May 132012
 

GEISSELE AUTOMATICS SSA TRIGGER

GEISSELE AUTOMATICS SSA TRIGGER
GEISSELE AUTOMATICS SSA TRIGGER

The GEISSELE AUTOMATICS SSA TRIGGER is without question one of the best non-adjustable combat AR-15 triggers you can obtain.

From the Manufacturer:

The Geissele Super Semi-Automatic (SSA) Trigger is the semi-auto only version of a select fire trigger that Geissele makes for customers in the U.S. Special Operations community. The SSA is a non-adjustable combat trigger, it is not a match trigger. The second stage break is like a carrot rather than an icicle. Suitable for Close Quarters Battle (CQB) and mid-range carbine work, the Geissele SSA is also the perfect trigger for Squad Designated Marksman (SDM) rifles. A short summary of the Geissele SSA features and advantages follows.

  1. Performance Advantages for the Shooter- The Geissele SSA has a pull weight of about 4.5lb. 2.5 lbs onthe first stage and 2lb on the second stage. The pull weights and sear engagement are non adjustable by the shooter. Trigger and hammer are made from quality tool steel. Sear surfaces are cut by a wire edm machine. Sears cut this way are very accurate and the non-directional surface finish of the wire edm gives a smooth trigger pull without the associated grittiness of directional machining marks left by a milling cutter. The initial force needed to start the disengagement of the sear surfaces is low and the force linearly increases at a low rate. This helps the shot to fall at the initial point of aim and aids in building shooter confidence in his  weapons ability to put the rounds where his sight is pointing. The Geissele SSA trigger allows the shooter to slap through the trigger pull on close in shots but also set up a long range shot with a crisp trigger break. A full force hammer spring is used for quick locktime and positive ignition of all types of ammo. No lightened hammer spring is used. The hammer is lighter than a standard AR15 hammer. The lightened hammer favorably decreases locktime and increases accuracy of the weapon, especially for snap shots.
  2. Advantages for the Armorer – The Geissele SSA is a simple design that is very similar to the original M16 trigger. The number of parts is identical. There are no adjustment screws to come loose. All springs are captive; they will not get lost during disassembly in the field. The entire trigger can be dissembled for cleaning (no rivets or staked parts) The trigger can be installed without removing the safety. Sear engagement is pre-set from the factory. Hammer and trigger pins are a close slip fit into nominal receiver holes so the trigger can be installed and removed with rudimentarytools. Triggers come with a slave pin for the trigger/disconnector assembly for easy installation.
  3. Safety Advantages – The Geissele SSA is a 2 stage trigger where there is generous overlap of the sear surfaces which contributes to safety and a low tendency of any inadvertent movement of the trigger to discharge the weapon. The Geissele SSA has a patented pseudo sear that is almostidentical to the standard AR15 single stage sear. However, this secondary sear has surfaces that never touch during normal operation. This sear prevents the hammer from falling unless the trigger is pulled. The secondary safety sear contributes to shooter confidence in dynamic/vehicle situations where a fellow shooter’s muzzle may cover him. There is firm knowledge that even with the safety in the fire position the weapon can never discharge unless the trigger is pulled. Trigger timing is robust and parts have been sized to operate with a certain amount of wear to the working surfaces. The trigger is designed to operate in dusty, abrasive environments that cause wear.

AR15 TRIGGERS

 

AR15 Triggers


CMC AR-15 TACTICAL TRIGGER

CMC AR15 Tactical Trigger

While the CMC TACTICAL TRIGGER for AR15/AR10 rifles may not be the absolute best available trigger for the AR15 platform. It is in my opinion the best value in quality AR15 TRIGGERS and is able to go toe to toe with triggers costing $100 more. The CMC TACTICAL TRIGGER will exceed the expectations of all but the most discriminating AR15/AR10 shooters.


Geissele Automatics – Hi-Speed National Match Trigger

Geissele Automatics - Hi-Speed National Match Trigger

Geissele Automatics - Hi-Speed National Match Trigger

The Geissele Automatics – Hi-Speed National Match Trigger Fully adjustable trigger gives a smooth, two-stage pull with a precise icicle sharp break and ultra-fast lock time to minimize accuracy loss caused by gun movement during trigger pull. Set first stage pull weight by bending the legs of the trigger spring; set second-stage weight within a pre-set range by turning its adjustment screw. Another screw on the trigger lets you adjust overtravel for clean, crisp letoff. Lightweight hammer provides a 50% reduction in lock time over factory hammer, yet uses standard weight hammer spring to ensure sufficient energy transfer for reliable primer ignition, even on AR-style .308 weapons. Trigger shoe is positioned 1/8″ farther forward than factory shoe for comfortable finger position during the squeeze. All contact surfaces are wire EDM cut to exact dimensions for full, precise engagement free of unwanted play.

