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- Alfred Mendoza
- June 1, 2023
The AR 15 stock trigger is often unsatisfactory and can leave you wanting a better trigger.
Whether you’re working on a single-stage trigger, two-stage trigger, or aftermarket triggers, here are the instructions on how to lighten trigger pull on an AR-15.
Table of Contents
5 Steps to adjust Trigger Pull on an AR-15
1. Secure a Safe Working Area
The first thing you need to secure when you plan on working on AR triggers is a safe working area. Assemble your tools, including a set screw. Check your firearm to see if it’s loaded, and drop the ammo before you modify anything. The muzzle should point towards a safe direction and keep your finger away from the trigger. Safety should always be your priority.
The first thing you need to secure when you plan on working on AR triggers is a safe working area. Assemble your tools, including a set screw. Check your firearm to see if it’s loaded, and drop the ammo before you modify anything. The muzzle should point towards a safe direction and keep your finger away from the trigger. Safety should always be your priority.
2. Measure the Trigger Pole
Measure the mil-spec AR trigger pull weight with the whole trigger group installed to gauge it (it’s better to use a scale or a trigger pull gauge, so you have the exact measurements) using a pull scale.
Next, measure it without the trigger spring kit.
This lets you know what range or the fair amount the new trigger could be lightened to.
3. Drive Out the Hammer Pin & Trigger Pin
Drive out both the hammer and trigger pin with a small punch, and lay the parts out onto the table.
Also Read:
- How Do You Mount Scopes on an AR-15 With Front Sights?
- How Do You Paint Your AR-15 Rifle?
- How Do You Zero An AR-15 at 25 Yards?
- How Do You Properly Disassemble an AR-15 Rifle?
- How Cheap Can You Build an AR-15 Rifle?
4. Bend One Leg of the Hammer Spring
Bend one leg of the hammer springs to lighten the trigger pull. You may notice that doing so will already make a difference, so you can already stop at this step.
5. Sear Engagement Area to Polish
Sear the engagement area to polish it. We recommend that you choose to use a ceramic stone or 5000 grit sandpaper.
Keep the flat, stable point steady against the stone or sandpaper. Work the sear slowly against the platform with multiple passes, with the sear surfaces in contact the whole time. Make sure not to use hard pressure.
Do the same on the notch on the hammer as well. The hammer hook area should make a 90-degree angle. It’s better to use the ceramic stone for this step as the edge of the stone already gives you the right contact surface.
FAQS
A light AR 15 trigger will positively improve shot accuracy and will contribute to smoother target shooting and training. The improved AR 15 trigger will feel and perform as a better quality trigger.
We actually do not recommend the use of the Dremel tool on your standard AR 15 trigger, as it might remove too much matter from your AR trigger. Guns are case hardened, meaning the inner part is soft. Replace with a ceramic stone instead.
Learning How to Lighten an AR-15 Trigger Pull
According to the New York Times, AR-15 style rifles are the most famous and well-loved rifles. [1] These mil-spec rifles are the default long guns of military and law enforcement, but many civilians use them for competitive shooting, hunting, and even self-defense.
They have gained so much traction that some refer to them as “America’s Rifle” (although, in actuality, AR means ArmaLite Rifle).
Trigger jobs are expensive, and we know the feel of standard single-stage triggers right out of the box can be improved to a lighter trigger pull.
Messing with your gun can be potentially dangerous, though, and can decrease trigger quality, function, and reliability — you can end up with a sensitive, unsafe weapon. If you don’t think you’re equipped with the necessary type of skills to handle the job yourself, seek an expert gunsmith instead.
References:
- https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/america-s-rifle-why-so-many-people-love-ar-15-n831171
