Trigger & optics?

Crazy Carl

are ya freakin' kidding me?
Life Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
Joined
Dec 16, 2016
Messages
7,692
Location
Bonner Springs, KS
Rating - 100%
7   0   0
I've got single stage triggers in all my ARs. ALG QMS in one & ACT in the other two. I was well used to the triggers in the M16A1s & A2s was issued for 20 years & figured I'd stick with what I knew. 'N I've been happy with the ALGs, but always on the lookout for 'better'.

I'm slowly putting together a mid gas, pinned 14.5"er that I'm envisioning as a 'fighting' gun, aka. the one I'll most likely be toting when things go sideways. May or may not hunt with it, but would like to take a carbine course or 2 & maybe even shoot a 2-gun type match once in a while.

I'm thinking about giving the LaRue MBT triggers a shot. For one, cost is an issue, so $150 & up triggers are out of the question.

All that said, what are the difference between single stage & 2 stage triggers? I'm well familiar with the first, but have no experience at all with 2 stage triggers in an AR. Is it somewhat like a Glock in being able to 'ride the reset'? Would it be a help or hindrance/not the best choice for my stated intentions for the gun?

@11B CIB what's your take? I know you got some trigger time in the suck. What are your thoughts?

Finally, LPVO or 3x prism? Why? I don't see myself engaging targets out past a couple hundred yards or shooting for groups at range. Will a fixed 3x be a PITA, in close? Am thinking about Burris, either the 1-6x24 RT-6 or MTAC 1-4x24 with the 'Ballistic AR' reticle, or the M332 3x32 with the same reticle. What say ye?

Thanks in advance
 
A two stage is more for precision work.
I personally prefer them on all my rifles.

So the first stage, you take up, and then get to the wall of the 2nd stage, which should break clean, with minimal overtravel.
Basically if you have to hold a weapon on target, it is right there at the break point.

I am a bit of a trigger snob, so I always use Geissele,
But the Larue triggers are very good.

I also prefer the flat trigger bow.
This aids in accuracy under pressure as finger placement is less important on a flat now than a curved bow.
 
For magnified prism scopes I'd recommend the Vortex Spitfire 3x or a Steiner 3x32 M332. I own both and am thoroughly pleased with both for under 100 yards.
 
Last edited:
Geissele SSP is, to me, the best single-stage trigger. Love it (just as I love 2-stage for precision guns).

Optic, Aimpoint RDS for shtf/defense rifle. Good to 500 yards. Bombproof, waterproof, chuckmanproof, and incredible battery life.
 
Just my opinions:

-DO NOT get a fixed power scope that is not 1x. Fixed 3x is fine for some things, but carbine classes, 2gun, and self defense are not those things. A 14.5 gun of this type is going to live on 1x 95% of the time.
-LPVO is the future, and the future is here now. It will do it all, and do it well. With diopter and clear glass, tight red dot that doesn't bloom, 1x can be more precise than a red dot optic, making longer precise shots much more doable. Sell some crap you don't use and buy a good one.

On triggers, the Larue single stage is great and probably can't be beat for the money. Any I would recommend that would be better would be hundreds of dollars.

I think the 14.5" middy is the sweet spot. I have one and it's all I want to use for everything. Has 1-4x24 optic. It's the perfect AR!
 
Last edited:
Just my opinions:

-DO NOT get a fixed power scope that is not 1x. Fixed 3x is fine for some things, but carbine classes, 2gun, and self defense are not those things. A 14.5 gun of this type is going to live on 1x 95% of the time.
-LPVO is the future, and the future is here now. It will do it all, and do it well. With diopter and clear glass, tight red dot that doesn't bloom, 1x can be more precise than a red dot optic, making longer precise shots much more doable. Some some crap you don't use and buy a good one.

On triggers, the Larue single stage is great and probably can't be beat for the money. Any I would recommend that would be better would be hundreds of dollars.

I think the 14.5" middy is the sweet spot. I have one and it's all I want to use for everything. Has 1-4x24 optic. It's the perfect AR!


As stated, True 1x is your friend for carbine classes, 2gun, and self defense..

I like the Wilson Combat single stage and 2-stage drop in triggers. They cost more, but they are very well built compared to others.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NKD
I can't remember, did you shoot my newly built AR last week at DPRC? If you did, that was a Larue MBT 2 stage.

*Damn autocorrect*
 
Last edited:
I have the LaRue MBT single stage in 1 rifle and the 2 stage in another. Both are exceptional values and should be very well-suited to the role you describe. I'd probably go single stage for a 'duty' style gun, but it's not a deal breaker.

I picked up one of the Prism 1x ACSS optics last week. I haven't had a chance to shoot with it yet, but I am very pleased with what I've seen so far. For a 'shtf' type gun, I think a Prism is the way to go so you aren't relying on battery power. Unless you can go ACOG of course. WRT the PA Prism...don't let the ACSS reticle be the selling point. At 1x, the 'chevron' is virtually non-existent. Think of it as more of a horseshoe @ dot type setup.
 
I can't remember, did you shoot my newly built AR last week at DPRC? If you did, that was a Large MBT 2 stage.

I don't believe so. Think I only shot the Scout Rifle.

Thanks everyone for the input. Sounds to me like a single stage trigger & LPVO are what I need. Think I'ma give the LaRue single stage with the flat trigger shoe a go. I really prefer some magnification & absolutely need it for anything past 100yds.

