Home Forums Hunting & Shooting AR and Tactical Rifles question : AR triggers

Who makes the best, light, single stage trigger for an AR-15?

I'm on my first excursion into ARs and I've learned I don't like 2 stage triggers nor heavy 4+ pound triggers. I'm looking for a single stage, pound and a half or less. 8 ounces would be approaching good. Is there anything out there?

Tom

1 1/2lbs would be unsafe in an AR.
3lbs is about the minimum safe pull weight.

Personally, I wouldn't trust anything less than 3 1/2lbs.

I thought I wouldn't like a 2 stage either, until I bought a Rock River Varmint for $86. I can't see the need for anything more, but that's just me.

Thanks for the info.

Sounds like this might not be a gun for me. I bought a Ruger MPR. It's got the accuracy .. from a bench with a bit of cheating it'll shoot under half inch with some loads, but I can't do it without the cheats and I can't do the cheats from field positions.

Tom

I agree with jpro. However, there are other triggers that are better. Right now you can get a Larue mbt2s for $87.00. For twice the money, you can buy a Geiselle SSAE, which is a damn good trigger. I also vote 2 stage for an AR.

"Under 1/2". Is that all? Im surprised thats not in the black rifle challenge.

I think your problem is you are judging two stage triggers based on that junk the mpr comes with. My 452 trigger is terrible, gritty, inconsistent. Try a larue mbt for the money and you'll change your mind about 2 stage triggers.

How hard are you going to use this gun, how many rounds per year will you fire & what are you going to use the gun for? All have a bearing on what type & what quality level trigger would be best, IMO.

MM

Keep an open mind about it. Not every gun needs an 8 oz trigger, especially a light weight semi auto. I prefer single stage triggers too, but 3 to 3-1/2 lb is about right for a good crisp single stage in these. IMO the feel of the trigger is a lot more important than the total weight, and a decent single stage AR trigger can be made nice and crisp with a very short reset.

I know most of the AR crowd loves the 2 stage, but I would never shoot an AR again unless it had a single stage trigger.

I have tried most of the drop in modular triggers like timney and chip McCormick etc, they are OK but hands down the finest AR single stage trigger is the complete JP fire control with trigger, speed hammer, springs and anti-walk pins. it is a PIA to install but well worth it. On one of my lowers I sent it to JP and had him install it..........that one breaks about 6oz less than the one I installed myself and still less expensive than some of the high dollar 2 stage on the market.

Velocity 3pd curved shoe.
Ran about 3500 rds thru mine .
No issues.
Then I sold the wpn.

Wanna try a Elftman 3 pd in my next build eventually.

I am a total SSA-E whore now.

This.

John Holliger of White Oak Armament on single stage triggers used in Highpower;
https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/resources/faq.html#triggers

Granted, not everyone will shoot an AR the way we Highpower competitors do, but keep in mind that light trigger with no creep come with a toll on engagement. Good luck and be safe.

That is an interesting point. I've put 10s of thous of rounds & dry firing through ARs using 2 stage triggers and have never had to adjust them. I've worn a couple out & had them rebuilt, however.

If John Holliger says it, it is the same as JC writing it on the tablets.

Gear queens will be gear queens. How could a time tested, blood tested Garand derived trigger group be any good?

Totally agree

And that's exactly why I asked what the usage & purpose of the gun would be.

I have several single stage triggers & I like them for certain uses, but on a gun to be used for home defense, I like a 2-stage.

MM

Tyrone,

Which 2 stage triggers did you manage to wear out?