Here are the main tools you’ll need to assemble an AR-platform rifle
Planning to put together an AR-platform rifle? Or are you looking to upgrade your AR with a new barrel, stock, or trigger group? Then you should check out the AR-15 Rifle Build DVD from our friends at UltimateReloader.com. This DVD covers all the details of a custom build, using high-resolution video sequences, and helpful supporting graphics.
In this DVD, Gavin Gear guides you through the entire process including selecting components, acquiring and using the necessary tools, assembly steps and details for each component, and even mounting a scope. Building an AR-15 can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance and help it’s not difficult and can be very rewarding. With this DVD you’ll be able to build your AR-15 with confidence.
Upper: Barrel / Gas Block / Gas Tube
Upper: Handguard Installation
UltimateReloader.com’s AR-15 Build DVD is available just $9.90 (plus $3.80 shipping/handling). This DVD can pay for itself many times over by showing you how to do your own gunsmithing (and get quality AR components at attractive prices).
See Parts Installed in See-Through AR-15 Lower
This isn’t part of UltimateReloader.com DVD, but this YouTube video shows how to install the AR trigger group and other parts in an AR-15 lower. A transparent, see-through Tennessee Arms Company lower receiver was chosen to make it easier to see how the parts are installed.
With its 2018 product roll-out, Hornady has introduced two new reloading products that look promising. There is a new modular, vibratory powder trickler, plus a new rotary tumbler for wet-tumbling brass.
New Cordless Vibratory Powder Trickler:
Hornady’s new modular Vibratory Trickler, powered by two AAA batteries, features variable settings to trickle all kinds of powders. The clever modular design allow you to separate the actual trickler dispensing unit from the base (a cord connects base to trickler). That lets you position the trickler next to your scale with the separate control unit convenient to your hand. This also makes cleanup more easy.
Product Features:
Trickles all powders
Light-up LED screen
High, low, and variable trickle settings
Use in base or outside of base
No-slip base, weighted for stability
New Hornady Rotary Case Tumbler
Hornady’s new, large-capacity rotary tumbler can be used to wet-tumble cartridge brass. This will clean and polish brass inside and out quickly when used with the included steel pin tumbling media. The large, six-liter drum holds five pounds of brass cases. Set tumbler to run for up to eight hours in half-hour increments using the digital timer. This new rotary tumbler is designed to be used with Hornady One Shot Sonic Clean Solution.
Note: we do recommend you test with your brass to ensure the steel pin media does not jam in flash holes. And always inspect each case after the tumbling cycle.
An American shooter has hit a 40″ square steel target at a distance of 5000 yards (2.84 miles). This has been hailed as a New Long Range World Record. That’s quite a feat… except that it took thirty-seven (37) shots to put one .408-caliber bullet on the steel target (by a whisker). Is that really good shooting — or just a lucky impact? (The 37th shot just barely hit the right side of the 40″ x 40″ steel plate). This purported “Long Range World Record” was shot on September 30, 2017.
Should we acknowledge this as a meaningful record? Is this a noteworthy achievement or just a stupid stunt? Watch this video and decide for yourself:
ELR at 5000 Yards — World Record or Just a Lucky Shot?
The Firearm Blog explained: “After shooting through three [10-round] batches unsuccessfully, Charlie Melton connected on target with his 7th shot in the fourth batch; round number 37. According to some number crunching … the bullet that finally connected on target was likely in flight for 12.816 seconds!”
Can this lucky shot really be claimed as some kind of meaningful record? Our friend Dennis Santiago, a Service Rifle competitor, and very brainy guy, observed: “Ha! 37th shot works out to a 2.7% probability of hit single-shot. That figure … fails the test of operational viability. Any hits are incidental within the beaten zone. It’s a gimmick.”
And William W., a retired military ordnance specialist, stated: “Dispersion and random Circular Error Probable (CEP) says if you fire enough shots, you will eventually hit what you are aiming at. It could have taken one shot or one hundred or more. Do the math for a radial error of .05 MOA at 15,000 feet and see what comes up. This is what we call ‘hardstand dispersion’ which only accounts for the gun and ammunition bias. Add environmental factors and CEP gets much bigger. A true test is a series of shots that strike the target, not a holy poke.”
Shot Made with Armalite AR-30 Fitted with 31″ Barrel Chambered for .408 Tejas
The lucky shot (37th attempt) was made by former SEAL Charlie Melton of Charlie Mike Precision. He was shooting an Armalite AR30 rifle with 31″ Pac-Nor barrel chambered for the .408 Tejas, a 50° wildcat based on the .408 Cheytac cartridge. The bullets were 420 grain solids launched at 3065 FPS.
