View Full Version : AR aftermarket triggers
I'm looking for quality, proven yet inexpensive LE/MIL/SD/Duty aftermarket trigger for one of my ARs. I have no interest in updates, upgrades, aftermarket lego stuff but this trigger is just beyond bad. It's older Colt 6920 but the trigger feels like you're fighting the safety. It's just not realistic to keep it OEM.
Any recommendations?
Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk
SecondsCount
05-01-2022, 09:41 PM
The Larue MBT-2S is a solid, no frills, 2-stage trigger.
LOKNLOD
05-01-2022, 09:43 PM
BCM trigger (https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-pnt-trigger-assembly-ar15/)
The Larue trigger is good too.
Default.mp3
05-01-2022, 09:59 PM
No personal experiences with them, but I've heard only good things about these:
https://centurionarms.com/triggers/centurion-arms-llc-advanced-sniper-trigger-ast-2-stage-trigger/
https://centurionarms.com/triggers/centurion-arms-llc-advanced-mil-spec-trigger-amt/
https://sionicsweaponsystems.com/lawenforcement/sionics-two-stage-trigger-assembly/
https://sionicsweaponsystems.com/lawenforcement/enhanced-mil-spec-trigger/
Bergeron
05-01-2022, 10:54 PM
I don’t know if it meets the price criteria, but I’ve got multiple Giessele SSA triggers, and I am totally satisfied.
I'm looking for quality, proven yet inexpensive LE/MIL/SD/Duty aftermarket trigger for one of my ARs. I have no interest in updates, upgrades, aftermarket lego stuff but this trigger is just beyond bad. It's older Colt 6920 but the trigger feels like you're fighting the safety. It's just not realistic to keep it OEM.
Any recommendations?
Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk
How old is "old?"
I ask because standard AR-15/M16s use .150" size trigger pins, however through about 2009/2010 Colts (including my 2007/2008 vintage 6920) use .170" pins. If you have a .170" pin gun you will need a "large pin" trigger. Geissele makes a big pin version of the SSA.
If you have the standard .150 pin version, Geissele has an excellent budget version of the SSA called the G2S. Same trigger but doesn't get the full QC checks such as MPI on every part.
The SSA and it's select fire version the SSF are in use by the U.S. military and the SSA is in use with at least two large federal LE agencies tactical teams.
If you can be patient Geissele usually has decent holiday weekend sales and Memorial day and 4th of July are coming up.
pastaslinger
05-02-2022, 12:19 AM
I think the Larue MBT 2S is better than the Geissele SSA and it is half the price. Kind of a no-brainer to me. The only other trigger I use is Hiperfire but it's not a traditional trigger design.
I think the Larue MBT 2S is better than the Geissele SSA and it is half the price. Kind of a no-brainer to me. The only other trigger I use is Hiperfire but it's not a traditional trigger design.
The LaRue is not a bad trigger, but it’s not as vetted as the SSA. I have both.
The G2S is a more apt comparison to the LaRue. On sale the price difference in $20 to $30.
It’s only available in standard .154 (small pin) which doesn’t work in older .170 pin Colts,
My LaRue AR-10 came from the factory with…. A Geissele SSA.
LaRue makes nice stuff but the man is kind of a nut case. Mark LaRue only makes a trigger and sells it at near cost, to spite Bill Geissele. Of course Bill Geissele also makes nice stuff but tends to bring that sort of thing out in multiple people so…pick your poison..
https://youtu.be/QMI1uQBHUpA
Magsz
05-02-2022, 03:10 AM
I have quite a few of the Centurion AST triggers.
All of them are run on suppressed platforms so some of these are experiencing increased bolt velocities. Zero issues through thousands of rounds and for the price, the trigger feel is really, really good.
I used to be a G trigger snob. I just don't see the point anymore when the MBT and now these AST triggers are holding up fine and giving me essentially 99% of the trigger performance that I want.
fatdog
05-02-2022, 03:18 AM
I have several of the G2S all in 6920 lowers, very pleased. I have a couple of the Larue's in my SBR's for over a decade now, and they have been good performers. Both beat the snot out of Colt Factory.
