This is Going Ballistic!
Welcome to the We Like Shooting show, Episode 150 – tonight we’ll talk about CRKT Knives, Lionheart LH9NC, Tactical Pens, Century Arms, All the gun news, rubber dummies and more!
Click here for the full show notes!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
There are many TOA type organizations around the country. Most states offer them, for example, the MTOA that we covered last year with SDI and the largest the NTOA, which represents officers across the country.
Most of these events are rather small offering a smattering of booths that highlight police specific products and some training courses. What many do not know is tucked in among the flat lands of rabid Buckeyes fans is the better-kept secret of the training industry.
The OTOA Conference hosted almost 1000 officers over a one week period at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky Ohio earlier this month. Having attended it, I see why this conference is grown year over year.
Any good conference is packed with workshops that attendees do their best to avoid. Hell, I have spoken at several conferences and still not seen the inside of the rooms that I didn’t make a speech in. Mostly because industry specific education is falling on ears of people who too often either know it all already or who think they do. This was not the case in Sandusky. The Monday conferences were packed full of people and rightfully so.
In-depth information was provided by multiple branches of laws enforcement ranging from Dallas PD, who shared information on the Dallas PD station attack, FBI agents discussing hostage rescue, Coverage of the Aurora Theatre shooting and more followed by a great meal and fellowship. That was only on the first day.
The real meat and potatoes started on day 2 with breakout sessions on specific topics from medical training that included a free tourniquet thanks to Nationwide Insurance, administrative, dispatch, CQB, legal action and even estate planning for those who put their lives on the line. In all, there were over 42 tracks of instruction available for attendees.
The vendor show on Tuesday showcased some of the best companies in the industry supporting local law enforcement. Over 200 vendors gathered to give one on one interaction with the guys who use their products. Unlike many industry events, the booths were not packed with sales reps and marketing people. Many on hand were product development people, engineers, trainers and CEO’s who worked with officers to discuss actual use, not fancy gimmicks.
GeiselleThe following three days involved mainly off-site live fire and range based training with some of the best instructors in the country. Attendees could pick 1 class a day with their included registration fee. When looking at the typical cost of a John Chapman, Will Petty or other training from the likes of LMS, 88 Tactical, Cleer Medical and more the cost of admission was half the typical cost of admission.
To give you an idea of the knowledge available check out this incomplete list of classes.
88 Tactical was at the forefront of this event fielding instructors in just about every possible niche of the law enforcement tactics cadre. It was an honor and pleasure to spend one on one time with the likes of William Petty, Matt Jaques, Trevor Thrasher, Phil Chaney, Frank Sepulveda, Devin Crinklaw and Shea Degan not to mention the cast of less known names that will likely be some of the up and coming stars of the training community. The amount of knowledge consumed was only limited by one’s ability to absorb it. We will cover the grand opening of the 88 Tactical Facility on July 7th so stay tuned.
The OTOA was open to police officers even if not from Ohio, and it is the one event that I would say is a must do for those who run to gunfire instead of away from it. While the OTOA conference is not for civilians much of the training offered, can be found in courses taught by 88 Tactical, LMS, Sentinel Concepts and the Alliance PD Range, if you’re interested in learning from the best of the best.
A $250 fee gets you a very nice 5.11 sling pack, access to all that we discussed and more in the way of dinners, raffles and one on one talk with dudes who opinion actually matters. I don’t teach tactics on this blog because, frankly, I am not qualified to. Neither is 99% of Youtube and 80% of instructors. It’s nice when you’re talking in a group and see dudes who lived the life, walked the walked sharing their knowledge for the safety and protection of our police. Cause God knows not one of these instructors made enough on this event to be doing this for profit.
All photography was graciously provided by our Friend @iDaveMoore go follow him on IG.
Source Article from http://248shooter.com/index.php/otoa-88tactical/
Craig Reinolds of Swanson Media Group gives TGL his review of the Apex Tactical Glock Trigger kit
Apex Tactical Specialties have created some new and innovative products in the firearms industry. The Apex mission is to provide superior parts, exceptional performance and craftsmanship, and above all, unparalleled customer service. From my personal experience with this company, you can take this mission statement from Apex to the bank.
