Hey guys, I’m working on assembling a lower and I can’t decide between the Geissele SSA-E or SD-E triggers. Unfortunately, living in central Wisconsin doesn’t offer me many options as far as actually going to a gun shop and comparing one to the other. In fact… I don’t think there are ANY shops around here that would have them set up in lowers to try (unless someone knows something I don’t). I’ve done a search and found some good facts on Geissele’s website, but I’m actually looking strictly for opinions on this topic.
The purpose of the complete rifle will be an all around training/HD/combat/SPR role… I guess that’s sort of asking a lot from a trigger but that’s why I picked Geissele. I think I’ve settled on the “enhanced” version for the best blend of precision without getting too light for high stress situations. According to Geisseles website, on top of offering a lighter, crisper pull, the enhanced line also offers a less travel before the break, which should translate into a quicker reset, right? (See page 2 of http://geissele.com/pdfs/SD_flyer3_wTriggerScan.pdf for reference) What I’m hung up on is do I get the traditional curved trigger, or the flat Dynamic trigger?
My main concerns/questions:
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[li]Which trigger provides the best “purchase” for your finger? A slippery trigger is one of my biggest pet-peeves and makes an otherwise good trigger a no-go for me.
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[li]Has anyone had issues with consistency on where they place their finger on a Dynamic trigger? Without a curve, I can see how it might be more difficult to judge where your finger actually is on the trigger (unless you put it right at the bottom) and this will affect both the perceived pull weight and travel before it breaks. I’ve pondered using a piece of skateboard grip tape on the trigger as an index point, and this would aid in overall grip as well, but I’m wondering if this is really even a problem for anyone?
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[li]Has anyone noticed any difficulty or hesitation switching back and forth between a Dynamic trigger (or any flat trigger for that matter) and traditional curved triggers on other guns? My go-to side arm is a G17.
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I do find myself wishing for more distance between my hand and a stock flat trigger, but the nervous and naked feeling M4Fundi mentions is one of the things I am concerned about. Does anyone else experience this? And if so, what have you tried to remedy it? (I’m still thinking along the lines of a small piece of grip tape on the front of the trigger…)
I have a SD-C. I absolutely love it. I’ve owned standard GI triggers, a SSA, SSA-E, S3G, and the SD-C.
The SD-C feels just as crisp and clean as the SSA-E, but the flat bow of the SD-C’s trigger shoes give you a better feedback.
It feels wider than a normal trigger, which may or may not be the case. But the purchase on the trigger is substantial. It is not slippery. Flat triggers are less picky as to finger placement as compared to their curved counter parts. If I ever get around to getting that custom 1911 going, it WILL have a flat trigger.
You can pull straight through both stages on the SD-C when shooting quick without any perception that you are pulling through two stages. On long shots the two stage setup is nice.
I found myself every so often sweeping the trigger through both stages when shooting at 100 yards, which IMO, is a training scar from shooting my duty pistol, which is a double action only Beretta with its long trigger pull. When I do this, I notice the effect on target; I’ll pull a shot out of my typical group size. By this I mean I go from just under MOA to maybe 1.2 to 1.3 MOA.
I was hesitant at buying one as well, but once I tried it I was sold.
I’ve been using the Geissele SSA and SDC triggers for over two years now, and more recently have tried the SDE, SD3 and S2S. I like them both, really, but slightly prefer the flat bow. FYI I am only an amateur who likes shooting, not a professional.
I’ve had no issues with “purchase” in any conditions I’ve tried, including classes, and competitions in weather from 85+ to 15 degrees (gloves below 40, of course). I think the curved bow might be better in that regard, but I have never had any problem with the flat bow.
I have not found any issue with consistency of finger placement.
I switch back and forth regularly and use a Glock 17 in competitions alongside my SDC or SDE wearing rifle, and have not had any issue.
For me, even with XL hands (I wear XL or 2XL gloves), I find that the flat bow super-dynamic models work best with a grip that’s not quite as big as I like for use with the conventional curved trigger. So, for me, I use the BCM Mod1 grip with the flat bow and something like the Magpul MOE with the curved bow. Not critical, but is my strong preference. Depending on your hand size and shape you will likely prefer something different. I’m not even finding it 100% predictable, because I’m now using a Larue APEG with the SDE, even though I don’t like the MOE grip with the SDC - those grips are basically the same size, though slightly different shapes. YMMV etc.
All three triggers in the lineup are the best of their respective classes imho. The SD-C is the best hard use AR trigger, the SD-E is the best hard use precision AR trigger, and lastly the SD-3G is best gaming trigger made feeling.
In terms of feel…the SD-E, and SD-3G really blow everything else away imho.
ETA…
to answer the title…
The SD design sensitizes the trigger’s pull to the naked touch. Essentially it works to lighten the pull by perception vs. reality. SSA-E feels like 3.5-4lbs…SD-E feels more like 3-3.5lbs.