Another vote for the LaRue MBT 2S.
littlejerry
05-02-2022, 05:53 AM
Everyone seems to like their MBT 2S triggers and I don't know of anyone who has had a problem with them.
I have G2S triggers in my ARs. They are significantly cheaper than the regular SSA.
I've used enough SSAs, G2Ss, and MBT2Ss to say they are essentially the same. There is enough variation between triggers and receivers that sometimes one is nicer than the other if you're fondling it in dry fire. It's really splitting hairs though and not something you'll notice shooting.
I don’t know if it meets the price criteria, but I’ve got multiple Giessele SSA triggers, and I am totally satisfied.
How old is "old?"
I ask because standard AR-15/M16s use .150" size trigger pins, however through about 2009/2010 Colts (including my 2007/2008 vintage 6920) use .170" pins. If you have a .170" pin gun you will need a "large pin" trigger. Geissele makes a big pin version of the SSA.
If you have the standard .150 pin version, Geissele has an excellent budget version of the SSA called the G2S. Same trigger but doesn't get the full QC checks such as MPI on every part.
The SSA and it's select fire version the SSF are in use by the U.S. military and the SSA is in use with at least two large federal LE agencies tactical teams.
If you can be patient Geissele usually has decent holiday weekend sales and Memorial day and 4th of July are coming up.Im not sure how old it is. I always thought the pin thing was something that went away in the early 90s?! Is there a way to tell?
Giessele have always been out of my price range. I just can't wrap my mind around paying that much for 3 little parts and how much better can it actually be over BCM/DD/SOLGW....etc. I can't bring myself to spend hundreds of dollars on something I've never held let alone tried. Which is partially why all my stuff is OEM. A friend has some $420 Giessele. Seems nice but not enough to part with $420. That's like a tank of gas!! [emoji16][emoji15][emoji45]
Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk
Im not sure how old it is. I always thought the pin thing was something that went away in the early 90s?! Is there a way to tell?
Giessele have always been out of my price range. I just can't wrap my mind around paying that much for 3 little parts and how much better can it actually be over BCM/DD/SOLGW....etc. I can't bring myself to spend hundreds of dollars on something I've never held let alone tried. Which is partially why all my stuff is OEM. A friend has some $420 Giessele. Seems nice but not enough to part with $420. That's like a tank of gas!! [emoji16][emoji15][emoji45]
Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk
No, big pins did not go away in the 90s. You can just measure the pin / pin hole with a caliper.
The G triggers for AR’s are usually about $160 for the SSA and $120 ish for the G2S when on sale. They go on sale regularly.
GyroF-16
05-02-2022, 08:46 AM
Im not sure how old it is. I always thought the pin thing was something that went away in the early 90s?! Is there a way to tell?
Giessele have always been out of my price range. I just can't wrap my mind around paying that much for 3 little parts and how much better can it actually be over BCM/DD/SOLGW....etc. I can't bring myself to spend hundreds of dollars on something I've never held let alone tried. Which is partially why all my stuff is OEM. A friend has some $420 Giessele. Seems nice but not enough to part with $420. That's like a tank of gas!! [emoji16][emoji15][emoji45]
Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk
All the Geissele stuff isn’t that expensive.
I got two triggers (separate purchases) on sale for $180 (MSRP $240). This was for the “Super Triton”, which is similar to the SSA, but with a different-shaped trigger. And I believe I’ve seen the G2S on sale for about $120
I know that still seems like a lot, but once you’ve used it, you’ll understand.
Suvorov
05-02-2022, 09:56 AM
I have a SSA-E on my SPR build. I originally purchased it to go on my 308 AR but I found it too light for my liking even with the heavier springs I purchased from Geisslee . It is excellent for an SPR but I don’t like it on a more service oriented rifle. I purchased a G2S for my .308 and was perfect for my needs, nice smooth 2 stage, with a carrot break. I liked the G2S so much I purchased one for my primary carbine. Yeah, they can be found for a decent price when they are on sale (Memorial Day is coming up).