This focus of this review is the recently released Flat Faced Glock Trigger Set and Ultimate Safety Plunger. This kit includes high performance components designed to reduce take up, trigger pull, reset and smooth transitioning during the trigger press.
My journey with Apex has spanned the last couple of years, testing firearms and custom components. Many of my past handgun tests have included an Apex trigger as part of the custom build. Recently, I tested a Walther PPQ M2 with a model specific Apex trigger. Wow, I think it is the best handgun Walther produces. I definitely believe the addition of the Apex trigger took the performance for the review over the top. I decided to customize my personal Glock pistol and when it came to find a trigger, there was no doubt I would look to Apex for my needs. When our team at Swanson Media Group reached out to Apex a few months ago, we were delighted to discover they were working on a complete kit for the Glock platform. The version we tested was one of their pre-production model.
I wanted a handgun that could perform top in its class whether in the competition circuits, self-defense or just running and gunning on the steel. My goal was to have a pistol that helped take my handgun training the next level as well have an everyday carry pistol that was battle ready. As the saying goes, “Beware the man who only has one gun. He probably knows how to use it!” This is the gun I wanted to have with me at all times while gaining experience using it very effectively. After evaluating several possibilities, my final choice was the Glock 34 MOS. Since it was an optics ready pistol, I mounted the Vortex Venom Red Dot on the slide along with a new set of Trijicon Tritium Night Suppressor Sights.
I installed the ATS Trigger Kit. The kit included the Flat-Faced Forward Set Trigger, the Trigger Bar, the Ultimate Safety Plunger and a new Connector. Once the build was complete I Immediately went to John Phillips at Survivor Creek Tactical and had his company build an IWB Kydex custom to my carry preferences and an OWB Kydex RTI System. Now the testing and training could properly begin!
When talking about triggers, there are a few things that we look at to rate and compare them. Trigger take up, the “break point”, the reset and the pounds of pull to the break. The Glock 34 Gen 4 MOS comes with a decent trigger, trigger pull at ~2.0 kg / ~4.5 lbs. and the trigger travel at ~12.5 mm / ~0.49 in. The thing I noticed the most from the factory trigger is when you hit the trigger break. Although measuring only 4.5 LBS, when it did break, the trigger felt like pushing on a closed door and when it opened you fell through without control causing all my shots to vary in a horizontal row 2 inches left, right and on the bullseye. The break was more of a shattering then a clean break. This cancelled out anything else positive about the factory trigger just magnifying the need for a custom trigger. The Apex trigger kit is a drop-in replacement for the factory parts and maintains the factory safety features. The Apex kit is intended for use in the following Glock model pistols (including Gen 4 versions): G17, G17L, G19, G22, G23, G24, G26, G27, G31, G32, G33, G34, G35, G37, G38, and G39. The Ultimate plunger will smooth out the trigger’s take up during shooting.
After working with the factory trigger for a few days, the Apex kit felt almost indescribable. This has to be the best trigger I have ever shot. I enjoy the short take up on the trigger and the perceived wall can only be described as more like a closed unlatched door. You obviously know when you reach the break point but instead of having to pull through with specific poundage, you simply press your way through. Apex has created a trigger that enhances the technique of pressing the trigger. This is truly remarkable; you can just simply press through a predictable firing of the pistol. After a short reset you just press again with no negative reactions to the break, firing the handgun on target every time assuming you have mastered the other components to firing a pistol accurately. I am not an engineer but the combination Apex has put together with the trigger, ultimate safety plunger and connector clearly has made a winning combination for a smooth operation.
In closing I would like to Thank Apex Tactical Specialties, Inc. for the opportunity to evaluate the Glock Trigger Kit. This kit has exceeded all expectations in a custom trigger. I have been well pleased with the flawless, finely tuned performance. Excelling so well on the competition circuits and civilian sales, I have no doubts, based on my personal experience, they will continue to be a number one contender for custom and performance parts for many years to come. For more information about this trigger kit as well as other great Apex products, visit them at https://www.apextactical.com.
