At a Glance: Best AR-10 Trigger
- OUR TOP PICK: Triggertech AR .308 Diamond Triggers
- Timney Triggers AR-10 Competition Trigger
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: CMC Triggers AR-15/AR-10 Single State Drop-In Competition Trigger
Comparison of The Best AR 10 Triggers
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick
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Triggertech AR .308 Diamond Triggers |
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View Latest Price |
Our Top Pick
|
Timney Triggers AR-10 Competition Trigger |
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View Latest Price |
Our Top Pick
|
CMC Triggers AR-15/AR-10 Single State Drop-In Competition Trigger |
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View Latest Price |
A great AR-10 trigger is an important thing to consider when looking for upgrades for your gun. Here is a review of the best AR-10 triggers in 2021.
I am sure you’ve put all kinds of time and money into your AR-10 but if you haven’t thought about what kind of trigger is best for it, you’re missing out big time. Finding the best AR-10 trigger is a game-changer that you’ll notice immediately once you take it back down to the range for target practice.
A Guide to the Best AR-10 Triggers on the Market Today
Below, we’re going to go through some of the best AR-10 triggers out there today so you don’t have to worry about sifting through all the crazy options available and spending way too much on a subpar trigger. All of these 8 triggers are absolutely high quality and all have their own sets of pros and cons that we’ll go over for each review.
Triggertech AR .308 Diamond Triggers
Moving right along to the TriggerTech AR .308 Diamond Triggers, these babies are made for competitive shooting and offer pinpoint accuracy that is always dependable. Its standout featuring is its “Frictionless Release Technology” that gives you a truly zero-creep break.
Among the best AR 10 drop in triggers on this list, it uses a two-stage action that is made to seem like a 1911 trigger. This trigger has incredibly short overtravel, one of the smallest tactical resets you’ll find on the market, and is usable even in the most harsh environments.
Its pull weight is easily adjustable in two ounce increments using a set screw while the trigger is already installed. With the whole zero creep thing, many people who use this trigger will say its pull weight actually feels half a pound lighter than a trigger that is friction based.
Of course, if you decide to change its pull weight, it will not affect the hammer force to give you dependable, accurate shots at all its available weights. Its is made with hardened 440C steel that will make it durable and last a long time even if it goes through some tough conditions.
With these special features and good-looking design, this trigger is certainly a contender for the best AR-10 trigger on this list. However, you will pay for what you get and it may be out of the price range for more budget shoppers.
Pros
- Zero creep
- Adjustable pull weight
- Very short overtravel
- Durable and long lasting
- Can choose between a flat or curved trigger
- Aesthetically very nice
Cons
- Installation can be difficult
Timney Triggers AR-10 Competition Trigger
This one is among the best AR-10 drop in triggers that will completely change the way you look at AR-10 triggers. The pull weight for this trigger is set at 4 pounds and can’t be adjusted but it can also be easily installed in just a couple of minutes without any difficult fittings or gunsmithing.
This trigger completely gets rid of walkout and pin rotation by making use of your AR-10’s original trigger and hammer pins. Its trigger shoe design is solid and made for shooting competitions that will allow you to pull the gun’s trigger straight back without messing up your alignment whatsoever.
Its housing is made from high-quality, lightweight, and durable 6061 T6 alloy. Its hammer is made from S7 tool steel with nickel coating that will give you a beautifully smooth single-stage pull. The material used makes this trigger worth the buy all in itself, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another one like this for a reasonable price.
Timney Triggers has been around since 1946 and is a well known brand that makes all kinds of quality products. Every one of their triggers are tested individually and perfected in the action it was made to do before they put it on the shelves. This competition trigger is no different and has made a lot of AR-10 owners very happy with the results.
Pros
- Made of high-quality material
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Made for competitive shooting
- Great for precision
- Easy to install
Cons
- Pull weight is not adjustable
- Screw arrangement makes pin retention questionable
CMC Triggers AR-15/AR-10 Single State Drop-In Competition Trigger
Next on this list of the best AR-10 triggers, here comes a wonderfully versatile trigger also used for competitive shooting coming from CMC Triggers.
Its pull weight is a super light 2.5 pounds which makes for very easy shooting and this trigger is
completely self-contained, having only a one piece assembly that is easy to install. There is almost no feel of creep before hammer release, it is really just a crisp trigger that can be used for both an AR-15 and an AR-10.
