Is there any real advantage to a drop-in trigger in a standard (hard anodized) lower? How about in an 80% lower that hasn’t been anodized after finishing? Are they known for running tighter tolerances on the surfaces as they can better control the pin spacing (while a standard trigger needs to account for the tolerances in a lower)?
I’ll assume you mean one-piece type drop in triggers like this- http://www.midwayusa.com/product/3054292178/cmc-triggers-tactical-drop-in-trigger-group-ar-15-small-pin-154-single-stage-matte
The issue with these kinds of triggers, is that you generally needs to retain the pins with something. They generally can’t be easily removed if necessary (such as a blown primer in the lower or other obstruction). Just last week I had a blown primer get lodged under my hammer and killed the trigger. Because I had a drop in Geissele G2S I was able to easily remove hammer/trigger, clear the primer and put it back into operation.
I honestly don’t see the point of them. I’m sure there is one, but really, I find the drop ins much harder to install, and just like Iraqgunz posted, they need a way to retain the pins. Small set screws are often found in these triggers, and (yes, I realize you are supposed to use a thread/locker) it tends to scare me because it adds another point of failure, however minute it may be. I had a timney installed in a rifle awhile ago, and the set screws DID loosen, causing the trigger/hammer pins to just walk straight out. (They also leave a little indentation in the lower, not that it bothers me)
Yes, that’s the style that I mean.
I’ve picked up a few recently for some 80% lowers I’ve built, as it means if the pins are slightly mislocated (using a drill press, router, and jig to finish) the sear geometry is still right. One of them has 2 set screws stacked, so you can use one as a locknut. Another has rubber on the bottom that needs to be squeezed to get the pins to go in place. A third came with anti-roll pins.
I think I’ll likely be using them on 80% lowers but I suppose there’s minimal reason to use them in something off the shelf.
The new Velocity triggers from Tom Vehr are solid. It used the same double stacked set screw configuration mentioned earlier in this thread. I run both a curved and flat in my rifle, and like each of them quite a bit. Plus. The sub-$150 price point doesn’t hurt things either. I do have some of the same concerns regarding the pins walking, however a set of KNS pins is a cheap coverage if you’re truly concerned.
Yeah, that’s one of the ones I picked up. I have a RedBarn BLU (appears to be a blem BRO), a Velocity, and a POF. I haven’t shot them much yet but playing around I think I like the BLU best.
Below is a quote from SME Larry Vickers about triggers from a thread on this forum a few years ago. IMHO, the same holds true for today. Also, here are some links to a few reviews of the Wilson Combat TTU drop in trigger. For an all around drop in trigger in an AR, I like the Wilson TTU Paul Howe verson.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQmBrf1AGCY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzEUWJNjY-s
http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?2038-Wilson-Combat-Tactical-Trigger-Unit-(10-000-trips-of-the-trigger)
Gents I think it is finally time for me to make some recommendations for so called ‘match’ AR triggers - I prefer to call them enhanced triggers- I have been once bitten/twice shy on this subject because I have personally witnessed a match AR trigger double ( fire 2 shots instead of 1) when I was in the military; that ain’t cool so I wanted to really let the dust settle before I made any recommendations- the verdicts are in; here goes;
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If you want an enchanced AR trigger the industry Gold Standard is Geissele- their triggers have been in use by US Special Operations for awhile now with excellent results. With the amount of ammo they shoot if there was a serious problem it would be have shown up by now. There are several brands on the market but all will be measured to the Geissele trigger
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Honorable mention goes to the Wilson Combat Tactical Trigger Unit- I have a couple and so far have had excellent results; they are very well made and are backed by Wilson’s excellent customer service; they have not seen the widespread use the Geissele has but definately show promise
There you have it- most of my guns sport stock trigger setups but the ones that don’t have either a Geissele or a Wilson; if your in the market for a trigger check them out
Sincerely
LAV
The cassette triggers like the CMC IG linked to still rely on pins. If your holes are not drilled to spec it would still be a problem. More of a problem on a high strung trigger with shallow sear engagement surfaces.
With a cassette/drop-in trigger, either they’re close enough that they get through the holes and the geometry is right, or they don’t fit through the holes and it doesn’t work. I’m concerned that with a standard trigger it might be close enough to “work” but have problems.
You are correct. Manufacturers can maintain their required sear tolerances with a drop in even if the lower is slightly out of spec. The industry will be seeing more and more drop in’s.
I have the following drop in’s, AR Gold, ELF, CMC and Wilson Combat TTU. They are all easy to install and remove.
I also have a Geissele SSA-E which is an excellent trigger but it will not function consistently in 2 of my 6 lowers due to sloppy tolerances. All of the drop in’s work fine in these 2 lowers.
I am very satisfied with my drop in’s and they also work fine in my S&W 15-22. Try one, I think you will be happy.
Someone’s grammar sucks.
Periods are a good thing.
Jesus, if you’re going to quote yourself as an expert on something, at least make an intelligible post.
Really?
First off, the guy’s screen name is Biggy, not Jesus. Second, Biggy wasn’t quoting himself, but rather Larry Vickers.
Take a moment to reflect on what you are actually contributing to a thread before you post.
Back on topic: I have shot the TTU and thought it compared favorably to my Giessle, but I would rather have the Giessle. I like to know that I can service the part without learning a new design.