ARs I owned. Even the couple that already had Geisseles in them. I haven't missed the Geisseles and have never had an issue with any of the MBTs.
Had me second guessing myself so I had to go look.
Here are the JP trigger spring packs I always buy. I use the 3.5lb hammer spring and the trigger spring, I dont use the disconnector spring...
Last edited:
