My next project to improve the new M&P 15T rifle that I just purchased is replacing the trigger. The stock trigger isn't awful, but I'm looking for something that has less pull, better feel, and crisper break so I can shoot out to 200 yards with precision. I have a Savage 10 Stealth rifle with the Accutrigger and I love it. Unfortunately, I don't think I can get that trigger from Savage and drop it in on my M&P 15T. Any ideas on a trigger that would be similar to the Accutrigger from Savage? Pros and cons of single stage vs. two stage? Any tips or tricks in removing the stock trigger and installing a new one? For right now, I'm leaning towards the Geissele SSA-E...I just have to convince the wife to let me drop another $240 just for the trigger.
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PanzerSS
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Just out of curiosity, what did you pay for this rifle? How did it compare in price with the SAINT, the Colt OEM 1&2?
I just recently bought an AR STONER trigger from MIDWAY, but, I imagine you are looking for something a lot better. Stay tuned, there are some very knowledgeable members here that will give you great advice.
Just out of curiosity, what did you pay for this rifle? How did it compare in price with the SAINT, the Colt OEM 1&2?
I just recently bought an AR STONER trigger from MIDWAY, but, I imagine you are looking for something a lot better. Stay tuned, there are some very knowledgeable members here that will give you great advice.
I paid a little more than $960 for the rifle at Tombstone Tactical here in Phoenix, AZ. I believe the Colts were about the same price, maybe slightly more. The Saint was about a $100 cheaper. I look at an inexpensive AR STONER trigger but I wanted something drastically different than the stock trigger. The upside to the AR STONER trigger was that I could purchase it and my wife would never know. I can't slip the Geissele purchase by her as easily!
Westie1
Member
You might want to look at the LaRue MBT2s. It's a very good 2 stage, and if you don't have to have it right away the price is 124.95 + shipping.
scooter123
Member
They aren't cheap but Geissele and Timney both make superb triggers for the AR15.
The Timney is a single unit drop in trigger and as a result is very easy to install. As for the quality of the Timney Single Stage I have the 3 lbs. version (actually measures at 3.5 lbs.) in 3 of my AR15's and they are very close to the single action trigger on a cocked S&W revolver. Meaning no pre-travel or creep that you can feel at all, apply enough pressure and the rifle will fire. Now some will claim you shouldn't install a light single stage trigger in a semi automatic rifle for fear of a "bump fire" event but IMO the AR15 just doesn't kick hard enough for that to be a concern. Note, if you really do think a 2 stage trigger is essential Timney just released a 2 stage drop in trigger for the AR15 and based on my experience once to take up the pre-travel it will behave quite like their single stage trigger.
The Geissele is also very highly thought of and does come in a lot more versions for the AR15, so many you really need to consult with a Geissele expert to determine what is best for your needs. BTW, by versions I mean the pre-travel is offered in different lengths and weights, they offer single stage triggers in a variety of weights, and IIRC they also offer triggers with a shorter than normal reset for competition shooting events. The Geissele is also NOT a single drop in unit, it's basically a bag of parts containing the Trigger, Hammer, Sear, and springs. As a result installing the Geissele is a lot more "fiddly" than dropping in a Timney trigger. Which is why my rifles all have Timney Triggers, because I just am not as patient as I should be and fiddling around trying to get springs compressed and parts correctly aligned tends to have me throwing things.
The Timney is a single unit drop in trigger and as a result is very easy to install. As for the quality of the Timney Single Stage I have the 3 lbs. version (actually measures at 3.5 lbs.) in 3 of my AR15's and they are very close to the single action trigger on a cocked S&W revolver. Meaning no pre-travel or creep that you can feel at all, apply enough pressure and the rifle will fire. Now some will claim you shouldn't install a light single stage trigger in a semi automatic rifle for fear of a "bump fire" event but IMO the AR15 just doesn't kick hard enough for that to be a concern. Note, if you really do think a 2 stage trigger is essential Timney just released a 2 stage drop in trigger for the AR15 and based on my experience once to take up the pre-travel it will behave quite like their single stage trigger.
The Geissele is also very highly thought of and does come in a lot more versions for the AR15, so many you really need to consult with a Geissele expert to determine what is best for your needs. BTW, by versions I mean the pre-travel is offered in different lengths and weights, they offer single stage triggers in a variety of weights, and IIRC they also offer triggers with a shorter than normal reset for competition shooting events. The Geissele is also NOT a single drop in unit, it's basically a bag of parts containing the Trigger, Hammer, Sear, and springs. As a result installing the Geissele is a lot more "fiddly" than dropping in a Timney trigger. Which is why my rifles all have Timney Triggers, because I just am not as patient as I should be and fiddling around trying to get springs compressed and parts correctly aligned tends to have me throwing things.
ChattanoogaPhil
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I shoot offhand out to 200yds. Mostly practice with steel. No precision paper shooting. Generally warm climate (no gloved shooting).
My preference is single stage. I chose the Wilson Combat TTU 4lb. Well designed self contained... no adjustment screws to fiddle with and 1911 style half-cock notch for safety. Clean crisp break and short fast reset. Here's a review. I haven't gone through 10,000 rounds just yet... but so far this trigger has lived up to everything I've read.Wilson Combat Tactical Trigger Unit (10,000 trips of the trigger)
I've got a Timney 686-S single stage 4lb in one my .22 AR platforms. It's ok but feels mushy compared to the WC.
---- Everyone has their own budgets and priorities... but IMO the trigger is among the last places to try to save a buck at the expense of not getting the trigger ya really want, whatever that might be.
