Fixed Trigger Guard vs. Removable...?

[Saluki91]

I'm embarking on my first AR Build... fingers crossed!

As I am very early in the process, I don't yet know enough to even make valid assumptions. I'd appreciate some input re. fixed trigger guards vs. removable trigger guards.

Are there inherent advantages to either? If a lower with a fixed guard (Mid States) is similar money to one with a removable guard (PSA), which way should I go?

Potential for flawed thinking is high in what follows:

It seems a broken fixed trigger guard is a catastrophic event... meaning a new lower is in order. Whereas a broken removable guard can be easily replaced .

It also seems that a fixed guard may be more rigid, and less likely to break in the first place.

Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide.

 

[Varminterror]

I’ve done a lot of things with my AR’s, but I’m honestly not sure how you would selectively break a trigger guard.

It’s really a matter of aesthetics. Don’t overthink it.

 

[chicharrones]

It sure seems like an AR trigger guard is really well protected compared to some other guns, considering the grip behind it and the mag well in front of it.

 

[jmorris]

It seems a broken fixed trigger guard is a catastrophic event... meaning a new lower is in order. Whereas a broken removable guard can be easily replaced .

The only AR trigger guard breakage I have seen was one of the (4) “ears” a removable one attaches to the lower with.

 

[AK103K]

Are you referring to a trigger guard that is integral with the lower, or one of the aftermarket trigger guards that replaces the "winter" trigger guard that usually comes with them?

I prefer the Magpul replacement that is "fixed", as it has a larger opening that will accept a gloved finger and you don't have to fiddle with it.

 

[wiscoaster]

This is the first time I've ever seen this issue come up. My conclusion is that it's not an issue.

ie: not to be a smart-ass, but rather that it's just not a factor you need to include in your decision matrix.

 

[AlexanderA]

I'd appreciate some input re. fixed trigger guards vs. removable trigger guards.

The so-called "removable" trigger guard is not meant to be removable. It's designed to be hinged down, to allow the gun to be fired with mitten-clad hands.

The disadvantage of such a trigger guard relates to initial assembly of the rifle, when an inexperienced or careless assembler can break off a lower receiver "ear."

 

[briansmithwins]

There are fixed trigger guards that use a screw instead of a spring detent to hold the front of the trigger guard.

It's really just aesthetics unless you're living someplace where you need to be able to shoot with mittens on, which probably isn't 99.9% of users.

BSW

 

[mcb]

All my ARs wear MOE+ grips and Magpul trigger guards. It's about the only common thing across all my ARs. I like the fact the Magpul trigger guard fills the gap just in front of the grip. Even when I lived in Ohio I never found the need to use the folding feature of the trigger guard. Modern gloves and disposable hand warmers fixed that.

 

[MistWolf]

Personally, I prefer the removable trigger guard. It gives me the option of using a trigger guard that's the most comfortable, which is the TGF by Forward Control Designs.

But there's nothing wrong with getting a lower with an integral trigger guard. There's no wrong answer, here. Get the one you like best and get to shooting.

 

[rdnktrkr]

I have both and use the fixed for "other" calibers, a friend and I purchased some locally for the same price as the web and they gave us a mixture, he broke one of his ears installing the roll pin by not using a block, I don't think I'll ever need the removable feature in the south

 

[Zerodefect]

Fixed would be my preference.

I use Magpul versions since they just snap in and have little chance of tearing an ear off.

 

[FL-NC]

I have both. Its pretty difficult to impossible to break one of either if you are behaving even remotely like a responsible human. The purpose of the "removable" fold down feature was so that a Soldier could operate that rifle wearing trigger finger mittens.

 

[CraigC]

I like the Magpul triggerguards, because they look better. My preference is for the aluminum version but the Legomaniac in me often chooses the polymer version so I can be all matchy-matchy.

I think if you managed to break one, you probably broke something else too. Something less insignificant.

 

[BobCat]

One reason to use the original-style "flip-down" trigger guard is that it is the only configuration allowed for NRA or CMP "Service Rifle" competition.

 

[Varminterror]

One reason to use the original-style "flip-down" trigger guard is that it is the only configuration allowed for NRA or CMP "Service Rifle" competition.

Which frankly, appears to be a screw up, since the 2021 book says only that BILLET lowers cannot use integral trigger guards, but there’s no mention of it for FORGED lowers.

 

[BobCat]

Now you've sent me scurrying to read the 2021 rule book. And I don't even have a dog in this fight, I have the old flip-down and not building another SR.

 

[Varminterror]

Now you've sent me scurrying to read the 2021 rule book. And I don't even have a dog in this fight, I have the old flip-down and not building another SR.

Honestly, I was surprised the first time I opened a box and found a forged lower with an integral guard. I had built and rebuilt literally hundreds of AR’s at the time, and had never seen a forged lower with an integral guard before. Billet lowers with integral guards are far more common, so I’m sure it’s simply an oversight.

 

[herrwalther]

I have used the fold down trigger guard in practical shooting applications. I was also using issued gloves older than me in temperatures that would send the southern US into a widespread panic and state of emergency. They have also been around the longest which makes them low cost to include in most standard lower parts kits for the AR.

As far as durability, I wouldn't worry about it. As long as you don't plan on using your AR as a club you are pretty unlikely to break the receiver. The caveat here is you have to be very careful on the initial installation of the trigger guard. Too much force with a mallet, and you break the ear and have to get a new lower or go without a trigger guard.