Trigger Upgrade - Suggestions?

pgamboa

Member
Joined
Oct 12, 2013
Messages
171
Reaction score
44
Location
McKinney, TX
Hey guys, so my money pit, also known as my 15-22 is interested in a trigger upgrade. I've been reading many threads and I think I've concluded to a CMC Trigger (solely based on consensus). I have an LGS that stocks them which might make it easier for me to make an exchange (if the allow it) if I am not happy with it. I wanted to gather some opinions on this from the group. I would like something that would drop in since I really don't want to mess with the FCG (I think that is what it is referred to). I see that there is a curved trigger vs a straight "tactical" trigger. Any opinions on that? Is this trigger upgrade compatible with the 15-22? I know the 15-22 is on the similar AR-15 platform and want to be 100% sure it is compatible or if there is a 15-22 specific.

Also, I've read that I should or need to get KNS Anti-Rotational Pins. Can someone elaborate on that and their need please so I can understand the mechanics behind it? I don't mind spending the extra $30 on these pins (since they have them in FDE). And why doesn't the stock trigger have anti-rotational pins?

Thanks guys!...and gals.
 
Register to hide this ad
The CMC trigger fits the 15-22 just fine. I have them in my AR & 15-22.

As far as the hammer & trigger pin, the CMC comes with some that are just fine. They are anti-walk, just like the JP ones I use, but are not also anti-rotational. The CMC locks them in with c clips while the JP uses allen screws. IMO, you don't need to pay the extra for anti-rotation, as so what if the pin rotates a little? Now if I were shooting a .556 full auto, then yes, I might be worried about some wear due to possible rotation, but how the heck is a 22lr gonna do that. I've never, ever heard of anyone replacing their lower due to pin wear.

This is what I use.

JP Enterprises Oversized Anti-Walk Hammer Trigger Pins AR-15 Small Pin
 
OK. So the rotation would be from the recoil of 223/556 and this rotation could cause wear where exactly? I can see how this wouldn't be so much of an issue with .22LR. Now, does an actual AR15 hammer/pin come as anti-rotational from the factory if there is a chance that rotation could cause wear or is this only considered when replacing the factory trigger?

Also, any thoughts on curved vs. straight trigger?

Thanks!
 
Lots of People run the Timney 3lb, I have one on order, its was between the CMC and the Timney and I was able to score a better deal with the Timney. YMMV
 
Lots of People run the Timney 3lb, I have one on order, its was between the CMC and the Timney and I was able to score a better deal with the Timney. YMMV

Thanks!

Any advice on curved or straight? Pros/Cons between? I am liking the look of the straight tactical. But curious to know what others feel.
 
I use a SD-3G from Geissele that's a straight trigger design. I really like the feel of it. Check around. Your friendly neighborhood gunshop owner may let you check out the feel of a few different triggers on some of the guns in his inventory.
 
I had a jard. Got alot of light strikes from it. Installed a cmc with pins and haven't had a light strike yet. CMC is the way to go

I really did like the jard. Just not in the 15-22
 
I use a SD-3G from Geissele that's a straight trigger design. I really like the feel of it. Check around. Your friendly neighborhood gunshop owner may let you check out the feel of a few different triggers on some of the guns in his inventory.

Cool Thanks! I know Cheaper than Dirt carries lots of triggers. While I wouldn't dare buy anything from them, I will give them the benefit of the doubt that I might buys something there.

I will say that their prices for accessories and firearms have gone down but the price of ammo is still insane there. They still and will always leave that bitter taste with me.
 
Cool Thanks! I know Cheaper than Dirt carries lots of triggers. While I wouldn't dare buy anything from them, I will give them the benefit of the doubt that I might buys something there.

I will say that their prices for accessories and firearms have gone down but the price of ammo is still insane there. They still and will always leave that bitter taste with me.

Why would you not dare buy from Cheaper than Dirt?
 
Why would you not dare buy from Cheaper than Dirt?

Because of how they jacked their prices on everything during the madness. Their lousy business practices of their online store.

Basically selling you something, charging your credit card, telling you it's on back ordered, then available for sale at a higher price days later.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free
 
OK. So the rotation would be from the recoil of 223/556 and this rotation could cause wear where exactly? I can see how this wouldn't be so much of an issue with .22LR. Now, does an actual AR15 hammer/pin come as anti-rotational from the factory if there is a chance that rotation could cause wear or is this only considered when replacing the factory trigger?

Also, any thoughts on curved vs. straight trigger?

Thanks!

Folks around here seem to like the anti-rotation but as I said, I don't see the point... especially on a 22lr. Logic goes, if the pins were to rotate a whole lot, then supposedly the holes they fit in would wallow out & become too big for the pins.