Available to fit both large (.169″) and small (.154″) pin receivers; small pin models include spare hammer pin to aid in proper fit on receivers with slightly oversized holes. Service model provides nominal 4 1/2 lb. pull weight required for NRA High Power Service Rifle competition and is also approved for CMP-sanctioned competitions. Most of the pull weight is loaded on the first stage, followed by a quick, clean second-stage break. First stage, 3.2 to 5 lb.; second stage, 1/2 to 1 1/2 lb. Match model allows a very low combined pull weight for superb trigger control on highly modified raceguns used in unlimited NRA High Power Rifle competition. Helps you shave those extra hundredths of an inch from your groups for a competitive edge. First stage, 1.3 to 3 lbs.; second stage, 4 oz. to 14 oz. Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) model combines the light first stage of the Match trigger with the heavier Service second stage to reduce risk of premature release in high stress situations. Perfect for precision tactical and competitive shooting where trigger pull is not regulated. Allows a high rate of semi-auto fire; an experienced shooter can fire 30 rounds in as little as 4 1/2 seconds. First stage, 1.3 to 3 lbs.; second stage, 1/2 to 1 1/2 lbs.

SPECS: Steel, black finish. Available for receivers with .154″ (military, current aftermarket, older Colt) and .169″ (current Colt without sear block) hammer and trigger pins. Kit includes trigger and hammer assemblies, plus oversized hammer pin, compact pin punch, three hex wrenches, tube of GA No. 1 grease, bottle of GA No. 2 oil, and complete illustrated instructions.

 

GEISSELE AUTOMATICS SSA TRIGGER

GEISSELE AUTOMATICS SSA TRIGGER
GEISSELE AUTOMATICS SSA TRIGGER

The GEISSELE AUTOMATICS SSA TRIGGER is without question one of the best non-adjustable combat AR-15 triggers you can obtain.

From the Manufacturer:

The Geissele Super Semi-Automatic (SSA) Trigger is the semi-auto only version of a select fire trigger that Geissele makes for customers in the U.S. Special Operations community. The SSA is a non-adjustable combat trigger, it is not a match trigger. The second stage break is like a carrot rather than an icicle. Suitable for Close Quarters Battle (CQB) and mid-range carbine work, the Geissele SSA is also the perfect trigger for Squad Designated Marksman (SDM) rifles. A short summary of the Geissele SSA features and advantages follows.

  1. Performance Advantages for the Shooter- The Geissele SSA has a pull weight of about 4.5lb. 2.5 lbs onthe first stage and 2lb on the second stage. The pull weights and sear engagement are non adjustable by the shooter. Trigger and hammer are made from quality tool steel. Sear surfaces are cut by a wire edm machine. Sears cut this way are very accurate and the non-directional surface finish of the wire edm gives a smooth trigger pull without the associated grittiness of directional machining marks left by a milling cutter. The initial force needed to start the disengagement of the sear surfaces is low and the force linearly increases at a low rate. This helps the shot to fall at the initial point of aim and aids in building shooter confidence in his weapons ability to put the rounds where his sight is pointing. The Geissele SSA trigger allows the shooter to slap through the trigger pull on close in shots but also set up a long range shot with a crisp trigger break. A full force hammer spring is used for quick locktime and positive ignition of all types of ammo. No lightened hammer spring is used. The hammer is lighter than a standard AR15 hammer. The lightened hammer favorably decreases locktime and increases accuracy of the weapon, especially for snap shots.
  2. Advantages for the Armorer – The Geissele SSA is a simple design that is very similar to the original M16 trigger. The number of parts is identical. There are no adjustment screws to come loose. All springs are captive; they will not get lost during disassembly in the field. The entire trigger can be dissembled for cleaning (no rivets or staked parts) The trigger can be installed without removing the safety. Sear engagement is pre-set from the factory. Hammer and trigger pins are a close slip fit into nominal receiver holes so the trigger can be installed and removed with rudimentarytools. Triggers come with a slave pin for the trigger/disconnector assembly for easy installation.
  3. Safety Advantages – The Geissele SSA is a 2 stage trigger where there is generous overlap of the sear surfaces which contributes to safety and a low tendency of any inadvertent movement of the trigger to discharge the weapon. The Geissele SSA has a patented pseudo sear that is almostidentical to the standard AR15 single stage sear. However, this secondary sear has surfaces that never touch during normal operation. This sear prevents the hammer from falling unless the trigger is pulled. The secondary safety sear contributes to shooter confidence in dynamic/vehicle situations where a fellow shooter’s muzzle may cover him. There is firm knowledge that even with the safety in the fire position the weapon can never discharge unless the trigger is pulled. Trigger timing is robust and parts have been sized to operate with a certain amount of wear to the working surfaces. The trigger is designed to operate in dusty, abrasive environments that cause wear.
May 072012
 

CMC AR-15 TACTICAL TRIGGER

CMC AR15 Tactical Trigger
CMC AR15 Tactical Trigger

While the CMC TACTICAL TRIGGER for AR15/AR10 rifles may not be the absolute best available trigger for the AR15 platform. It is in my opinion the best value in quality AR15 TRIGGERS and is able to go toe to toe with triggers costing $100 more. The CMC TACTICAL TRIGGER will exceed the expectations of all but the most discriminating AR15/AR10 shooters.