Keep in mind this trigger’s pull weight is factory set much like the trigger mentioned above and you can’t change it even if you wanted to. However, most people that see that 2.5 pound pull weight tend to like that kind of trigger and won’t want to adjust it. If this sounds like your taste, this may just be the trigger upgrade for you.
You can get this trigger in two different shapes as well, a curved one that fits to the finger really well and the classic tactical flat just in case you’re not into the other option.
CMC Triggers is known as the Drop-in Trigger Group’s original manufacturer for the AR-10 and AR-15
since 2003. They are a trusted brand that uses quality materials and makes their triggers look nothing short of gorgeous for, not to mention, a pretty affordable price.
Pros
- Light pull weight
- Made in the US
- Simple installation
- Crisp break and reset
- No creep
Cons
- Sometimes will have loose small pins
- Can’t adjust the pull weight
Elftmann Tactical AR-10/.308 Trigger
For our third trigger, the Elftmann Tactical AR-10/.308 Trigger is among the best AR-10 drop in triggers because its design is built to be used under rough conditions and withstand shots from heavier calibers. These triggers are lightweight but plenty strong, and are made with some of the strongest and most durable materials manufacturers use.
This trigger can also be adjusted without having to remove its receiver and, perhaps its most defining feature, is its aerospace-grade needle bearings that make its pull fast and perfectly smooth for a very easy shooting experience.
No matter the pull weight, which can be adjusted from 2 ¾ pounds to 4 pounds easily, you can expect this trigger to be drop-safe as well. Its pull and reset are really short and allows you to take quick follow-up shots with better accuracy.
Another one of its more unique design features is its disconnect allowing for a complete ¼-inch width, which eliminates any possibility of double-firing or wear. This trigger is simply one of those ones that is designed with almost everything in mind and has a feature for a ton of personal preferences.
Elftmann Tactical is also a trusted manufacturer that is based out of Glendale, AZ and specializes in making great triggers for AR-10s, AR-9s, AR-15s, and even bolt action rifles. There are quite a few folks that bought a trigger from this company that say they have some of the best stuff out there today and this trigger is no exception!
Pros
- Can withstand some heavy use
- Pull weight is adjustable
- Crisp trigger squeeze
- Build with quality materials
- Made for heavy caliber shots
Cons
- Some jamming issues have been reported
- One user claims with a powerful enough squeeze (15-20 pounds) it will fire with the safety on
J P Enterprises – AR-15/ 308 AR Adjustable Trigger System
Now that we’re halfway through our best AR-10 trigger list let’s get into J P Enterprises easily fitted, adjustable trigger system. This one has a pull weight as light as 3.5 lbs which is not our lightest pull weight but is definitely an easy pull.
Its sear geometry and metallurgy creates a precision-ground sear edge which makes for a beautifully precise letoff while also preventing that typical wear that can cause troubles like double firing among other issues.
Its reset is crazy short and lets you perform very quick follow-up shots which, if you are a competitive shooter, you already know this is a big advantage. Plus the installation is so easy a first time gun owner could even pull it off just by watching the instructional video it comes with.
This trigger will upgrade your AR-10 or AR-15 without even needing to get new hammers or pins. The
disconnector spring, the overtravel screw, and the engagement screw come already installed. Plus the
whole set includes a disconnector, hammer spring, trigger return spring, and a hex key.
It comes with both a tactical spring and a standard hammer spring which allows you to choose which
pull weight you want. This trigger has it all in terms of options and has seen all kinds of love from those who have already bought it.
Pros
- Comes with a step-by-step video to make installation easy
- Multiple pull weight options
- Usable for many different situations (competitions, hunting, etc.)
- Very short reset
- Many options available to make it work just how you want
Cons
- Fitting is required
- The many parts can get confusing and hard to organize
American Trigger – AR-15 AR Gold Trigger Curved
This self-contained trigger is another high-quality American-made trigger that can be installed in just a couple of minutes and will give you a smooth, light trigger pull as well as a solid letoff with a short reset.
Its engagement geometry is completely new and gives you a very light 3 pound pull and nice release while still being absolutely safe and reliable. It also implements a unique design that can be adjusted for its sear engagement, first using a takeup of around 6 ounces, then the final sear movement will take up the rest of its weight.
With this, you can build some steady force and still maintain your precision and stay focused on whatever target your shooting. Specifically, the reset travel for this trigger is only .03 inches which is less than half the usual reset travel for typical match triggers. Follow up shots are going to be as easy as they’ve ever felt.