Most of the triggers being talked about are 2 stage. If you want a nice single stage setup I really like the ALG ACT or QMS (made by Geissele). The version with the nickel plating is very smooth while the standard version has cleaned up engagement angles. It both cases they are about as good as you can get for a standard AR trigger. Both for South of $100. Marry them up with some reduced power springs and you have a very nice single stage trigger that I almost prefer to their 2 stage triggers (keep in mind the reduced power springs could negatively affect reliability but I have yet to ever have an issue with any commercial or Lake City ammo).
If it is a Large Pin Colt then your options are a lot more limited and it might even be worth your while to swap out the lower (what I did - of course a Colt-Sporter Lower will get me arrested in Kalifornia so it wasn’t only the pin size that forced that move).
blues
05-02-2022, 10:01 AM
I have a single stage Wilson Combat TTU trigger (https://shopwilsoncombat.com/TACTICAL-TRIGGER-UNIT-AR-PLATFORM-SINGLE-STAGE-SEMI-AUTO-35-4-LB/productinfo/TR-TTU/) in my AR.
It wasn't inexpensive, but I've never regretted installing it in my M&P15 TS.
Default.mp3
05-02-2022, 10:15 AM
Most of the triggers being talked about are 2 stage. If you want a nice single stage setup I really like the ACT (made by Geissele). The version with the nickel plating is very smooth while the standard version has cleaned up engagement angles. It both cases they are about as good as you can get for a standard AR trigger. Marry them up with some reduced power springs and you have a very nice single stage trigger that I almost prefer to their 2 stage triggers (keep in mind the reduced power springs could negatively affect reliability but I have yet to ever have an issue with any commercial or Lake City ammo).Oh yeah, I had forgotten about the ALG triggers, also generally well received:
https://algdefense.com/quality-mil-spec-trigger-qms.html
https://algdefense.com/alg-combat-trigger-act.html
SecondsCount
05-02-2022, 10:20 AM
The LaRue is not a bad trigger, but it’s not as vetted as the SSA. I have both.
The G2S is a more apt comparison to the LaRue. On sale the price difference in $20 to $30.
It’s only available in standard .154 (small pin) which doesn’t work in older .170 pin Colts,
My LaRue AR-10 came from the factory with…. A Geissele SSA.
LaRue makes nice stuff but the man is kind of a nut case. Mark LaRue only makes a trigger and sells it at near cost, to spite Bill Geissele. Of course Bill Geissele also makes nice stuff but tends to bring that sort of thing out in multiple people so…pick ....
The MBT is not vetted? They have been on the market for nearly 10 years and I haven't heard of any complaints, and they sell as fast as Larue can make them.
The MBT is EDM machined from S7 tool steel while the Geissele is an investment cast part that is heat treated and machined.
Larue introduced his trigger when Geissele decided to get in on the optic mounts and rails. There was some friendly banter when it went down. Mark is definitely a character but like you said, he makes good products, and sells direct which reduces the cost.
TCinVA
05-02-2022, 10:43 AM
I have the Geissele G2S in all my working guns except for my actual Geiessele gun, which has whatever they put in them that's considerably lighter.
The G2S is a pretty magnificent trigger for a general use carbine.
I can use any trigger, but I prefer a 2 stage.
I tend to buy all my Geissele stuff when they run their sales.
The MBT is not vetted? They have been on the market for nearly 10 years and I haven't heard of any complaints, and they sell as fast as Larue can make them.
The MBT is EDM machined from S7 tool steel while the Geissele is an investment cast part that is heat treated and machined.
Larue introduced his trigger when Geissele decided to get in on the optic mounts and rails. There was some friendly banter when it went down. Mark is definitely a character but like you said, he makes good products, and sells direct which reduces the cost.