As far as that goes, I'm looking at ~$300 for the scope. Thinking of either the Burris MTAC 1-4x24 or their RT-6. Opinions? Ballistic AR vs. Ballistic CQ reticles?

Completely different recommendations?
 
I've got single stage triggers in all my ARs. ALG QMS in one & ACT in the other two. I was well used to the triggers in the M16A1s & A2s was issued for 20 years & figured I'd stick with what I knew. 'N I've been happy with the ALGs, but always on the lookout for 'better'.

I'm slowly putting together a mid gas, pinned 14.5"er that I'm envisioning as a 'fighting' gun, aka. the one I'll most likely be toting when things go sideways. May or may not hunt with it, but would like to take a carbine course or 2 & maybe even shoot a 2-gun type match once in a while.

I'm thinking about giving the LaRue MBT triggers a shot. For one, cost is an issue, so $150 & up triggers are out of the question.

All that said, what are the difference between single stage & 2 stage triggers? I'm well familiar with the first, but have no experience at all with 2 stage triggers in an AR. Is it somewhat like a Glock in being able to 'ride the reset'? Would it be a help or hindrance/not the best choice for my stated intentions for the gun?

@11B CIB what's your take? I know you got some trigger time in the suck. What are your thoughts?

Finally, LPVO or 3x prism? Why? I don't see myself engaging targets out past a couple hundred yards or shooting for groups at range. Will a fixed 3x be a PITA, in close? Am thinking about Burris, either the 1-6x24 RT-6 or MTAC 1-4x24 with the 'Ballistic AR' reticle, or the M332 3x32 with the same reticle. What say ye?

Thanks in advance

As far as the trigger goes, two stages are nice in rifles like an SPR or one you’ll be taking precision shots with. In my HD rifle or closer range rigs I use CMC single stages...smooth travel and reset. Geissele SSA-Es are in my long distance/precision rifles where you can preload the trigger and “rest” it after the first stage take up and nothing but a gentle squeeze and the second stage breaks.

Fixed 3x won’t be a detriment if you get some practice with it AND you like it. Might not be your cup of tea...maybe someone near you has a low power fixed optic they’ll let you use for a range outing to see what you think. An adjustable LPVO, like a Steiner PX4i or even one of US Optic’s new TS-8x 1-8x FFP optics can be had for under $800. Great value and I’d opt for one of those over a PST II 1-6x
 
I don't believe so. Think I only shot the Scout Rifle.

Thanks everyone for the input. Sounds to me like a single stage trigger & LPVO are what I need. Think I'ma give the LaRue single stage with the flat trigger shoe a go. I really prefer some magnification & absolutely need it for anything past 100yds.

As far as that goes, I'm looking at ~$300 for the scope. Thinking of either the Burris MTAC 1-4x24 or their RT-6. Opinions? Ballistic AR vs. Ballistic CQ reticles?

Completely different recommendations?

Personally, I'd get the RT-6. The "Ballistic CQ" reticle on the Mtac is clunky and too much, imo.
 
Fixed 3x won’t be a detriment if you get some practice with it AND you like it. Might not be your cup of tea...maybe someone near you has a low power fixed optic they’ll let you use for a range outing to see what you think. An adjustable LPVO, like a Steiner PX4i or even one of US Optic’s new TS-8x 1-8x FFP optics can be had for under $800. Great value and I’d opt for one of those over a PST II 1-6x

I have a 3x ACOG he can play with. :)

But he won't like me afterward....
 
Last edited:
I have not. I've got a couple of their RDSs on other guns & they've been good. Just not sure if I want to have to rely on it. Is the quality really there with them?
No personal experience, I'm looking at getting one. I've only heard good reports from a couple guys that bought them. For my old eyes the diopter is a big plus.
 
Might've lost my mind a bit, but the missus just gave me the greenlight to pick myself up a Steiner P4Xi 1-4X24mm P3T as a Christmas gift.
 
Might've lost my mind a bit, but the missus just gave me the greenlight to pick myself up a Steiner P4Xi 1-4X24mm P3T as a Christmas gift.

Sweet. I think it will serve you well!
 
Steiner P4Xi came in yesterday & just looking through it briefly, I'm pretty sure optics are gonna cost me a whole lot more going forward. Clarity & brightness are absolutely amazing. Love the reticle & illuminated dot, too.

I've got decent scopes on other guns- Weaver Classic Rimfire 2.5-7x28 on a .22, Redfield Revolution 3-9x40 on my inline smokepole & a Vortex Viper 2-7x32 on my 6.8AR, but man is that Steiner at a whole 'nother level.
 
Steiner P4Xi came in yesterday & just looking through it briefly, I'm pretty sure optics are gonna cost me a whole lot more going forward. Clarity & brightness are absolutely amazing. Love the reticle & illuminated dot, too.

I've got decent scopes on other guns- Weaver Classic Rimfire 2.5-7x28 on a .22, Redfield Revolution 3-9x40 on my inline smokepole & a Vortex Viper 2-7x32 on my 6.8AR, but man is that Steiner at a whole 'nother level.

c55c9a0b3fc244b583412646e66e604412ffaef24e8e5d2e6af88979286f0899.jpg
 
Back
Top Bottom