View Full Version : AR Trigger comparison
Irish Gunner
03-09-2012, 8:47 PM
I figure that one of the key components of my AR build will be the trigger. Does anyone have experience based opinion on the following: CMC vs. Timney vs. Geissele vs. Jard
Also single stage vs. two stage.
I am leaning toward the CMC 3.5 lb single stage flat.
Thanks
tanakasan
03-10-2012, 4:22 AM
I vote Geissele.
Anything is better than an OEM FCG. That said, the Geissele SD-3G I have is superb. Quality, function and at a price point that is competitive. The SD-E is also a nice setup if you are looking for a 2-stg. Flat bow triggers available.
Try Tier One Arms in the commercial sales forum...best pricing, great service!
Robert
smalltime
03-10-2012, 6:38 AM
this post at ar15.com (http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_12/366464_Trigger_Fire_Control_Groups_tested_and_eval uated___the_and_34_BESTand_34__trigger_for_you___. html) compares quite a few different triggers.
deadcoyote
03-10-2012, 6:57 AM
I've only used DPMS single stage, Giessele SSA, and RRA 2 stage.
DMPS= $11 trigger and worth about that. The Giesselle is awesome but nearly $200 bucks, and I'm installing the RRA righ now. It has an excellent reputation and set me back $90.
BigBamBoo
03-10-2012, 7:17 AM
I have only personally owned Timney 3 and 4 lb., Jewell, and AR Gold two stage triggers for my AR's.
I have shot or dry fired JP, RRA National Match, Jewell, and Giesselle triggers as well as installed and shot a Jard trigger on my friends AR.
Pretty much they are all good triggers and are a huge improvement over a factory trigger. For me it comes down to ease of installation. I prefer the drop in modular types. Two stage triggers are nice, but prefer them on a bolt gun....even though I have them in two of my current AR's. For a AR my preference is the Timney single stage.
Whatever you decide on you will be much happier then the factory trigger.
Crowesnest
03-10-2012, 7:19 AM
Wilson Combat Single Stage
i installed the JP kit in my AR...works great...now a 4.0 lb trigger
jasonnorcal
03-10-2012, 2:20 PM
Geissele SD-3G is a total hot rod trigger, best money I ever spent besides my Battlecomp and Aimpoint. I also got the SD-E for my Recce-ish rifle and it's great as well. SD-3G is kinda like the 1st stage of the SD-E except you never get to the 2nd stage, it just breaks. Both triggers have a very short reset
Nor Cal Guy
03-10-2012, 5:41 PM
Only used a timney 3lb so far. I like it alot and its a drop in replacement all self contained. Ive always heard great things on the geissele though but the guy that did my paper work for my AR had timney on hand so went with it. Im sure either of those 2 would make you happy.
and for me single stage is the only way to go, but thats me and i know how i like to shoot.
Tier One Arms
03-10-2012, 5:45 PM
As a dealer for CMC, Geissele and Timney, I will just say that Geissele is the very best there is. I've shot nearly every AR trigger out there and the SD-E and SD-3G are about as good as it gets. There's a reason Geissele has military contracts to supply top special forces teams.
raiders1
03-11-2012, 9:35 AM
I love my Timney, I had a RRA two stage and had a little trouble with the sear not holding. I did put in the locking non rotating pin set so I didnt have to put a bind the housing to hold the pins in. breaks very clean.
TreeHugger
03-11-2012, 7:45 PM
On my 5.56, I use the non adjustable Geiselle SSA with 2.5lb 1st & 2lb 2nd. On my 7.62, I use the adjustable Geiselle High Speed DMR with a 3lb 1st & 2nd set to 1lb. They are pricey, but awesome, they break VERY clean.
RK808
03-12-2012, 12:02 AM
I've got a Jard trigger on my 20" AR and I wish that I had a 2 stage trigger instead. It creeps just SLIGHTLY; I'd much rather have something that stops consistently at the same spot and breaks cleanly. My 2 cents
john.t.singh
03-12-2012, 10:01 AM
On my AR's I run:
CMC Flat Trigger, Geiselle SSA-E and Super 3Gun, and a Timney Skeleton.