“Friendly banter” 😂
Re the triggers - yes the LaRue has been on the market for years. As I said I own both. When I say “vetted” I’m talking independent safety and reliability testing. In the case of the SSF/ SSA it’s passed the DOD / Crane testing for .MIL use and passed similar testing by two large Federal LE Agencies.
Lots of people make “nice” match triggers. I’d say Armalite, RRA and LMT’s match triggers all feel as good as the SSA. However, those other triggers are not as durable or reliable. What differentiates the G triggers from the other national match style triggers is the G triggers do it while maintaining the reliability/ durability of a service type trigger.
Could the LaRue trigger match that ? Quite possibly, but I don’t know of it being quantified via third party testing.
So after a quick measure looks like it is a large pin lower
Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk
Suvorov
05-02-2022, 12:30 PM
So after a quick measure looks like it is a large pin lower
Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk
That limits you. Here are your Geissele options. https://geissele.com/colt-rifle-users-guide
I’m going to talk to a machinist buddy of mine about the practicality of boring out an ALG trigger to .169. Something tells me it will be harder than it sounds.
G19Fan
05-02-2022, 12:43 PM
Personally love the Wilson Combat TTU line. Esp the Paul Howe
theJanitor
05-02-2022, 02:15 PM
I've got two of the 2-stage Centurions in Colt lowers and I'm very happy with them, especially for the price. The rest are factory colt.
Odin Bravo One
05-02-2022, 02:28 PM
Wouldn’t take anything that has Mark LaRue’s name on it, even if I was being paid to take it.
Integrity counts a lot in my book.
That man doesn’t have any.
Default.mp3
05-02-2022, 03:28 PM
Wouldn’t take anything that has Mark LaRue’s name on it, even if I was being paid to take it.
Integrity counts a lot in my book.
That man doesn’t have any.Is this something that can be discussed openly? I remember that you were recommending the LaRue PredatAR over the SCAR 17S, but that was also roughly a decade ago, so don't know if anything has come up since, outside of the LaRue/Geissele shenanigans.
t1tan
05-02-2022, 04:25 PM
My default has been the ALG ACT since they came out, always decent results for the price. Then I just replace them as I get something better later, my main guns have Geissele SD3G and Q triggers.
ssc45
05-02-2022, 04:34 PM
So after a quick measure looks like it is a large pin lower
Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk
You do not mention if you are interested in a 2 stage trigger or single stage. This does make a difference, however it is usually personal preference dictated by the use of the rifle. Your requirements for the trigger are not very compatible. Large pin, vetted, etc is not going to be "cheap." Then again I do not know what your definition of "cheap" equates to.
I also have a stupid colt large pin. I installed a G SSA that was defective. I sent it back to G and got the usual answer that it was fine. They did change the hammer spring and sent it back and it is acceptable. It is a 2 stage trigger. I can only speculate as to the vetting of the large pin SSA. The regular pin SSA is well vetted, but runs between $160 to $240. The large pin is more expensive. I have never seen it on sale.
Other options are Velocity triggers, JP and Timney. They all make large pin triggers. The last option is having the stock trigger "worked" on. Bill springfield is a name from the past who works on triggers. Frankly, I would not have a "worked on" trigger in a duty gun and I am not recommending Springfield, just offering his name as an option. Please do your own due diligence in that regard.
Lastly, does your lower have the sear block? If so, it may limit certain triggers. ADCO can remove it.
Cheers, Steve
Trukinjp13
05-02-2022, 06:07 PM
I have both Centurion triggers. They are great. One is simple single stage mil spec, the other is their two stage. Zero complaints. And the two stage is right there with my G trigger at a fraction of the cost
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You do not mention if you are interested in a 2 stage trigger or single stage. This does make a difference, however it is usually personal preference dictated by the use of the rifle. Your requirements for the trigger are not very compatible. Large pin, vetted, etc is not going to be "cheap." Then again I do not know what your definition of "cheap" equates to.