Overall efforts of the Iran and Iranian people in a fight against ISIS will be reinforced with a weightlifter dubbed as the Iranian Hulk. He enlisted as a volunteer soldier.
Sajad Gharibi is a 24-year-old weightlifter from Iran who weighs nearly 24 and a half stone and almost all of it is muscle. He announced on social media to his 127,000 followers he is joining Iranian forces fighting ISIS militants occupying Syria.
Despite he looks like an ordinary weightlifter, he claims that is not true because he puts much of his size down to genetics. Gharibi also revealed that he had to deny ongoing rumours about his possible role as the executioner in ISIS ranks, because there was some information about possibility that he is The Bulldozer, notorious ISIS executioner, according to 9 News.
His personal life is a secret, while ending the terrorists’ regime in war-torn Syria is close to his heart, according to his own words. The Iranian Hulk with a fierce expression has a cult following on Instagram where he posts about what he does best – weightlifting.
Sajad Gharibi, 24, dubbed as Iranian Hulk
But he doesn’t do the same things as the most weightlifter and workout obsessives do. His profile doesn’t feature the type of food and workout posts, instead, it displays an array of gobsmacking topless photos of himself and unpretentious pictures of him going about his day to day life.
His huge frame and bulging muscles have earned him the name of Hulk or Hercules. He can lift more than 180kg, which is more than he weighs, and competes in the powerlifting category of competitions. He has also participated in bodybuilding competitions representing his country.
Since getting gaining a following on his social media accounts, the Persian Hercules has quickly become an internet sensation as netizens express their amazement at his impressive build. He writes in Persian but uses English hashtags such as #strongman #strongbody #big #muscles and #powerful.
I personally doesn’t agree that he can become a useful soldier but everyone deserves a shot.
Source Article from http://www.special-ops.org/18095/iranian-hulk-joining-fight-against-isis-in-syria.html
Our guest tonight is Skinny Medic from Medical Gear Outfitters!
We Like Shooting is a hilarious panel discussion about safety, guns, gear and gadgets and the issues that affect responsible shooters everywhere.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Like choosing a tool for a specific job, you must choose a knife designed for the job at hand. To often we try to pick a knife with a multitude of features verses a knife that can get the job done easily and quickly. This is where choosing the correct type of knife for the job and selecting the right manufacture come into play. For today’s review, we are looking at my EDC Blade, The Green Chopper from Athena Knife Company.
Josh Curry founder of The Athena Knife Company has a love for creating works of art out of steel and the end results are some very unique custom knives. Mr. Curry pours his blood, sweat and tears into each knife he works on. If the knife does not meet his high standards, the process starts all over.
Trampas Swanson and I met Josh at Survival Creek Tactical while we were getting some kydex sheathes and holsters designed. I mentioned I wish someone would make a rugged bush craft knife, but in an EDC style. A bushcraft knife that was a little smaller than your standard 9 to 10 inch versions. That took us down the road of creating The Green Chopper.
The Green Chopper has an overall length of 7 7/8”, the blade is 3.75” and the spine is 3/16” thick. The grind appears to be a modified scandi and came to me sharp enough to shave with if that’s the kind of thing you do, I am bearded, real men don’t shave. The micarta scales are an OD green and have a rustic pattern cut in them. The knife is a full tang 1080 steel design. The blade has a ferric chloride finish which gives it a look of elephant skin. The handle has a hole for a lanyard, which on this knife due to its length gives you a little more grip when chopping. I have to say this knife turns heads, the style has fit my lifestyle well, rough, rugged non-flashy.
This knife was designed to be a in the style of a bushcraft knife, but something I could EDC daily. I tested it and was pleased with the performance. I take a knife to do what I need a knife to do. If I find myself in the wilderness surviving and only had one tool it would be a large knife. When I go to the wilderness I take several tools to use the appropriate tool for the job at hand. In this case this knife has been perfect. I love the size combined with the kydex Dangler sheath that Survivor Creek custom made.
