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Understanding AR-15 Trigger Spring Placement: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to the AR-15 rifle, the trigger spring plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth and reliable operation. This guide will delve into the placement of the trigger spring, its importance, and how it affects the overall performance of your firearm.
What is the Trigger Spring?
The trigger spring is a critical component of the AR-15 trigger group. It is designed to exert pressure on the trigger, ensuring that it returns to its original position after being pulled. The spring’s tension is crucial in determining the trigger pull weight, which directly impacts the shooter’s accuracy and comfort.
Placement of the Trigger Spring
Proper placement of the trigger spring is essential for optimal performance. Here’s how to ensure that your trigger spring is correctly positioned:
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Remove the magazine and safety selector from the firearm.
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Disassemble the lower receiver by removing the takedown pin and pulling the lower receiver apart.
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Remove the trigger group from the lower receiver.
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Locate the trigger spring, which is typically located between the trigger and the hammer.
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Check that the spring is properly seated in the trigger and hammer. The spring should be centered and not twisted.
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Ensure that the spring is not touching any other components, such as the sear or the hammer, which could cause binding or malfunctions.
Importance of Proper Placement
Proper placement of the trigger spring is crucial for several reasons:
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Trigger Pull Weight: The tension of the trigger spring directly affects the trigger pull weight. An incorrectly placed spring can result in an uneven pull weight, making the firearm difficult to shoot accurately.
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Reliability: A misaligned trigger spring can lead to malfunctions, such as the trigger not returning to its original position or the firearm failing to fire.
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Comfort: An incorrectly placed trigger spring can make the firearm uncomfortable to shoot, leading to fatigue and reduced accuracy.
Common Issues and Solutions
Here are some common issues related to trigger spring placement and their solutions:
Issue | Solution |
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Trigger pull weight is uneven | Check that the trigger spring is properly seated and centered. If necessary, replace the spring with a different tension. |
Trigger does not return to its original position | Ensure that the trigger spring is not twisted or damaged. If the spring is damaged, replace it with a new one. |
Firearm fails to fire | Check that the trigger spring is not touching any other components, such as the sear or the hammer. If it is, adjust the placement of the spring or replace it with a different tension. |
Choosing the Right Trigger Spring
Selecting the right trigger spring for your AR-15 is essential for achieving optimal performance. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a trigger spring:
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Trigger Pull Weight: Choose a spring with the desired trigger pull weight. Most AR-15 trigger springs range from 1.5 to 2.5 pounds.
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Spring Material: Most trigger springs are made of stainless steel or phosphor bronze. Stainless steel springs are more durable, while phosphor bronze springs offer better corrosion resistance.
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Spring Tension: The tension of the spring should match the trigger pull weight you desire. Too much tension can make the firearm difficult to shoot, while too little tension can lead to malfunctions.
Conclusion
Proper placement