What trigger should I get? & Why?

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LightningMan

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Hello to all, I'm a first time owner of an AR type rifle, a S&W A-10 ( .308/7.62x51mm cal. ) to be clear. I like the gun just don't like the trigger, IMO its just plain bad, lots of creep & take-up. So I'm looking at replacing it but want some input from you all. The few people I've talked to suggest a Timney drop in trigger, but is good enough for bench rest shooting out to 300, 400, even 500 yards? I'm new when it comes to rifles so take it easy on me, so what say ye-all. Thanks for your input in advance. LM
 
Timney all the way. Not to slight others but I have 3 of their triggers, one in ar-15 bench gun, one in ar-10, and one in rem 700, amazing triggers to say the least. You will need a trigger of that quality if going for best accuracy at distance. But the barrel may be more of a limiting factor than the trigger. Don't have any experience with S&W ar-10's, so not knocking them just don't know their barrel quality for match grade accuracy.
 
Geissele match triggers are highly praised in the AR crowd. They're very good triggers, but are a little pricey.
 
Just to give you an idea on the importance of a good trigger. Not all due to the Timney but definitely a part of it. Timney 3 lb. Skeletonized trigger, actual pull on mine is 2 lbs 9 oz out of the box.
 
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Single stage go Timney 3 or 3-1/2 lb.

Two stage go Geissele SSA-E or Hi speed match.

I have shot both off a bench and both are great.
 
I run two Timney 3lb triggers and the are damn near perfect. They make a 4 lb ar-10 specific but I have no issues with a 3lb and good primers. Don't plan on shooting Russian steel cased ammo, not compatible.
 
Before spending money on a new trigger, remove the stock trigger, clean it and lube it. Apply grease to the pins, sears and the bottom curve of the hammer. Use a slave pin to make re-assembly much easier. This thread will help you with the installation of the FCG.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=600193
When I get a moment, I'll be doing the same to my M&P-10.
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Applying grease helps the AR trigger tremendously. It will eliminate most of the gritty feeling and the pull will be consistent and predictable. It often reduces pull weight by about a pound. Creep will still be there, but all standard AR triggers have creep. It may turn out that after greasing the trigger, you'll still want something better, but it will give you a pull you can live with until you find the trigger you want and it's practically free
View attachment 675382
 
My Geissele was worth every penny, in my opinion.

If you're looking for a replacement that will be as durable (or more) as your stock trigger, get a Geissele or Knights. If you're mainly just doing bench shooting, there are plenty of triggers out there, like the Timney that will serve you just as well or even fit your needs better (read: adjustable).
 
Thanks everyone, I had heard of Geissele too but could not remember, so it looks like at least for me, a Timney or Geissele trigger will be the ticket for what I want. Thanks again. LM
 
I love the JP enterprises trigger. It's the trigger I put on both of the AR's I've had, and if I get a third, it will too. I just don't like two stages but that's just me.
 
I have whatever Bushmaster's (made in Windham) trigger on my Varminter. For a factory trigger it is excellent. Maybe +/- 3# and crisp.

I've got a Jewell on one of my AR's. Breaks at less than a pound, and has zero creep or over travel. There may be something better, but I can't see how.
 
My favorite AR trigger is the stock unit. The trick is to have three of four sets of hammers and triggers. Try each combo and see what feels best, then finish installing that one.

Draggy, creepy triggers and hammers to in the spares box.

You can buy stock FCG parts for dirt cheap from all the folks that insist on spending $200+ on aftermarket triggers.

BSW
 
See above. That's the point I was trying to make. There are very good and very bad factory triggers. The ones that come in the cheap lower parts kits or on the cheaper factory rifles seem to typically be the ones that are pretty poor.

There are decent triggers available used from individuals. Just remember, the guy that spent $200 on a Giessele isn't going to admit that it was money wasted. It's gonna by god be the best on the planet bar none.

Also, the term "best" is relative. What you need for 300 yard shooting is different from someone doing a mag dump into a dirt bank 50 yards away. I found my Jewell for about 1/2 price in the "for sale" section.

If you can't shoot well with my Bushmaster trigger, it's not the trigger's fault. It's the nut behind the rifle. Spending money can help you be a better shooter, but it won't make you a better shooter.
 
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Geiselle hi-speed national match. No question, best AR trigger out there for match shooting.
 
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