When getting in and out of the kayak or the truck I never once was stabbed in the ribs by the handle. I have been able to easily draw the knife no matter the predicament I may have found myself in. When wearing the knife and this sheath combination they both compliment each other and give a professional look while not appearing to be a Rambo walking into town.
The overall performance of the knife has been exceptional so far. The thickness of the blade has given it enough weight to do the small chopping tasks and being made from 3/16, it splits wood well. I normally use an axe for processing firewood but had to try with this blade because of its design.
I was able to make stakes and do other bushcraft task like feather sticks as well. The steel retained the blade sharpness well and was easy to hone back after each task. The spine scraped well and worked good on the ferrocerium rod.
The grip felt like it was made to fit my hand. Overall this blade is a wonderful creation from Athena Knife Co. I feel Mr. Curry did a great job building a one of a kind custom knife I can be proud to carry.
Not only does it look good, but it works just as well. Check out more of his work on Facebook and find out how to get your own one of a kind custom knife from Athena Knife Co.
Every time a criminal breaks the existing laws the public and more so the politicians look for a way to prevent further tragedy. The recent events in Dallas that resulted in the death of 5 officers and even more left wounded showed the country exactly how much damage might be done by a single person who is willing to break the law and perform a violent attack while willing to die.
Accounts of how many gunmen, what gun was used, possible IED’s and additional equipment utilized by the assailant have been misreported, vilified without data, exaggerated and plain wrong in report after report. What should be credible news agencies have preferred to be first instead of right when it comes to reporting.
Initial reports surfaced of a network of shooters that included snipers. An innocent, open carry activist was broadcast as a potential suspect after he had already turned in his gun. Politicians were quick to vilify the deadly mass murder machine that we call the AR-15 without any indication that it was used. Pro-gun pages have been quick to spread the word that a WW2 era SKS was the rifle, in an effort to blow holes in the assault rifle argument. They look to be both wrong. Just because the news favors your cause does not mean it’s right.
With leaked images of the dead suspect after a bomb removal robot was used to deliver a bomb, it looks as if the gun used was an AK-74 Izhmash-Saiga. Either way, you can count on whatever was used to be at the center of a new gun debate.
The behind the scenes political and journalistic volley of this event, however, is that the shooter may have worn a bullet proof vest. Searches of the assailant’s home indicated that he had additional rifles, bomb-making materials and body armor. The type of body armor has not been made clear yet. Rest assured that body armor is likely to become a hot topic again in the coming weeks and months. Without it even being used in high profile crimes the House has looked at banning ownership of body armor or bullet proof vests in the past and may do so again now that they have a touchstone to use as an example.
Along with the typical homemade terrorist type items of guns, bombs, armor and such was a unique item. A journal, not of how Johnson was bullied his whole life or the mad ravings of an angry person living on the fringe of society. Instead, Micah Xavier Johnson had a detailed personal journal of combat tactics.
From the very first video released that showed Johnson gunning down an officer (Some believe it was Michigan native Michael Krol), it was cleer and obvious this murderer was trained and trained well. Use of cover, slicing the pie, advancing under ballistic cover and shooting on the move were all executed in an efficient and calm manner. It will not be a shock to me if we find that since his military career Johnson engaged in additional training to achieve his goal.
This raises the question of if guns are bad, ammo is bad, bombs are bad and are targets of restrictions and legislation what does that mean for training? Are we looking at this being the use case that politicians latch on to in an effort to limit civilian access to advanced training with handguns and long guns? Will we start to see classes by top notch trainers restricted to LEO and Mill only in an effort to safeguard our first responders? The logical person in me thinks it can’t be possible, the realist in me has seen inanimate object vilified too many times to think it’s not possible.
Without sounding like I’m writing for the Blaze, I will share what I think. 2nd amendment rights will be back on the table in renewed force. Law enforcement who previously supported citizens 2nd amendment rights will now be more on the fence about citizen rights vs. thier personal safety. Body Armor that is not expressly protected by the 2nd amendment will be a new source of legislation that allows lawmakers to look like they are doing something about a violent enemy they can’t protect us from. Training will become another new hot button and source of possible legislation in an effort to curtail further 2nd amendment rights not explicitly spelled out.