My preference is single stage. I chose the Wilson Combat TTU 4lb. Well designed self contained... no adjustment screws to fiddle with and 1911 style half-cock notch for safety. Clean crisp break and short fast reset. Here's a review. I haven't gone through 10,000 rounds just yet... but so far this trigger has lived up to everything I've read.Wilson Combat Tactical Trigger Unit (10,000 trips of the trigger)
I've got a Timney 686-S single stage 4lb in one my .22 AR platforms. It's ok but feels mushy compared to the WC.
---- Everyone has their own budgets and priorities... but IMO the trigger is among the last places to try to save a buck at the expense of not getting the trigger ya really want, whatever that might be.
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vonn
US Veteran
I have used a couple of ALG ACT triggers and was very satisfied with the results. They have a hair over 5 pound pull weight with my gauge but are very smooth and clean on the break so they feel much lighter and the price is very reasonable so you can try one and not be out much at all.
CMC Drop in 3.5lb single stage
I use CMC drop in triggers in all my better quality AR builds. I purchase them when I find them on sale. I have found them as low as $125 which is a fantastic bargain. In my opinion a performance trigger should be the first upgrade made to any AR with a Mil Spec trigger. Midway has the CMC's on sale right now for an OK price. I like that the CMC triggers come standard with the anti-walk pins included.
The Rise Armament RA-140 is also a great 3.5lb drop in trigger for less than $125. There is no appreciable difference between the CMC and the Rise Armament trigger so it's the best overall value in terms of bang for your buck but you should look at adding KNS pins for your install. Given the performance of either of these triggers I would never consider spending more than $150 on a trigger upgrade, but that is just me and a smooth 3.5lb single stage trigger works for my needs, yours may vary.
I use CMC drop in triggers in all my better quality AR builds. I purchase them when I find them on sale. I have found them as low as $125 which is a fantastic bargain. In my opinion a performance trigger should be the first upgrade made to any AR with a Mil Spec trigger. Midway has the CMC's on sale right now for an OK price. I like that the CMC triggers come standard with the anti-walk pins included.
The Rise Armament RA-140 is also a great 3.5lb drop in trigger for less than $125. There is no appreciable difference between the CMC and the Rise Armament trigger so it's the best overall value in terms of bang for your buck but you should look at adding KNS pins for your install. Given the performance of either of these triggers I would never consider spending more than $150 on a trigger upgrade, but that is just me and a smooth 3.5lb single stage trigger works for my needs, yours may vary.
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Triggerman66
Member
Take a look at the Rock River two stage triggers offered by AR15Sales.com, they come in clean 4 I/2 and a 3 1/2 bound pulls shipped for less than a hundred dollars. I have three of the 4 1/2 lb. units and they are well worth the money. Haven't found a better deal so far.
jimbo728
Member
+1 for the CMC drop in unit. I installed the 3.5# unit in my Sport last year and love it. Easy install, crisp break and single stage.
Jim
Jim
Willyboy
Member
Ar15 trigger
I just put in a Gisselle SSA-E in my RRA Predator. The installation was pretty straightforward. See YouTube for specific instructions and details. The trigger pull is not much lighter than the RRA OEM match trigger, but I think the SSA-E would be a big improvement over most AR 15 stock triggers. Willyboy
I just put in a Gisselle SSA-E in my RRA Predator. The installation was pretty straightforward. See YouTube for specific instructions and details. The trigger pull is not much lighter than the RRA OEM match trigger, but I think the SSA-E would be a big improvement over most AR 15 stock triggers. Willyboy
Check out Rise Armament:
Drop in triggers (Click "drop in triggers")
Drop in triggers (Click "drop in triggers")
sgtsandman
US Veteran
The preference between single stage and two stage triggers is going to be a personal preference, if one has a preference at all. I don't have a preference myself as long as the pull weight is good and the travel feel is good.
I have a Geisselie SSA in my M&P10 and love it, if that is the price point you are interested in. Timiny and CMC are good suggestions as well.
If you don't want to spend that much, the ALG suggestion is a good one too.
I have a Geisselie SSA in my M&P10 and love it, if that is the price point you are interested in. Timiny and CMC are good suggestions as well.
If you don't want to spend that much, the ALG suggestion is a good one too.
Disabled1
US Veteran
Just out of curiosity, what did you pay for this rifle? How did it compare in price with the SAINT, the Colt OEM 1&2?
I just recently bought an AR STONER trigger from MIDWAY, but, I imagine you are looking for something a lot better. Stay tuned, there are some very knowledgeable members here that will give you great advice.
My birthday was a couple of weeks ago. MIDWAY sent me a discount coupon and I used it to buy a AR STONER trigger for my current AR build I am working on. Small world, huh?
hdwhit
Member
I'm going to be the contrarian here and say that I really like the stock trigger on the M&P-15.
I use my M&P-15 for target shooting at ranges 225 meters or less, self-defense and putting meat on the table when my Savage isn't readily at hand. I am NOT a precision target shooter.
But the way I look at it, if I'm going to drop $240 on a trigger, then I'm already more than half-way towards another AR. And I'd much rather have two ARs with less than ideal triggers than one AR and a box of left-over parts.
I use my M&P-15 for target shooting at ranges 225 meters or less, self-defense and putting meat on the table when my Savage isn't readily at hand. I am NOT a precision target shooter.
But the way I look at it, if I'm going to drop $240 on a trigger, then I'm already more than half-way towards another AR. And I'd much rather have two ARs with less than ideal triggers than one AR and a box of left-over parts.
Kadonny
Member
Best of both worlds, save some money but still have an excellent, excellent trigger. Geissele G2S.
