AR Trigger Reset enigma

[giggitygiggity]

I recently built an AR. I’ve built about 10 ARs. In this case, I am having issues where the trigger will not reliably reset. All springs are installed properly to include the commonly incorrectly installed disconnect or spring. The lower parts kit is an Anderson with stainless trigger and hammer.

When I shoot the AR, the trigger often does not reset. It seems to become less reliable when there are more rounds in the mag. The AR will fire, eject, and chamber without issue, but the trigger often fails to reset regardless of how quickly or slowly I release rearward pressure on the trigger. It usually isn’t until I manually push the trigger forward that it resets. Does anyone know what might be causing the issue keeping in mind that the springs are installed correctly? I am assuming something is out of spec, but I would like to rule out other possibilities. Thanks!

 

[troy fairweather]

Over gassed.

 

[giggitygiggity]

Over gassed.

How would an overgassed AR affect trigger reset? I am not arguing with you; instead, I’m trying to understand how gassing relates to trigger function. Thanks!

 

[jmorris]

Remove all the springs, and install the parts (safety too) with the same pins, does everything move freely with zero binding?

 

[troy fairweather]

It doesn't have enough time to reset.

 

[Steve762us]

He's talking about the trigger resetting to it's forward position, after he
releases finger pressure after the shot breaking.

 

[jmorris]

^

...until I manually push the trigger forward that it resets.

Sounds like something is binding.

Even if you had an over travel stop adjusted incorrectly, you couldn’t do that.

 

[entropy]

Do as jmorris suggests, then replace the springs and do a function test.
Is the disconnector functioning as it should?
If you have to push the trigger forward to rest it, it sounds like the next most likely cause is the trigger spring is not in correctly, despite

keeping in mind that the springs are installed correctly?

.

 

[LoonWulf]

The anderson trigger im using felt wider and longer than other ar triggers ive used. They were also curved where the anderson has flats. Check that your trigger isnt hanging up anywhere, including against the saftey at the rear.

 

[giggitygiggity]

He's talking about the trigger resetting to it's forward position, after he
releases finger pressure after the shot breaking.

Correct. It’s super odd because If I dry fire and manually cycle the AR, it resets without issue and I don’t have to help the trigger forward. However, when stop dry firing and use actual rounds, I experience the reset issue. This is a 10.5” .300 Blackout build. The barrel is a Ballistic Advantage modern series. Not sure any of that info is useful for you folks who are more savvy on diagnosing AR issues.

 

[LoonWulf]

sorry not flats, just a wider blade...im looking at mine right now.

 

[LoonWulf]

OH, it maybe hanging up on the disconnect hook, check that there isnt a lip or somethign on the hook or trigger itself. As well as the interference issue JM suggested.

 

[Varminterror]

Over gassing doesn’t outrun a disconnector, and if the disconnector does miss, then the trigger won’t reset at all.

The OP is describing a hanging disconnector - insufficient trigger reset spring power to overcome the drag/bind on the disconnector.

 

[MistWolf]

I recently built an AR. I’ve built about 10 ARs. In this case, I am having issues where the trigger will not reliably reset. All springs are installed properly to include the commonly incorrectly installed disconnect or spring. The lower parts kit is an Anderson with stainless trigger and hammer.

When I shoot the AR, the trigger often does not reset. It seems to become less reliable when there are more rounds in the mag. The AR will fire, eject, and chamber without issue, but the trigger often fails to reset regardless of how quickly or slowly I release rearward pressure on the trigger. It usually isn’t until I manually push the trigger forward that it resets. Does anyone know what might be causing the issue keeping in mind that the springs are installed correctly? I am assuming something is out of spec, but I would like to rule out other possibilities. Thanks!

The trigger spring is installed upside down, the legs aren't oriented forward or the spring is weak. Or there's some debris in there

 

[Walkalong]

The trigger spring is installed upside down

I've done that one, it will drive you nuts until you notice what you did.

 

[AK103K]

As cheap as they are, why not just replace the whole group, and save yourself all the aggravation?

 

[bearcreek]

I am assuming something is out of spec

That's probably a good assumption, considering the manufacturer. There's a very good reason that Anderson AR parts are so cheap.

 

[giggitygiggity]

As cheap as they are, why not just replace the whole group, and save yourself all the aggravation?

I figure that I’ll give the nice suggestions a try and then replace the whole group if it still doesn’t work out. For me, part of the fun of ARs is tinkering and learning about how they work and what to do if they’re not running right.

 

[AK103K]

No doubt they are fun to tinker with, up to a point.

I picked up a used, M&P15-22 a while back, that had the same issue, as well as a couple of other things. The trigger reset was the main issue though. The gun would fire, cycle and load a round, but the trigger would be dead. No "gas" involved here either. Gun cycled and seemed to work properly when cycled by hand. Pull the trigger on a live round, nope!

Sent it back to S&W three times, and they couldnt get it, and the other issues figured out, so they gave me a new gun, which has been working fine.

Considering how many guns are out there these days built from kits, and who knows where those parts were sourced from, its a wonder there arent more problems.

Ive put a few together too, and other than a couple of minor things, have had pretty good luck. Had to tweak a disconnector on one gun my son put together too. In that case, the hammer was caught, but the disconnector wouldnt let it go to the sear when the trigger was released. You could see it happening when you cycled it by hand. A couple of passes with a file solved it, and Im suspecting the part was just out of spec a tad.

Im to the point I dont really want to "fiddle" much anymore, so if it wasnt something silly I did wrong putting it together, and wasnt cured quickly, Id just throw another group in and be done with it.

 

[entropy]

For me, part of the fun of ARs is tinkering and learning about how they work and what to do if they’re not running right.

For me that wasn't fun, it was called Armorer School.

 

[Sistema1927]

Sounds like a good excuse to order a LaRue MBT.

 

[Shawn Dodson]

Swap trigger groups with another AR. See if the problem follows the trigger group. If not, see if the problem persists in the same AR with the different trigger group.

 

[giggitygiggity]

I might just swap it out for a LaRue MBT. I’ve only heard positive things about that trigger. I’ll try and do some troubleshooting (swapping out other AR lower assemblies, seeing if there is any binding, etc). Even if I get it resolved, I might still swap out the parts for the MBT. We shall see!

 

[jmorris]

Might still be worth it to learn what the problem is vs throwing money at it hoping it goes away. That said, I have made a lot of money from folks with that attitude.

 

[Skylerbone]

@giggitygiggity got any pictures?