By now if you’re reading this blog you likely own a handgun and rifle. I’m not a speculation buyer. I have all the guns I will ever need and more so. While there are plenty more, I would like to own there are no more I need to own and reluctantly as you may be to admit this your probably in the same boat. Instead of focusing on adding one more AR, handgun, hunting or another gun to your cabinet concentrate on rounding out your protection equipment. Buy ammo, armor and training in bulk now, before additional registartion, legislation and complications occur.
If your counting on Body Armor as something you need that you will actually wear for any period we encourage you to look at AT Armor. It is the best armor for weight and protection vs. price on the market. If you are buying armor on a tighter budget or have no plan for continued use look at Ar500 armor for the most affordable solution on the market.
Get trained. The enemy is, be it lone gunman with military experience like seen in Dallas or militarized religious fanatics like found in Orlando are becoming better and better trained. Too many cowboys are watching John Wick movies and thinking they can hondo roll into a crowd and drop 20 assailants like the dudes in Boondock Saints. In the words of Steve Fisher “FACT, your living in a dream world”. The best way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. We have heard that over and over, most if not all of us believe that or we would not carry. However, a piece of paper that says Licensed to Carry doesn’t mean SHIT if you’re not training. I like to say the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a better trained good guy with a gun. Be that better-trained guy. Sell a gun, pick up a second shift, sell some pmags, give handjobs under a bridge if you have to, but find the money to train at least 2 or more times a year with a suitably qualified instructor that keeps up on evolving tactics. In Michigan, I can recommend Sentinel Concepts, Ann Arbor Arms, 88 Tactical and MDFI. If your not at the skill level to take, their courses look at Dayton CCW, Weyer Tactical, DMI Performance or Southwick’s for those on the west side of the state.
Whatever you do, or buy at least take some time to consider your existing training, tools, and geography to determine how you and your family will handle a violent attack in public or at home. It is each of our responsibility to safeguard our loved ones and ourselves. Take some time to think about that when you enter the store, drive down the road or lay down to sleep for the night. God bless you all, and may your vigilance and preparation keep you all safe.
Source Article from http://248shooter.com/index.php/the-new-boogie-man/
The Essential Wallet is an extension of our Magpul DAKA collection. Made to hold only the cards that are essential to your daily life in one convenient place, eliminating the bulk and clutter of unnecessary cards. This makes finding what you need simple and hassle free.
What do you really need to carry with you in your wallet? We believe that it is Three ID/Access cards, Three Credit Cards and Three Bills.
The single pocket logo side is used to hold up to four ID/access cards and the dual pocket in the back is used to hold up to three credit cards in the top pocket and up to four emergency bills folded in the lower pocket.
The Magpul DAKA Essential Wallet. We build the toughest, thinnest wallets in the world, because you’re probably carrying too much stuff anyway.
Made in the U.S.A.
FEATURES
· Made of reinforced polymer fabric with anti-slip texture
· Permanent, RF welded seams
· Wallet is 4.13” x 2.75” and just 3mm thin
· Holds 3–7 standard Credit/ID/Access cards comfortably
· Slim profile reduces printing in pocket
· Suitable for EDC (everyday carry) and travel
· Rounded corners ease pocket entry and exit
· Extremely durable
· Chemical resistant
· Non-hygroscopic
The Magpul DAKA Micro Wallet is the lightest and thinnest in the Magpul DAKA Wallet collection.
We built the toughest, thinnest wallets in the world, because you’re probably carrying too much stuff.
Made in the U.S.A.
FEATURES
The Magpul DAKA Luggage Tag, an extension of our Magpul DAKA collection. Made from the same reinforced polymer fabric as our popular DAKA pouches.
FEATURES
You got that brand new gun, and you just started shooting 3 gun, or you plan to fly with a weapon. Now What? You can buy a cookie cutter pick and pluck foam kit to fit your gear, drop some mega cash on a custom solution or you can choose a semi-custom case that fits your needs and your budget.
