AR trigger upgrade?

[Varminterror]

I have off-and-on taught a class on how to build and shoot your own AR, and I can say I have never had a student struggle to insert an AR FCG, even a standard/mil-spec design. It’s a VERY quick matter of showing them the correct spring orientations and how to hold the hammer in their hand for install. I’m largely ambivalent about it myself, but many folks find a slave pin for the disconnector to be handy also. Those 4 things are the sum total of the “tricks of the trade” for how to install conventional “component type” AR triggers - and not very mysterious tricks at that.

The Drop In type, or “cartridge type,” triggers for the AR are simpler, but do typically require anti-walk pins. Maybe I’m old fashioned, and maybe I’m spoiled by Geissele triggers, but I tend to favor component type triggers.

 

[herrwalther]

I have installed about a half dozen mil-spec trigger assemblies. And one Del-Ton two stage trigger. The Del-ton was much harder as tutorials are harder to find, and I was still able to do it. And I am not very mechanically inclined either.

 

[Cotay]

I have used the following triggers:

1. POF 4.5 lb curved (x3). I sold all 3 when I moved to the KE Arms triggers for my "fighting" guns, but I still recommend these without reservation. I wish I'd kept them.
2. POF 3.5 lb straight (currently in a dedicated 22lr AR). My kids like it on this gun that I built for them, but I'd prefer the 4.5 lb version.
3. Elftmann 3 Gun straight (currently in my 3 Gun rifle). Very fast trigger for a gaming gun.
4. Elftmann SE curved (this was in a 300 Blackout). I just sent it to Elftmann yesterday for evaluation since the bolt carrier is catching on it. I wish I'd kept one of the POF 4.5lb triggers instead.
5. Velocity 3lb "Classic" curved (currently in a dedicated 22lr AR). I really like this trigger for a 22lr. I like it as much as the POF, but I'd opt for the 4.5 lb version if I were putting this in a "fighting" gun.
6. Mil-spec with Kaw Valley springs and a Joe Bobs trigger screw (currently in a 300 blackout rifle). Sometimes you win the mil-spec trigger lottery. This one is 4 lbs of crisp no takeup goodness.
6. JMT Saber (GONE!). This is the single worst trigger I've ever had, including some crappy mil-spec fodder. Don't believe the hype.
7. Timney Targa Short 2-stage (in an SPR). I like it a bit better than the MBT, but the MBT is simply a better deal.
8. Rock River NM with JP springs (currently in a 24" Prairie Dog AR). I'm thinking about buying a 6th MBT to replace it)
8. Larue MBT-2 (currently in 5 rifles). I use these in every AR that I've set up for hunting purposes, including an Aero M5 .308.
9. KE Arms SLT-1 4.5 lb (currently in 7 rifles). This is hands down my favorite single stage trigger. As crisp as they come with very short reset. To me it is slightly better than the POF 4.5lb. I really like that you can use the safety even when the rifle has been fired.

Bottom line, I really love the MBT for rifles where a 2 stage trigger is warranted. For single stage applications, I like the KE Arms SLT, with the POF 4.5 lb a close runner up.