Or get the Tricon which IMO is the best of both worlds. The top is curved but the bottom is flat like the SD-C style, yet the face of the trigger is serrated which give you better feel especially with gloves on. Unfortunately they dont have a Tricon-E model yet but it has the same advantage similar to the SD-C. TRIDENT82 may disown me for this but i switched out the SD-C for a Tricon and never looked back.
If you get the chance to try a Tricon i’d say do it. I didnt know about it until Shot where they had a couple demo’s on their table. I was set on another SD-C for my SR15 until i started playing with the Tricon. For me it just works.
Never quite understood the notion that flat triggers were less sensitive to where you placed your finger; further down the trigger would give you greater movement and more leverage; higher up, just the opposite.
I prefer curved because the finger just ‘finds’ the bottom of the curve; I’ve a Magqpul pistol grip, and it all comes out just fine with my hand size. Another vote for the SSA as a really fine all around trigger.
It would seem to me that, with the flat trigger, there is some chance of getting a finger low enough on it to get tangled up with the guard?
I find that the SD-C allows me to have better control of the trigger (Purchase area as you put it) in regards to being wet/sweaty. The trigger is wider and flat and allows a more sutable ledge to hold on too. I’ve experienced no issues with purchase area while using the -C triggers.
After using the -C triggers for the last 2 years, my finger goes to the same place everytime, low center of the trigger. I’ve experimented with different positions (Hi, mid, low) and having my finger low on the trigger just flat out works better for me. When I first started using them I would short stroke the trigger many times. Usually on a high placement of my finger or a mid hold. The lower hold runs the trigger solid without the short stroke.
The only difficulty I’ve ever experienced from going back and forth between triggers is when switching from my SD-C to the SSA-E. I have to constantly remind myself that there is in fact a difference. That break definitely sneaks up on you with the SSA-E. I’ve only been using the -E for a couple months now so I’m still learning it. Going from the -C to say a Glock trigger, no issues other than I wish my Glock trigger was as nice as the -C.
From a novice perspective, I have an SD-C and very much prefer its feel over a traditional curved trigger. No problems going back and forth between the C and my M&P or PPQ triggers. I fell in love with it the instant I first dry fired it.
I recently switched to the SD-C and I couldn’t be happier. The flat blade really facilitates proper trigger manipulation and the feeling on my trigger finger is very positive, no slipping or anything.
I’ve got an SD-C and a few SSA’s. While the SD-C is a very nice trigger, I’ve come to the conclusion it really matters very little, flat vs curved - so for that reason I’d sooner save a few bucks and get the curved ones these days. Going back and forth between the two doesn’t seem an issue either.
WOW! Thank you for all the replies. I really didn’t expect this thread to generate this much interest. So it seems the general consensus is that my original concerns are unfounded… good to hear. If someone DOES have a negative experience to share about the Dynamic triggers, or you just plain don’t like them for whatever reason, please share and give details.
Two new questions popped into my head as I was reading the replies:
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[li]What grip do you prefer with the SD-C/SD-E/SD3G? (specific trigger doesnt matter for this one as long as it’s in the super dynamic line) I was planning on going with the MOE but I know the reach for my finger will be a little farther with the SD-E and the MOE grip is thicker than other grips (one of the reasons I want to go with it… I feel like it will more closely mimic the thickness of a Glock grip). FWIW, in the past I have always used standard curved triggers and the standard A2 grip and ALWAYS found myself wishing the trigger was farther forward, or the grip was farther back. My hands are on the smaller side but they fit a Glock 9mm/40S&W/.357Sig frame decent enough… the Glock .45ACP/10mm, not so well. I can reach the trigger, but I cant reach the front of the trigger guard.
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[li]For those of you that have tried both the super semi-auto and super dynamic triggers of the same flavor (example: SSA/SD-C, or SSA-E/SD-E, not SSA-E/SD-C), does the super dynamic line offer enough functional benefit over the super semi-auto to justify the added cost, in your opinion? Keep in mind the eventual purpose for this rifle will be a dual role combat/precision type.
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I saw those, but I’m not sure I see the benefit of a hybrid trigger… seems like it would function just like a flat face trigger only with a shorter reach for your finger due to the curve at the top - it’s not like you’re going to be squeezing the very top of the trigger. Maybe the shorter reach is the point, idk. The serrations look nice, but I can use grip tape if need be. The big thing that jumped out at me is that Geissele specifically notes that the springs are stainless steel… Am I correct in inferring then that the springs in their other triggers are not stainless steel?
If they had a Tricon-E out right now it would probably rank higher among triggers I’m considering. I’m pretty settled on the “enhanced” version of whichever trigger I go with, unless you think there’s a reason I should stick with the standard combat version? I’m all ears.
Trigger grooves are generally held to be a poor choice for higher volume, fast shooting. A trigger with grooves or other type of rough surface will blister the trigger finger quickly. This may not apply to shooters who always wear gloves.
