I am looking to replace a Mil Spec Trigger from a PSA LPK in my SD/Truck gun. It has a pistol length barrel and I don’t need a Geissele SD3G or High Speed Match trigger… Just one that is a step up from the PSA one I have now. I have only used mil spec triggers and the one I have now works fine but I would say it has a heavier then desired pull weight around 7.5 lbs, with a “unpredictable” break and gritty pre travel.
Basically during the pull, there are times when it feels like its at the point where it should break, but doesn’t still needing a bit more force… Then on the next shot, breaks at a lighter then expected pull compared to the previous shot. The “Grit” doesn’t help either… So I was looking at the ALG ACT… It seems like its got all the reliability of the Mil Spec but is more refined… ALG is pretty much Geissele lite, and I haven’t used geissele products but I trust their reputation…
I figured with the ACT, if the full weight spring was too heavy, I would use either the purple ALG spring or a set of JP enhanced reliability springs and they would get me around 4 to 4.5 lbs. Neither spring seems to have much of a problem with light primer strikes with most ammo types when used in standard Mil Spec Triggers. I think light primer strikes with those springs would be even less likely in the ACT with its “Hard Lube” coatings vs. Phosphate Mil Spec… and the ACT being a Improved mil spec trigger, finding different springs should be easier to get the “right” Hammer and trigger spring weights to give the Pull I want.
Dry fire the gun. 1000 cycles at least, with lubricant between the hammer and trigger surfaces. Not mindless cycling while watching TV, but actual deliberate, meaningful repetiitons, with a correct sight picture. 1000 or more cycles.
Your trigger will be 100% improved (read- broken in) AND you will have the benefit of significantly improved trigger control.
Or just buy an ALG.
Best case scenario- buy an ALG trigger AND dry fire. Can’t lose.
In my experience-
All new AR single stage triggers are rough at first.
ACT is a good trigger. But I prefer the Hiperfire EDT2. I’ve had several ACT’s but just prefer the EDT2. It’s my go-to single stage trigger. Feels cleaner, I like the reset better. Probably the biggest thing for me is that it breaks at 4.5lbs which I prefer over the 3.5lb trigger that the ACT has. Personal preference. Either way you really can’t go wrong with either at their price.
ETA: the EDT2 would give you the 4.5lb without purchasing a separate set of springs. Like I said it is a clean breaking trigger, with positive reset. I think you’d be satisfied.
LaRue has the MBT on sale for $99 recently. I’d look there- even without the sale they can be had for $125 with the “I can wait” option. It is an excellent trigger on par with the Geiselle SSA, in my opinion.
BCM PNT is noticeably better than Colt factory, if you have to stay under $100. No experience with the ALG, but I imagine it performs similarly to the PNT.
I’ve used the ALG ACT’s and the PSA EPT. Haven’t used the BCM PNT.
I can’t tell much difference between the PSA and ALG. I kind of defaulted to the ACT’s based on Geissele’s reputation moreso than any real perceived differences.
From reading the descriptions, all three are hand polished before coating, the ALG ACT probably has the better pins.
For $99 (on sale, which they have frequently) your getting a super high quality S7 tool steel match grade two stage trigger that feels almost identical as the Geissele SSA-E to me.
In my opinion the ALG ACT is king of the sub $100 triggers. It’s my go to “basic” trigger for builds coupled w/ its purple spring. I have had several BCM PNT in various BCM rifles and even with swapping for lighter springs, they were noticeably heavier and no where near as smooth as the ACT. The PNT is a great upgrade over generic mil-spec, but I wouldn’t put it in the same league as the ALG.
I’m really liking my new ALG QMS trigger more than my BCM PNT. I have three different lowers. Two with the BCM PNT and a third with the ALG QMS. I’ve noticed some creep develop in both of my lowers that have the PNT. I don’t know if it’s the round count or if I should clean and degrease them to see if it improves the feel. But they definitely aren’t as clean breaking as the QMS.
Based on what you posted, I think the obvious answer is the ACT. You want something better than your PSA? The ACT is better. It is that “one step up”. The LaRue MBT is a great trigger and especially for $99, but it is a 2 stage trigger and if you are accustomed to mil spec single stage triggers, you may not care for a 2 stage trigger no matter how great it is or how cheap it is. Believe it or not I know former shooters who wouldn’t run a Geissele 2 stage trigger in their AR if it cost $75 bucks. Because they don’t like 2 stage triggers.
So if you want a single stage, “one step up” trigger, the go order an ACT and call it a day. I’ve never used a PNT, but I know ACT triggers and they are good. Probably the BEST for $62.10.
1x PSA EPT @ $30
1x ALG QMS @ $57 dollars for the parts kit
1x Stock Adams Arms Mil-Spec
2x Stag Arms Mil Spec @ $32 each. Both came with parts kits.
By far the QMS is the best of the bunch.
The adams arms is mint, not sure if it is the DLC version or not, but is an awesome broken in trigger.
The EPT was, and is, amazing for 30 dollars. Broken in, I have been very satisfied with the feel of the triggers.
The two stag arms triggers. Cheap, as frig, and got them during black friday/cyber monday so no real break in yet. One is smooth as butter, way above and beyond expectations for the price. Another is VERY gritty in the takeup. Not sure if it’s the lower (put it into a cheap polymer lower that I insist on building out since I will never get my money out of it.) or what, but we will see. I am considering disassembly, check all the faces, clean and relube. See if that makes a difference.
I am a cheap bastard; I want nice triggers, but until the funds open up more, I am sticking with what gets me by.
I figure if I swap them out later, I will have some nicely broken in spares.