Just got some of the new Magpul polymer Trigger Guards in. They look good and are quite a bit cheaper than the metal ones.
C4
Grant, any idea why Magpul went ahead with manufacturing of the polymer version of the trigger guard? It seems to me that the metallic version would be more resilient to impacts and fits the bill just fine as a drop-in trigger guard replacement for the original design. Is there considerable differences in price and/or weight?
maybe so we can save another ounce of weight 
More options are always good. I think the metal one kicks butt and I have one on all four of my rifles.
It’s quite a bit cheaper…
I also don’t think there’s much risk of any massive impacts directly to the trigger guard. It’s fairly well shielded by the grip and magazine.
I cannot answer that for sure other than to say that some people will like the “looks” of it along with the cheaper cost.
C4
Personally…I get sick and tired of plastic displacing metal parts, day after day. A part as small as a triggerguard is not going to save ANY significant weight going to plastic------that idea is ridiculous!!!
Plastic has it’s place…but sometimes its use is overdone. If magpul quits making it’s metal triggerguard then they have lost me as a customer. I will bet I am not the only person that feels that way.
First of all it’s not plastic, it is polymer.
Secondly it is cheaper for the end user and using plastic instead of aluminum in no way compromises the functionality of the part nor of the host weapon system. In fact I would be willing to bet it has more favorable thermal and strength properties over it’s aluminum counterpart.
A lot of people had “issues” with using P-mags too when they first came out. We now can see those misgivings were completely misplaced. Polymer works, pure and simple.
I totally understand this sentiment, and I share it. There are some things though which can actually be improved with the use of modern polymers. Think of Glock’s frames, and PMags. Those are applications where there are numerous advantages to using polymers. That said, the use of cheap plastic by manufacturers only looking to cut costs is really sad, and those products are ones I won’t touch.
EDIT: I’m not at all bashing Magpul for this polymer trigger guard. I think this is one of the applications where polymer can be used with no loss in function, and possibly an improvement in durability over a thin metal part.
So you guys are pissed that one of the most innovative firearms accessory manufactures, a manufacture who got their start by making polymer parts and who makes the best magazines on the market, a magazine which is polymer BTW, is now continuing to innovate and make more polymer parts?? Not to mention that this “plastic” part that you are so peeved about is going onto a gun that is already derided for being a “tupperware” gun. If you were talking about a triggerguard for a walnut and blued metal hunting rifle I might see where you are coming from, but this rant about “plastic parts” is just stupid when applied to an AR15. :rolleyes:
Sheesh guys, we’re really stretching for stuff to get bent out of shape about, aren’t we?
There are plenty of applications where I share your sentiments about replacing functional metal pieces with cheap plastic junk. Thankfully, this is exactly the kind of application where polymer makes good sense.
But honestly…the TRIGGER GUARD? It’s not load bearing part, not under stress or tension, not temperature cycling, and not even critical to the weapons operation. How is it that the grip and stock, both larger parts crucial to controlling the weapon, are okay to be plastic, but heaven forbid this tiny stick of aluminum be replaced with polymer. Apparently I missed the memo that if my triggerguard fails my entire lower will explode shards to anodized death into my face.
Magpul came up with a slick design for the guard in aluminum, but it was expensive. $20 for a triggerguard is danged pricey. So they come out with a less expensive polymer version, and people are bitching and moaning. Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat, people! If you don’t want one, feel free to use a standard one or pay an extra 12 bucks for the aluminum one.
What’s the MSRP for the polymer trigger guards?
The Remington Express and Mossberg 500/590 shotguns (at least the ones I’ve handled) went to plastic trigger guards quite some time ago. I’m not aware of any failure complaints on these components, although many decry this as a “cheapening” of the product.
Apples to oranges comparison here IMO. Aftermarket parts by Magpul are likely an upgrade in almost every case over the original part. Cheap plastic parts on traditional rifles and shotguns were simple to save a buck or two here and there and just lessen the guns to me. And yes these parts do fail when original parts would have not.
The integral trigger guard included with the MIAD full kit has been polymer for years. I haven’t seen anyone complaining about it, other than maybe its included on the finger groved front strap. I haven’t seen anyone have any trouble with it either. I know I haven’t.
Good job MAGPUL! Carry on!
-RD62
On the 25th of May on the Magpul site they were $7.95, I ordered one along with a couple of other items, on the 26th of May, Magpul listed it at $8.95, my order is still pending?
If people get bent out of shape today over a Polymer Trigger gaurd, wait a few years, They’ll absolutely melt down when they look at the car in thier driveway.
I think the original milspec triggerguard is a piece of plastic, with a captured metal pivot pin, right?
They made it because they can. I guarantee the ONLY place this is so hotly discussed will be on the internet.
I think it’s a great idea, and will probably like it BETTER then the metal one, because I can contour it easier to fit different weapons with no sharp edges – like the SIG556.
I have no inside info but I doubt the metal one will be discontinued.
The new trigger guards are part of the MOE line. The MOE line is the inexpensive line of upgrades.
I’ve seen plastic and metal ones. I don’t know what’s milspec though. My Stag LPK came with a metal one.
Bingo!