Having struggled with soft pick and pluck foam, I will never go that route again. While I love my custom case, it’s not something that is affordable for many people. Semi-custom isn’t only affordable it offers an impressive set of advantages we will explore in this article.
Semi-custom cases are designed with a particular model gun like an Ar-15 or SIG MPX. From there they offer modular foam components that can be removed or added to accommodate different grip patterns, optics or stock lengths.
Each kit from Peak Case Company is thoughtfully developed to accommodate the most common accessories based on the targeted use. Options include the range handgun kit on rollers that modularly stacks, to the 3 gun 2 tier case. Each case offers many additional storage spaces for ammo, ear pro, eye pro, reusable desiccant and more.
Semi-custom Handgun cases, for example, will fit a broad range of gun options that fit tight enough to keep your guns safe but with wide enough tolerances it can be model agnostic.
Price is a huge part of the why many people opt for semi-custom vs. fully custom. Top of the line options for multi-tiered 3 gun cases that fit an AR, Shotgun, 2 pistols and tons of accessories cost only $325 for the complete case and foam. Handgun options start much lower at only $89.
There is a bigger reason for me personally than price; it’s modular. With the reviews we do here, we often get guns on T&E that have to ship back. This means many of the weapons I travel with or have around are not permanent, and it’s not feasible to get custom cases for each.
Even on the guns I do own, we are constantly changing optics, lights and other gear based on new TTP’s, or reviews. Having the ability to move items around in the case yet still secure is vital. Based on the hard use and flights that my guns have to endure on a regular basis these cases need to be tough. Peak case meets and exceeds these requirements.
We reached out to Peak Case after seeing positive feedback on their cases when I needed a handgun box for multiple guns and range kit that was in a hard case for inclement weather. The service was fast; the price was great, and the product was above what I expected.
If you decide to go for a custom case Peak Case Company also does those and is able to work of pictures and your measurements so you don’t need to be near the shop.
The case we have been using is a Rigid Tool box kit with a 2 handgun semi-custom foam insert. The top layer holds desiccant, 2 pistol mags, 2 guns with a pass through, The lower layer fits three 50 round boxes of ammo up to .45 caliber with a larger cutout for eye pro or other misc items (we filled it with more ammo) and a spot for ear pro.
This case will stack on other Rigid Pro boxes such as their rolling range case if you want to bring more items to a match. The metal latch that is lockable, is a nice upgrade from many all resin cases. Like its more expensive competition it seals water tight and has a pressure relief valve.
The orange colored foam to match the Rigid Pro color scheme is bright and thick. It did not tear or rip like some of the cheaper foam on the market and is a tool quality material made for hard use. Being that Sentienl Concepts class almost always have some amount of rain I was really impressed to see how well the desiccant worked to keep my case from getting moist even after loading it with a wet gun.
This case receives our best in value award!
Tom, the owner of Peak Case, offered to do a giveaway for our readers. So not only can you buy direct from Peak Case via their website or ebay but you can enter to win a case of your choice up to $350. Via GAT Daily.
Be sure to visit them directly via their website, or give Tom a call to discuss your needs direct with the man himself.
Source Article from http://248shooter.com/index.php/peak-case-semi-custom-cases/
Welcome to the We Like Shooting show, Episode 153 – tonight we’ll talk about Magpul stocks, Zigana, JP, Hybrid Defensive Strategies and more!
Our Guest is Stephen Stamboulieh from SDS Law
The machine gun lawyer. Involved with NJ carry case, NICS appeal cases (filed one last night); 5th Circuit says no machineguns; 3rd Circuit says no machineguns
You can find more about Stephen Stamboulieh here
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
AR sales are still very strong, but there’s a lot of money to be made in upgrading the rifles that have already been sold. The best and easiest upgrade in my mind that any retail shop can do is to install a new trigger, which comes with a huge number of options and choices for the customer. Indeed, new trigger groups have been custom designed for tactical users, long-range shooters as well as competition shooters. And each has something unique to offer, and an upgraded trigger is an improvement that customers can see and feel immediately.
