AR Trigger Install: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re a firearm owner who is looking to get more shots off at a rapid pace, then you’ve likely heard of AR triggers. An AR (or ArmaLite) trigger makes it easier for a firearm owner to shoot multiple shots in rapid succession, which is an appealing aspect to many. But, how do you add this technology to your existing firearm?
In order to provide your weapon with an AR trigger, you’ll need to successfully be able to perform an AR trigger install. It’s a meticulous process, but if you follow this step-by-step guide, you’ll upgrade your weapon in no time.
What You’ll Need
Your firearm is a hefty investment — especially if you add an AR trigger group to it. Because of this, you’ll want to be sure that you are working with high quality tools when performing an AR trigger install. In a task like this, the quality and ease of your work are directly impacted by the tools that you’ll be using, so we recommend that you ensure you’re working with high quality tools in order to get high quality results.
Tools
Before you successfully complete an AR trigger install, you’ll want to make sure you have the following tools:
- Lower Receiver Vise Block
- Bench Vise
- ⅛” Punch and/or #4 Roll Pin Punch (Two punches required)
- Nylon/Brass Hammer
Components
Once you have the tools ready for your installation, you just need to gather all of the necessary components of the new trigger. These components include:
- Hammer
- Disconnector
- Trigger
- Hammer spring
- Disconnector spring
- Trigger spring
- KNS Non-Rotational Pin Set (not mandatory, but encouraged)
Installation Instructions
When installing your new trigger, it’s important to remember the importance of safety. Obviously, you should be practicing safe habits whenever you’re around a firearm, but it’s especially important when you’re in a situation that involves heavy usage and manipulation of the trigger.
Once you’re in a safe, well-lit environment, you can begin.
Step #1: Empty the Firearm (Completely)
First and foremost, you’ll need to make sure that the chamber of your firearm is empty. Completely empty the chamber, remove any magazine from the gun, and safely dry fire it a few times just to make sure that there are no bullets remaining. This is the most important step in the entire process.
Step #2: Push Out the Rear Take Down Pin
Once you’re certain the gun is empty, push out the rear take-down pin and the front pivot pin.
Step #3: Remove the Upper
After that, remove the upper off of the lower.
Step #4: Push Out Trigger Pins
Use your ⅛” punch to push out the two trigger pins that hold the trigger assembly together. Set them aside, because you will soon be reusing them.
Step #5: Remove All Old Trigger Parts
Carefully remove all of the old trigger parts. You’ll want this part of the gun to be clean of any debris or any miscellaneous parts.
Step #6: Remove Grip
Remove the screw from the inside of the grip. Carefully remove the grip and be sure not to lose the spring and plunger pin that is held in by the grip in the process.
Step #7: Remove Safety
Remove the safety mechanism from the firearm.
Step #8: Place AR Trigger in Lower
Place your AR trigger in Lower and reuse any trigger pins — make sure they are centered!
Step #9: Reinstall Safety
Reinstall the safety back into the weapon.
Step #10: Tighten the Screws
Using your Allen wrench, tighten the two 8/32 screws located to the left and right of the hammer in the trigger housing.
Step #11: Install New Screws
Using the provided 8/32 x ⅛” screws, install them in the same location as the first 8/32 screws. These are considered locking screws and they will all work to prevent your pins from walking out.
Step #12: Reinstall Pieces
Reinstall the spring, plunger pin, grip and screw.
Step #13: Test the Hammer
Place your thumb in front of the hammer. Cock the hammer and test the safety function. It’s important that you are thorough with this.
Step #14: Reinstall the Upper
Once you’re certain the safety works, reinstall the upper.
Are You Shooting Your AR Suppressed?
Now that your AR trigger is properly installed, you can start looking at other ways to enhance your gun and heighten your shooting experience. One of the ways you can do this is by adding a suppressor from Silencer Central. Our selection of silencers will help you get a quiet and accurate shot that is sure to help you out in the field. [Learn more about how a suppressor can help you out.
Shop Suppressors