Apr 222012
 
GEISSELE TRIGGER

GEISSELE TRIGGER

In the half-dozen or so years I have been operating firearms oriented websites and forums I have noticed certain trends with shooters building and upgrading their AR15 and M4 platform weapons. Very often appearance is taking presidence over function in two key areas. These two areas are barrel quality choices and trigger selection. The barrel and trigger are two of the most important weapon parts that enable you to hit your target.

This page will be part 1 BUILDING AN AR15 – UNDERSTANDING PRIORITIES PART 1 – AR15 TRIGGERS of a 2 part series BUILDING AN AR15 – UNDERSTANDING PRIORITIES

AR15 TRIGGERS

Unless you spent several thousands of dollars on a custom or high-end AR15 chances are your trigger was designed by an attorney to protect a firearm manufacturer. In fact one manufacturer DPMS has publicly stated that they expect you to replace your trigger and that the included trigger is merely there so you can fire the weapon when new.

The fact is you simply can not expect to get the greatest amount of accuracy out of your weapon with a factory trigger or the trigger included in a lower parts kit.

REPLACING YOUR AR15 TRIGGER SHOULD BE YOUR FIRST AND FOREMOST PRIORITY before you spend a single penny on any other part.

Now here is the downside of aftermarket triggers. You get what you pay for. However there is a law of diminishing returns. his means a $400 trigger is not necessarily twice as good as a $200 trigger. Will the most expensive trigger be better? You bet, but not every shooter needs a trigger  THAT GOOD. If you can afford the best go for it you wont be disappointed. If cant buy what you can afford. DO SOMETHING.

I break the triggers down this way.

AR15 Triggers Under $100:

  • BILL SPRINGFIELD – Spend $50 and send your factory trigger to Bill Springfield for a trigger job. It’s better than nothing and he turns them around very quickly.
  • ARMALITE TWO STAGE TACTICAL TRIGGER – At $97 it’s a good deal. Problem with the Armalite triggers is nobody bothers to learn how to adjust them so the triggers are often criticized. read the Armalite tech note here.
  • ALG DEFENSE – This is new and unknown to me but they are getting decent reviews and priced slightly higher that the trigger job mentioned above.

AR15 Triggers $100-$150

Got a few choices here.

  • JARD TRIGGERS – I have a few AR15′s with JARD TRIGGERS. I like everything about these triggers except the installation.
  • ROCK RIVER ARMS TWO STAGE TRIGGER – A lot of folks buy this trigger and are happy with it. There are those that claim the steel is soft and they don’t last. I have no personal experience but RRA cant keep these triggers on the shelf
  • ARMALITE AR15 NATIONAL MATCH SET TRIGGER – See my comments above in the sub $100 section. These are great triggers with proper installation and adjustment. Read the installation Tech Note here.

AR15 Triggers $150-$200

  • CMC AR15 TRIGGER – This is probably the ugliest modular drop in trigger of the bunch. What it lacks in looks it makes up for in performance. In fact the CMC AR15 TRIGGER is one of my favorite triggers at any price for the AR15 platform.
  • JP RIFLES – JP Rifles produces a very good trigger. If you order one be sure to order the speed hammer as well as they are meant to work together. JP includes a video of the installation. That is a nice touch.
  • GEISSELE SSA TRIGGER – The GEISSELE SSA is I believe the least expensive of the GEISSELE TRIGGERS. It’s a good trigger at a fair price.

AR15 Triggers $200 and up

  • TIMNEY – I like the Timney a lot problem is that unless you can find it for less than $200 the CMC in the previous section is a better choice
  • ATC AR GOLD – I ave no experience with the AR GOLD TRIGGER but I have a LOT of experience with the ATC SR GOLD TRIGGER for the 308 AR and AR-10 platforms. In fact the SR GOLD is my favorite trigger for the 308 platform. I would not hesitate to recommend the ATC GOLD. ATC/PACT has outstanding customer service.
  • GEISSELE – By most accounts the best AR Trigger
  • JEWELL AR15 TRIGGER – Unfortunately Jewell isn’t as good with AR15 triggers as they are with traditional rifle triggers. There are better choices.
  • WILSON COMBAT TACTICAL TRIGGER UNIT – I have no experience with the WILSON COMBAT TTU as they are never in stock when I am looking for a trigger.

As you see above there are options for every price point. Choose what fits your budget even if it means going without a new muzzle device, pistol grip, laser, tac light, or fancy collapsable stock or some other tactical gizmo that will do nothing to inprove the accuracy of you and your weapon..

START WITH THE TRIGGER

Stay tuned for  part 2 in the series BUILDING AN AR15 – UNDERSTANDING PRIORITIES PART 2 – AR15 BARRELS