The AR-style rifle was designed with a single-stage trigger, and the vast majority of both commercial and Mil-Spec ARs will come standard this way. Mil-Spec triggers can have a pull weight that varies from 5½ to 8½ pounds. Typically, too many Mil-Spec triggers also have a gritty feel that makes it hard to tell when the trigger will break. A mediocre trigger can lead to poor trigger mechanics, bad habits and missed shots. People who have used only Mil-Spec triggers don’t know what they’re missing so to really make the sale you have to let people try what a custom trigger feels like.
Retailers should also be wary of, or perhaps grateful for, the home gunsmith. Yes, it is possible to improve the Mil-Spec AR trigger by smoothing the contact surfaces, but it is not a good idea. Standard AR triggers have a surface hardening treatment and unless someone is a very knowledgeable gunsmith with the right tools, there is a real risk of removing this hardening and significantly shortening the life of the trigger.
The best option is to replace the entire trigger with a quality after-market single- or two-stage trigger group.
Single-Stage vs. Two-Stage Triggers
In a standard two-stage trigger, which was common in U.S. military rifles before the M-16, the shooter will first encounter take-up, which is the distance the trigger travels with very light pressure before it starts to engage the sear and more pressure is needed. At this point the trigger is under only light spring pressure. When there is no spring pressure at all it is referred to as slack.
Creep or travel is the distance the trigger moves under tension after the take-up or slack is gone and before the trigger breaks and the gun fires. You don’t want too much creep but none is unsafe. You also don’t want any stacking, which is when the trigger weight increases during travel. After the gun fires you may experience overtravel, which is the distance that the trigger continues to move back after the gun fires. This can cause the shooter to overcompensate for the trigger squeeze and pull the gun off target.
On a single-stage trigger, there is no take-up or slack and the trigger is engaging the sear as soon as the trigger squeeze starts. A bad AR trigger with lots of creep can make a single-stage trigger feel almost like a two-stage trigger. Also, neither single-stage nor two-stage trigger systems effect the actual weight of the trigger or how much pressure is required on the trigger to fire the gun, but it can affect the perceived weight. The more pressure is required, the heavier the trigger, the harder it can become to shoot accurately, but too light a trigger can be unsafe particularly in high-stress tactical situations.
Many competitive shooters, especially those who got used to older model military rifles, will prefer a two-stage trigger because it allows the shooter to prep the trigger like on a Glock, for example. But since too much take-up can be a distraction, other shooters prefer single-stage triggers, which is the way the AR was originally designed to function. Regardless, all triggers should break clean or with no stacking or overtravel and it should feel smooth and even, not gritty.
Tactical Retailer spoke with David Clark of Trident Trigger, a manufacturer of AR trigger groups, about the elements of a quality trigger:
“First you want to minimize all creep, the distance you have to pull to have the trigger break. You want a trigger break that feels clean and crisp with no grit,” he said. “Some manufacturers will use lighter springs and hammers to reduce pull weight, however this also produces lighter firing pin strikes on the primer which can affect reliability especially in .308 and 7.62×39-chambered rifles or when using harder military primers in 5.56. Competition and 3-gun shooters value a distinct tactile and audible reset.
“I do want to mention that some of the large retailers we have been supplying to recently have mentioned that the matter of reliability is becoming a factor in trigger sales. A purchasing agent told me that of the triggers they carry, several are known for light primer strikes and on a few they cannot get through a 30-round magazine without light primer strikes. I mention this because reliability might be a weighted concern just as valid as pull weight.”
Drop-In vs. Standard-Trigger Groups
Replacement trigger kits are available in two basic varieties and manufacturers tend to only make one or the other. In the standard trigger kit, the springs, trigger, hammer and disconnector are all separate (just like on a Mil-Spec rifle). These have to be assembled and installed which is a fairly easy process. “Drop-in” trigger groups come entirely self-contained inside a casing and all the trigger parts are pre-assembled. For these all you have to do is remove the trigger and hammer pins, remove the old trigger parts, drop in the casing and replace the pins.
Some people prefer the drop-in trigger because they are marginally easier to install, but some prefer the standard trigger kits because they think the drop-in triggers are harder to clean or maintain. And it is true you have to replace the entire drop-in trigger if one part breaks and that they are harder to keep clean.