Another great feature is that its sear captures its hammer at its back point rather than near its pivot point. This helps make the pull so light while still being safe because of another intercepting sear that is used to block its hammer just in case it moves off of the first sear. This will halt any misfires if the gun is dropped or suffers any kind of impact.
Pros
- Very safe to use
- Looks sleek and pairs well with your gun
- Made in America
- Extremely fast reset
- Great for precision shooting
- Light pull weight
Cons
- Stiff safety selector
- Requires some fitting
Geissele Automatics AR-15/M16/308 AR SSA & SSA-E Trigger
One of the most versatile triggers on this list, the SSA (Super Semi-Automatic) two-stage combat trigger is a bit on the heavier side in terms of pull weight coming in at 4.5 pounds total pull weight, that is unfortunately, non-adjustable.
However, this gun is certainly safe to use because of this and you really have to want to fire in order for that trigger to be pulled. Plus, like the American Trigger – AR-15 AR Gold Trigger listed above, it has the secondary sear that is used to block the hammer if it is released accidentally through some kind of hard impact.
Its trigger pull is made for deliberate shots that are aimed for a while as well as quicker snap shooting. There are two stages the trigger goes through, the first builds up to two-and-a-half pounds then the second two-pound stage breaks cleanly, so you stay accurate throughout your entire pull.
Installation for this trigger is also fairly easy and you do not even have to remove the safety to get it in. Plus, while it can be used for an AR-10 this trigger can also be placed on an AR-15 and even an M16, making it the one trigger on this list that can be used for guns outside of the AR family.
Pros
- Plenty of safety features
- Simple installation
- Usable with lots of different guns
- Tough and can last through tough conditions
Cons
- Heavy pull weight, takes a lot of effort to shoot
- Mostly used for combat purposes
- Two-stage pull can be uncomfortable
Anderson Hammer and Trigger Kit – Stainless Steel
Possibly the best value on the list with a great price for basically everything you need to install this trigger to your AR-10. It comes with Anderson’s Stainless Steel Hammer, the trigger, two trigger and hammer pins, a disconnector and a disconnect spring, and finally hammer and trigger springs as well.
The trigger breaks cleanly with little to almost no creep. The trigger itself is probably worth the price of this entire kit but who am I to judge, right? The installation is also super easy being that you have everything you need laid out in front of you.
The stainless steel looks great and shines on your gun like no other part, on the flip side if you’re not looking for your gun to be too showy in that sense you may want to paint it a different color or go for a different kind of trigger.
However, I believe this trigger kit is well worth it for competitive shooters or even casual shooters who are looking to upgrade the looks of their gun and give it that nice stainless steel look. The steel isn’t all looks too, it is very durable and can definitely take a few dings without it getting dented or damaged in any way.
Pros
- Looks great
- Solid durability
- Simple installation
- Comes with every part you will need
- Lightweight
Cons
- Parts can get mixed up or lost easily
- Not too good for hunting as the stainless steel is easy to see
Advantages To Upgrading An AR-10 Trigger
You might be using your factory set trigger and think “what’s the point in even upgrading my gun’s trigger? It works perfectly fine and is spending all this extra money actually worth it?” In the end, it is completely up to you if you think it’s worth it, but most people will tell you you don’t know what you’re missing out on.
Upgrading the trigger to your AR-10 can open your eyes to a whole new world of shooting. Even if your current trigger works fine and, at this point, I’m sure you’ve gotten used to it. However, I would certainly say it’s worth at least a quick look, and here’s a few reasons why it’s a good idea to upgrade.
- For all I know your pull weight could be some crazy 6-pound weight that you practically need your whole hand to fire. Getting your pull weight down to some of the weights that are listed for the triggers above will make a huge difference. You could shoot all day and not worry about tiring out your hands and we all know more practice means better aim.
- Going from single stage to double stage or vice versa can make your shooting experience a whole lot safer. We’ll go over more about the differences between these two in the next section but, to keep it short, this is a great idea to upgrade depending on what you’re using your AR-10 for.
- Finally, upgrade your trigger now before the old one breaks. If you notice any kind of wear on your current trigger, don’t wait until it breaks on you to find a replacement. It could mess up something else around the trigger and you’ll have to go without shooting while you wait for the new trigger to come in too.
Things to Consider Before Upgrading An AR-10 Trigger
There are a few things you should think about before you actually take the plunge and upgrade your
AR-10 trigger. As you have already seen, there are a ton of different options to choose from and this can get a little intimidating if this is your first time replacing your gun’s trigger.
