This AR-15 Trigger Comparison for 2012 is compliments of saki302 (Dave) at www.Calguns.net. Thanks for the great review, Dave! A link to the discussion of this review can be found here: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=656033

Here’s my big trigger comparison for 2012. I tested what I had access to- I just shipped off an RRA NM unit for a friend, should have tested it first, oh well.. next time.
Anyhow, here’s the results: All pulls taken from lower 40% of trigger (just below center, where you would normally pull it) using a digital trigger pull gauge. All measurements of travel taken at the tip of the trigger using a milimeter ruler.

Geissele Super Dynamic 3-Gun
Single Stage
Unmodified
Fairly easy to install
Measured pull weight 2lbs 10oz
Trigger reset 2.5mm
Trigger release from full forward position 3mm
Slight over-travel after release

Wilson Combat TTU 3-Gun trigger
Single Stage
Unmodified
Brainless pure drop-in installation (pre-assembled block)
Measured pull weight 2lbs 15oz
Trigger reset 2mm
Trigger release from full forward position 2mm
Almost no over-travel- trigger resets at full forward position. VERY fast

Jard Adjustable trigger (2lb)
Single Stage
Unmodified
Takes more work to install and tune. Tapping through grip screw hole req’d.
Measured pull weight 2lbs 10oz
Trigger reset 1.5mm
Trigger release from full forward position 1.5mm
Slight over-travel- tuned a bit more aggressive than manual spec. VERY fast

Armalite 2-stage National Match (older style)
Two Stage
Friction surfaces polished
Takes some work to tune. stoning to time release/over-travel (by instructions).
Measured pull weight 2lbs 13oz
Trigger reset 1.5mm
Take-up 3mm, 2nd stage release 1mm
Almost no over-travel- trigger does exhibit a little ‘slap’ on cocking (similar to a MAC or AK trigger). Noticeable on bolt manipulation, not so much in actual use.

Geissele SSA HK416 version (extra hammer mass and height)
Two Stage (corrected a typo)
Unmodified
Fairly easy to install
Measured pull weight 3lbs 10.4oz (Take up: 3lbs)
Trigger reset 3mm
Take-up 2.5mm, 2nd stage release 1.5mm

Timney Single Stage 3lb Trigger
Single Stage
Unmodified
Very easy to install (drop-in, but you must remove the safety lever)
Measured pull weight 3lbs 10oz
Trigger reset 2mm
Trigger release from full forward position 1.5mm
Slight over-travel after release

LWRC Enhanced Trigger (Mil Spec)
Single Stage
Unmodified
easy to install
Measured pull weight 7lbs 10oz
Trigger reset 2.5mm
Trigger release from full forward position 3mm
Noticeable over-travel after release
This is like any other military trigger, but it is glass smooth

SR Gold Trigger (AR Gold for .308/AR-10)
Two Stage
Fitted/Tuned
Required tuning to work (I have read the AR15 version usually drops in)
Measured pull weight 2.0 lbs (10oz 1st stage)
Trigger reset 0.5mm
Trigger release: 2mm take up, .5mm 2nd stage release
ZERO over-travel after release (had to file the trigger tang until it would fire- from the factory it would not drop hammer))
The closest thing I can compare this to is a fine bolt action rifle trigger, but with a light first stage take up, like a 1911 trigger.
It was a bit of a ***** to fit to my Armalite AR10. The trigger tang could not travel far enough up to release the hammer, so I had to slowly file it until it would reliably drop the hammer. But- doing this slowly and carefully resulted in a trigger with ZERO over-travel. It really feels impressive. Reset is the shortest of ANY trigger tested.
IMO this is better suited to a match type rifle, but will work fine in any other application if you increase the pull weight and sear travel a bit. The TTU 3G/ SD3G are easier to fire rapidly IMO because the reset is very pronounced. The Gold trigger has a smooth and light reset.
I tuned it to a 2lb pull with just enough sear engagement it doesn’t slip off. The backup ‘safety sear’ catch is a nice touch- you can set it as light as you like without worrying about it accidentally firing.

I had two problems with the SR Gold and returned it-

1. the trigger tended to drop the hammer before the next shot unless I set it at a heavier (grittier) pull with more sear engagement. This happened maybe once every mag- the redundant sear is great unless you’re holding the trigger back, then it does squat. I suspect the disconnector was dropping the hammer, or the vibration of firing was causing a premature trigger pull somehow (but the former is more likely).

2. The trigger had some side-side flop I did not like. I could live with this if not for point 1.

On a lesser recoiling .223 platform, it may work just fine- but on my .308, it got returned. It’s a bummer, when set up just right, it mimics my Remington 700 trigger.

Of all these, my current favorite is the Wilson TTU 3G. It is crisp, quick, and a close approximation of a tuned 1911 trigger. The old Armalite NM trigger also lends itself well to target rifles (and is cheap). The Jard works well, though it took the most work to install and tune. Be sure to use plenty of loc-tite on the adjustment screws. This one has held adjustment for several years and about 500-600+ rounds.

– Dave