Also, anyone who owns a Colt AR should be aware of what size hammer and trigger pins are used. Colt ARs were made for a time to be non-Mil-Spec so upper and lower receivers as well and new trigger parts will not fit without the proper-sized pins. Many trigger-group manufacturers will offer both versions.
The installation procedure for all the triggers listed is fairly similar and each includes instructions with several manufacturers featuring online videos as well. All that is needed is a set of hammer and punch.
Start by ensuring that the rifle is unloaded then separate the upper and lower receivers, set the safety selector to the fire position and squeeze the trigger riding the hammer forward. Do not let the hammer slam against the rear of the magazine well.
It is not necessary to remove the safety selector to remove the trigger parts, but it does help and some manufacturers require that the safety selector be removed in order to install their trigger systems.
To remove the safety selector, first remove the pistol grip carefully to not lose the safety detent, which may come out, and the detent spring, which will definitely come out. Using a punch and hammer, drive out the trigger and hammer pins and remove while holding them from the top because they are under spring tension.
Next, install the trigger and the trigger pin — some kits use the old pins and some include replacement pins. Install the hammer and hammer pins and reinstall the safety selector, detent and detent spring and pistol grip. While most kits ask the installer to remove the pistol grip and safety selector it is thankfully not necessary on the vast majority of drop-in trigger systems, which vastly speeds up the installation to 5 minutes or less.
Trigger Pull Weights
Trigger kits from different manufacturers are available with different or occasionally adjustable pull weights as well as differently shaped triggers. According to Clark, selecting between a straight or more traditionally curved trigger is a matter of personal preference.
“We find that the newer military shooters prefer the flat, but most seem to like the the feel of the other,” he said. “We sell 4:1 curved over flat. Curved triggers are easier for the finger to index to the same spot and ergonomically correct for the finger pad. The flat triggers look cooler to many people but they tend to have a lower pull weight at the bottom than at the middle since it is a lever.”
While all after-market trigger kits should exhibit excellent dynamics and feel, they are nonetheless available in a variety of weights. Tactical users, especially any law enforcement customers who face significant scrutiny, are better served with a heavier trigger.
A heavier trigger is also better suited for gloved use where there is less tactile sensation. In this category 4½- to 6½-pound triggers seem to be appropriate, with the lower weight being the most popular. Those users who are more heavily focused on making precision or longer-range shots are going to prefer lighter triggers and even two-stage triggers.
We again asked Clark how his sales stack up and what customers seem to prefer.
“Our sales are pretty evenly divided between 3- and 4-pound trigger kits,” he said. “A good rule of thumb of advising customers is to ask how they are running their rifle. If you run iron sights, go with the 4-pound trigger; if you run a scope, go with the 3-pound trigger. This seems to work well for most people.”
A great way to close a sale on an upgraded trigger is to allow customers to try a standard trigger next to one of the custom after-market trigger groups. This can be done by having an upgraded trigger installed on a display rifle or with a trigger housing unit that allows the customer to pull the trigger and see the internal mechanics at the same time.
Many manufacturers can provide this to retailers, but only one come standard this way. The new Ruger Elite 452 AR-Trigger comes packaged in its own polymer AR housing complete with ergonomic pistol grip, thumb safety and triggerguard. The customer here gets the added benefit of all the extras Ruger offers and can get a real feel for the trigger.
There are a lot of accessories that customers buy because they look cool. In the case of an after-market trigger, your customers will feel cool and shoot better, which encourages people to shoot more often and even helps drive ammunition sales.
If you combine your sales with any sort of training you can also use target diagnostics to recommend an improved and lighter trigger to help customers improve the groups sizes.
Over the years we have tested a lot of AR rifles from a dozen manufacturers and almost every single one benefited substantially from a new trigger group. This not only made shooting more enjoyable but also produced a significant improvement in group sizes. Your customers will be thanking you for this one.
Source: http://www.shootingsportsretailer.com/2016/07/20/understanding-ar-trigger/