Single Stage Vs Double Stage
Single stage triggers are the most simple of the two in that, you just pull a single stage trigger and the bullet comes out and that’s all there is to it. The issue with them is that they won’t work the same for all rifles.
These types of triggers are usually pretty heavy too, you’ll eventually wear out your hands if you use these over a long period of time depending on just how heavy it is. Anything over 5 pounds is going to be pretty difficult to fire.
As for double stage triggers, they lighten the load a bit and make the trigger a bit easier to pull. A double stage trigger can have the same pull weight but the benefit of the second stage one is that you can prepare the trigger on the initial pull, then fire on the next pull.
Let’s say there is a four-pound double stage trigger, the first pull can be around two-pound while the next pull that actually fires the bullet will also be two-pounds. Needless to say, that’s going to be way easier than doing all four pounds in one go.
Many people will tell you that double stage triggers are better because they allow you to aim a bit better with the seemingly lighter pull weight. Plus, they are safer because they ensure you have to prepare your trigger before actually firing a shot. However, others stand by their single stage triggers and, in the end, it is all just a matter of which one you’re more comfortable with.
Flat Vs Curved Triggers
For just about all of the triggers listed above, there is an option to choose between a flat-shaped trigger or a curve-shaped trigger. This can be an upgrade you desperately needed without you even knowing you needed it.
Flat triggers will give you more surface area to work with, which gives you a longer pull reach. On the other hand, curved triggers will give you less surface area and a shorter pull reach but fit around your finger better and offer a bit more comfort.
If I’m being perfectly honest though, this is all just personal preference. I myself am more of a curved trigger enthusiast but that is just one of those comfort things I got used to when I first started shooting.
Drop-In Triggers
A drop in trigger is great if you are looking for a simple installation. These types of triggers keep the disconnector, hammer, and trigger joined together in one case. Basically, all you have to do is “drop it in” and you should be all set.
This is a great pick if this is your first time replacing a trigger but you are more than likely going to be paying some extra cash for these. Of course, someone had to assemble that trigger and that took some extra man-power which will drive up the price of these kinds of triggers. That being said, always keep your eye out for good deals.
Fit And Installation
It is a legitimate worry for most gun owners that when they replace their trigger it is not going to fit or will be a ridiculous hassle to install it. You might need to install some modifications or get an extra part or two to make sure that whatever trigger you end up getting can even be put on properly.
A few of the triggers listed above have “easy installation” listed as a pro and this is absolutely a pro if you are not too experienced in working on guns. It can save you a whole lot of money and time if you already know your new trigger is going to be easy to put on and you won’t have to scramble to find some instructional video to figure out what to do (believe me, I’ve been there before).
Indications of a Great Trigger
It is nice to know what to look out for when it comes to buying a new trigger for your AR-10. There are certainly some noticeable differences between a good trigger and a bad trigger. So let’s go over a few of these differences and get a little in-depth while we’re at it.
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Pull Weight
There is a nice little sweet spot when it comes to pull weight that will sit around two to five pounds. Anything above or below that is either specially made for a certain kind of (strange) person, or belongs on a different kind of gun.
Also, if your trigger has an adjustable pull weight, that is a great sign that it is pretty good quality. Different pull weights can be better in different situations and being able to adjust it just makes your trigger that much more useful.
For example, say you are taking the time to aim at something with some careful calculation, using a heavier pull weight and preferably a double stage trigger will be your best bet. On the other hand, using a lighter pull weight is best for quick shooting or timed trials in competitions.
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Durability
Triggers that use steel or aluminum are usually the best ones to buy in terms of durability. These metals are pretty commonly used but some cheap triggers will pass off other metals as “just as good” when they will be just as good for probably about half the time.
Keep in mind that durability also comes with the stipulation that you don’t abuse your trigger by getting it wet or firing off high caliber rounds all the time. Some triggers listed above are made to withstand these kinds of harsh conditions but of course, the more you put it through all of this, the more likely it is going to break on you.
The Best AR-10 Trigger
Now for the big moment. The best AR-10 trigger to buy on this list is in my eyes, the Triggertech AR .308 Diamond Trigger. This one just has everything you need available to you. It has adjustable pull weight and all kinds of innovative features including one that allows for zero creep!
That is something that none of these other triggers can boast about and if you are looking to shoot easily and accurately, this is the trigger for you. Granted, it is not for those on a budget, but it will be well worth the money you spend on it and without a doubt has our top spot on the best AR-10 trigger list.