I'm no expert on triggers but my understanding is the stock AR trigger, as with the 15-22, is that the two pins are held in place by spring tension. This can allow the pins to walk, especially when something goes wrong with the springs. Thus they made aftermarket anti-walk pins, that have some sort of method to keep the pins in. CMC uses clips on the outside, where JP uses set screws. Then you can also get the anti-rotation, which I think is some sort of extra piece that ties the 2 pins together. I don't like the look & don't see the need, so I just use anti-walk.

I never tried their straight trigger so can't advise. I think it is mostly appearance preference but do know some folks shoot better with the straight. When I figure out how to hold a gun more steady than I can now and my accuracy becomes near perfect, then I'll worry if a straight trigger shoots better than a curved.

I'm not holding my breath for that to happen. :)
 
I'm running a Geissele SSA trigger in my 15-22 for Steel Challenge, mostly because that's what my buddy had lying around (and he installed for free!). But that fits into the "Gee, I spent almost as much on my trigger as my rifle!" category. But, then again, I'm running an Eotech 511 on her, too (I'm old and can't see much with just irons).

IIRC, straight triggers are more for long-range precision work, curved triggers are more for your every-day use, including duty stuff. Check out Bill Geissele's YouTube video on choosing the right trigger for your intended use. It's a great use of 33 minutes of your day.

HTH,
"Point Blank" Frank
8-)
 
I have used a Timney and CMC in my 15-22..... Both are great Triggers....
I would choose the CMC over the Timney Personaly... the Heavy Hammer Strike in the CMC makes for No Light Strikes and is still a 3.5lb trigger..

I tried the CMC in my AR15 and Loved it... but needed it In my 15-22 for my slidefire.. so the Timney is in my Ar15 now.... It also works great and has tightened up my groups for sure

I believe, as stated, the straight Trigger (which was out of stock when i ordered) is for Precision shooting... If ya do more Punching paper at Long Range.. thats what ya should get...


get a CMC... youll be glad ya did
 
The indoor range that I am a member of is 25 yards max. I don't plan on shooing any further at this point. I've paid the annual membership for it so I might as we take advantage and not spend more $ on other ranges and range fees.

So based on that.... I think CMC with curved trigger is the way in will be going.

What is the average price for one these days? Anyone know of a good online site that is priced well with a good rep?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free
 
OK: So I ended up picking up the CMC Curved 3.5 lbs. trigger from my LGS. They had them in stock and also had the KNS Gen 2 Mod 2 for the 15-22. They didn't have the FDE so went with black. I probably paid about $25 more for it but had the instant gratification of taking it home and installing it today. Also, if I wasn't completely satisfied, there is nothing better than being able to walk into a store for a refund/exchange. I really dislike internet return/exchanges.

From watching all the videos, I thought this would take 5 minutes to install. Coming from someone who's never replaced a grip, I can say that it would go quicker over time. It took me about 30 minutes. I quickly discovered there a couple of springs and detent pins as these thing popped out upon grip removal. I knew there were springs to watch for but didn't expect detent pins to start popping out.

I took some time to understand the stock FCG and learned a lot about them.

I popped the CMC in and tried inserting the new KNS Pins. Hammer pin first... It wouldn't go in. WTH!??! I looked at it closer thinking "why is this stinkin' pin NOT inserting. I removed the trigger and looked at it. I noticed the aluminum casing was slightly bent outwards just enough for the hammer pin to be misaligned. I squeeze the aluminum just enough to make the fit. The trigger pin went in smoothly.

Now came the KNS Pins. After getting the KNS Pins, I tried to install the plate that connects the two together. I noticed the notches didn't extend all the way through the polymer. I noticed the hole wasn't a clean .154 opening. I took a small hammer and a punch and ever so lightly punched it through. I piece of plastic from the receiver came off. This made the hole clean! Got the pin through and screwed on the plate. All is good!

Now comes the fun part. Springs and detent pins. I am hoping that the brass detent pin is what goes to the safety lever and the black plastic looking detent was for the rear takedown pin. I couldn't find any more detailed information on these.

After getting everything back together, I did a function check and everything seems normal.

I am hoping for a test fire this week something. I REALLY like how light this trigger is and how easy it feels to shoot.

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions everyone!!

I can't wait.
 
Now came the KNS Pins. After getting the KNS Pins, I tried to install the plate that connects the two together. I noticed the notches didn't extend all the way through the polymer.

With respect, you do realize that they offer a specific KNS pin set for 15-22's, right?
 
Back
Top