The Timney is the least impressive.
The CMC is excellent and I really liked it. It is super easy to install as you just drop the entire trigger kit in and punch through the two pins. The only bad thing is the c clips to secure the trigger is super wonky, and occasionally will come loose.
Geiselle is however in a different class. The two stage is really crisp (SSA-E) and is my favorite trigger. I feel like the 3GUN trigger is an overkill as I'm not even good enough of a shooter to maximize how great a trigger it is.
Also Geiselle customer service bar none is freaking awesome. I had a small issue once with their trigger and Bill immediately sent a replacement along with a gift pack.
Irish Gunner
03-12-2012, 11:07 AM
On my AR's I run:
The Timney is the least impressive.
The CMC is excellent and I really liked it. It is super easy to install as you just drop the entire trigger kit in and punch through the two pins. The only bad thing is the c clips to secure the trigger is super wonky, and occasionally will come loose.
Geiselle is however in a different class.
Thank you all for your input
I think I have removed the Timney from my list. The Geiselle is definitely a different price class. Not sure it is worth it for my application. CMC has confirmed that I could use the provided pins or KNR anti-roll pins. Since the KNR pins are going in regardless of choice, I can't figure that in the price comparison.
Most likely I will go with the CMC in my first build here and reserve the Geissele for the AR-10 build.
whiskeyhotel
03-12-2012, 11:36 AM
This is all great information. After reading up on triggers here and other sites, the one constant is the praise of Geissele triggers. So I puller the trigger (excuse the pun) and ordered an SSA from Brownells.
I'll stick my M&P 15 Sport's trigger into my 15-22...the 15-22's stock trigger is truly aweful.
ExtremeX
03-12-2012, 11:50 AM
Ill chime in too... I use the RRA NM 2 Stage in my bench rest AR, 24" BB target type setup. For the money its proven to be a worthy upgrade... Ive been toying with the idea of upgrading it to the Timney 3lb 1 stage because while its a HUGE upgrade from a standard milspec trigger, there is still something to be desired. Sometimes on a very slow pull you might get a little creep, but its so much better than what I had, and for the price, I would buy another.
Ive tried the SD-3G but not 100% sure if its really for me, at least on my bench rest AR.
Everyone tells me if its for my benchrest gun, the Timney is the way to go, even over the Geissele options. I would however consider the Geissele for my carbine.
Since I never had a chance to shoot any of these side by side, I still dont know if I prefer 1 stage over 2 stage triggers.
End of the day, I think a lot of it has to do with personal preference. Ask 10 different people, get 10 different answers.
john.t.singh
03-12-2012, 12:12 PM
Thank you all for your input
I think I have removed the Timney from my list. The Geiselle is definitely a different price class. Not sure it is worth it for my application. CMC has confirmed that I could use the provided pins or KNR anti-roll pins. Since the KNR pins are going in regardless of choice, I can't figure that in the price comparison.
Most likely I will go with the CMC in my first build here and reserve the Geissele for the AR-10 build.
Their is a calgunner vendor here that sells both the CMC and the popular Geiselle models. I think he posted somewhere ^ there but I think the CMC was going for $160 something and a SSA-E was about 10-20 more.
Those are very good prices. Running KNR pins for the CMC would be wise and you should be fine. I've actually called the folks before at CMC also and they stand behind their products.
AeroEngi
03-12-2012, 12:15 PM
This is all great information. After reading up on triggers here and other sites, the one constant is the praise of Geissele triggers. So I puller the trigger (excuse the pun) and ordered an SSA from Brownells.
I'll stick my M&P 15 Sport's trigger into my 15-22...the 15-22's stock trigger is truly aweful.
You're gonna love the SSA. I have one in my 16" carbine and I couldn't be happier.
ScottsBad
03-12-2012, 3:50 PM
I've only used DPMS single stage, Giessele SSA, and RRA 2 stage.
DMPS= $11 trigger and worth about that. The Giesselle is awesome but nearly $200 bucks, and I'm installing the RRA righ now. It has an excellent reputation and set me back $90.