Not "cheap". Inexpensive! I realize there's a whole world of aftermarket but I don't live in it. I just want a reliable, proven functional duty trigger. Not target shooting or gaming trigger. Just a duty one that doesn't feel like you accidentally forgot to switch off the safety. I don't care if it's single stage or 5 speed with reverse. [emoji6].
I also have a stupid colt large pin. I installed a G SSA that was defective. I sent it back to G and got the usual answer that it was fine. They did change the hammer spring and sent it back and it is acceptable. It is a 2 stage trigger. I can only speculate as to the vetting of the large pin SSA. The regular pin SSA is well vetted, but runs between $160 to $240. The large pin is more expensive. I have never seen it on sale.
Other options are Velocity triggers, JP and Timney. They all make large pin triggers. The last option is having the stock trigger "worked" on. Bill springfield is a name from the past who works on triggers. Frankly, I would not have a "worked on" trigger in a duty gun and I am not recommending Springfield, just offering his name as an option. Please do your own due diligence in that regard.
Lastly, does your lower have the sear block? If so, it may limit certain triggers. ADCO can remove it.
Cheers, Steve
I went and checked all of them. (3)6920 (1)6721.
All have integral sear blocks! [emoji2959][emoji2959] 1 6920 has small pins!
Just playing with it it doesn't seem as bad as it did at the range although slow deliberate pulls are noticably shitty.
I'm going to give it one more shot at a different range. The one I used is very close and convenient but your sitting in what is basically an above ground pill box with a slanted roof so that you can't aim above the berm at the max distance of 100 yards. Problem is to sit comfortably you must be 4ft tall. I'm 6ft and I have to scrunch down low enough to see the sights and then jack my neck up to align my eyes with the sights! If I use an ammo can as a rest to sit more natural I'm too tall and end up looking into the ceiling of the box I'm sitting in. If the seat moved I could at least get a more prone position, but it doesn't!! At the same time my arm is kinda straight down so it's altogether not the best or most natural position to sit in. There's another similar range about 45min away that doesn't have a pill box. I'm going to try that and see if it makes any difference
Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk
pastaslinger
05-02-2022, 07:58 PM
People can keep buying geissele triggers all they want but my personal opinion is that the MBT 2S is better than the SSA at half the cost. You can cite reliability testing all you want, but you can also easily see that geissele QC is not the greatest for commercial market items via a Google search.
Darth_Uno
05-02-2022, 08:10 PM
This is what I'd put in my "if you could only have one gun" gun. https://www.elftactical.com/elftmann-elf-se-drop-in-trigger
Fortunately I can have more than one, and several of them have this trigger.
People can keep buying geissele triggers all they want but my personal opinion is that the MBT 2S is better than the SSA at half the cost. You can cite reliability testing all you want, but you can also easily see that geissele QC is not the greatest for commercial market items via a Google search.
It’s a moot issue for the OP as LaRue doesn’t make a large pin trigger.
rcbusmc24
05-02-2022, 08:18 PM
The longer I'm involved and around the gun and gear industry the more and more I am starting to think that Rob S might be right all along.....
If you can pull off an SSA get it, especially if it’s for a working rifle. They are superior for a number of reasons including being an actual issued trigger for a number of Agencies & Units. They are utterly reliable and extremely shootable. The SSA-E is a bit too light for my taste for a working gun unless it’s being put into a DM roll. The LaRue is very good but the trigger shoe is kinda wide and feels weird if you’re used to a standard trigger but the break is nearly as good as an SSA. I have a couple examples of BCM’s PNT trigger and one of the three I’ve tried is an excellent “Milspec” single stage, the other two were good (better than any of my issued M4A1s over the years) but not as good as the one I’m leaving in one of my personal rifles. I’ve never owned a G2S but I’d consider it a valid option and personally preferable to the LaRue but, again…for a working gun scrape together the extra $50-80 and get an SSA. They’re that good and screwing around with non vetted and non widely issued triggers for a working rifle is stupid IMO.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.