Same here. I've only had experience with USGI triggers, Geisselle SSA, and Rock River Arms 2 stage.
The RRA works fine, but it has a very long first stage, which is not too hot for fast shooting. The SSA trigger is 2 stage, but with a much shorter first stage and reset, much higher quality feel and parts. You get what you pay for.
I really like a well set up single stage, and I've modified a few. I ruined a couple while learning how to stone them and I don't recommend doing this unless you are very mechanically inclined. You can also change the springs to get different results.
BUT, in the end, I would suggest buying Geisselle if you can. And if you have really deep pockets buy an AR Gold trigger (never tried one but heard they are Tits).
Good luck!
negolien
03-12-2012, 11:13 PM
I run the Geissele SD3G on my 5.56 AR and love it.I got mine for $170 and it is worth every penny. great clean break and super resets for fast follow-ups:p
damndave
03-13-2012, 1:43 AM
As a Dealer myself I have shot many different AR triggers. My personal fav, and the trigger I run on mine are made by Geissele.
CoyoteHunter555
03-13-2012, 6:43 AM
I run a Geiselle SSA-E 2 stage on my long range AR and LOVE IT! Haven't had to time or $$$ for comparisons with the competition tho
ERdept
03-14-2012, 12:49 AM
Geiselle
tanakasan
03-14-2012, 8:02 AM
Thank you all for your input
I think I have removed the Timney from my list. The Geiselle is definitely a different price class. Not sure it is worth it for my application. CMC has confirmed that I could use the provided pins or KNR anti-roll pins. Since the KNR pins are going in regardless of choice, I can't figure that in the price comparison.
Most likely I will go with the CMC in my first build here and reserve the Geissele for the AR-10 build.
Geissele specifically recommends NOT using the KNR pins.
Geissele pins are sized, HT and ground specifically for their trigger groups. So that will tip the $$ scales slightly towards the Geissele!
Tier One Arms pricing might seal the deal!
Robert
vintagearms
03-14-2012, 8:30 AM
I currently have the CMC and the Geiselle. Of the two the CMC has a very short reset and light. Best used on an AR15 designed for medium to longer ranges. For CQB out to say 50yds, your best bet would be the Geiselle. I use the SSA although I have heard good things about the SSA-E.
pat4wd
03-14-2012, 9:36 AM
Who has the best prices and stock for the ges.?
IPSICK
03-14-2012, 10:14 AM
Here's my ranking for top quality triggers I have or have used:
1. AR Gold
2. JP
3. Geissele (not really that close to the two listed above but these are the triggers I have the most experience with)
So if you can increase your budget a bit, I'd suggest the AR Gold or JP. But if you're in the mid-price Geissele price range then a Geissele is OK though I've heard good things about the CMC as well.
captbilly
03-14-2012, 10:17 AM
I can think of no situation in which I would want the stock trigger but other than that, it depends on what kind of shootin you do. I love the Giessele high speed match trigger and the ATS AR Gold, but these are designed for long range and target work not for plinkin in the mud. The Rock River national match is an excellent value, and I use them in all my more basic ARs. The Jard "feels" good but it gets it light clean break by using a lightened hammer spring, which has the side effect of a longer lock time. Many of the single stage triggers use this same technique, which is one of the reasons I stay away from single stage triggers on ARs (even though I generally prefer single stage triggers). The other reason for staying away from a single stage trigger on any semi auto is safety. It is pretty much impossible to have a light single stage trigger with little take up, that will not be a safety hazzard. You can have a four ounce trigger on a bolt action rifle, because there is no possibility of bump fire or doubling, but on an auto loader you run the risk of a real poswibility of two, or more, shots fired from a single pull. This is not a function of a poor single stage trigger, it is a result of a second round being automatically loaded, and the recoild of the rifle banging the rifle around in you hand. If the shooter is very careful to hold the trigger down after every shot then you can avoid these issues, but one of the main points of a good trigger is to allow the shooter to slowly squeeze the trigger without even thinking about when the shot will actually go off.
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