Rifle: Armalite AR-30, with 6 oz. Jewell trigger
Barrel: 31″ Pac-Nor chamber for .408 Tejas
Bullet: 420 Grain Monolithic (solid) Bullets – 3,065 FPS
Bi-Pod: Shots Gunsmithing Bipod for Armalite AR-X
Optic: Nightforce NXS 12-45x56mm fitted with Charlie TARAC Prism (see below)
Rings: Ivey Adjustable Scope Rings
Photo by Brad Stair of Performance Guns
Innovative Elevation Booster — Charlie TARAC Prism System
The Charlie TARAC Prism from TACOMHQ helps ELR Shooters hit very distant targets, by elevating the actual target image, effectively augmenting the scope’s internal elevation adjustment. The latest TARAC is an adjustable unit that adds up to 120 MIL of elevation to any scope. Current high-end scopes typically offer around 30 MIL of vertical. With the Charlie TARAC fitted to the scope’s front objective, you can add +120 MIL elevation.
You’ll want to tune in to Kelly McMillan’s Taking Stock Radio Show tomorrow, Friday, October 27, 2017. This week’s Episode 42 features respected action-maker and gunsmith Jim Borden of Borden Accuracy. The Radio Show, which streams on the internet, runs 8/27/2017 at 11:00 AM Pacific Time on VoiceAmerica Sports Channel.
Jim and Kelly will discuss a variety of topics, including gunsmithing, action design/manufacture, the past/present/future of Benchrest and F-Class competition, and how Benchrest technology have influenced other disciplines. Jim Borden is a “benchrest icon” who has been in the business maybe as long as McMillan. Kelly notes: “I remember the Borden name dating way back to when it was just my mother, father, and I working in the garage. Jim Borden will share the story of his legacy with our listeners”. CLICK HERE to LISTEN.
The Radio Show will also feature Kelly’s friend Kevin Finley, a professional bass fisherman. Access this and other “Taking Stock” episodes by clicking the Radio link on McMillanUSA.com, then select “Listen Live” or select Episode on Demand to hear previous shows. In past weeks, Taking Stock Radio has featured K02M and World F-TR Champ Derek Rodgers, Team USA F-TR Captain Ray Gross, Ballistics Guru Bryan Litz, Long-Range Champ Nancy Tompkins, High Power Champ Carl Bernosky, Legendary Olympic Shooter Lones Wigger, Sniper’s Hide Founder Frank Galli, and many other notables.
Borden and McMillan Collaborate on F-Open Rifle for Juniors
It’s great to see two important businessmen give back to the shooting sports. Kelly McMillan and Jim Borden are working together on a project — creating an F-Class Open rifle that can be loaned out to young shooters to help them get started with the sport. Great idea — we need to get more young folks involved in precision shooting. In F-Class (as well as benchrest) we have an “aging population”. Engaging the next generation of shooters is vitally important.
Borden Accuracy — A Success Story
Borden Accuracy/Borden Rifles has been a source for precision benchrest and hunting rifles for many years. Jim started doing his own gunsmithing while competing in benchrest and High Power silhouette matches. Jim launched his business in 1987, working nights and weekends while still employed at P&G. The business became full-time in 1995 with Jim and his wife Joan doing the work. The business was expanded in 1999 with the construction of the new Springville, PA facility and the addition of sons Jim Jr. and John to the staff. Son-in-law John Mecca came onboard in January 2000.
Jim and company began making Rimrock benchrest and Rimrock hunting actions in 2001. They added Borden Alpine and Timberline actions in 2006. These actions are made in an advanced manufacturing facility which has three CNC vertical Machining centers, three CNC lathes, three manual lathes, a manual knee mill, a surface grinder, a cylindrical grinder and wire EDM machine. To learn more, visit BordenRifles.com, call 570-965-2505, or send email to info [at] bordenrifles.com.
There are some interesting firearms featured this week on Guns & Gear, a syndicated TV show by the creators of Gun Talk Radio. This week, the Guns & Gear team tests a Smith and Wesson M&P 10 chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. This 6.5 CM version of S&W’s AR10-platform rifle is a leading choice for the PRS Gas Gun Division. The rifle shows good build quality and good accuracy with factory 6.5 Creedmoor ammo. If you’re a fan of the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge and want to see how it works in a gas gun, the M&P 10 is a smart option. S&W offers good customer service and a rock-solid warranty.
Along with Smith & Wesson’s 6.5 Creedmoor semi-auto rifle, Guns & Gear’s crew tests the new Ruger 8-Shot Redhawk revolver in .357 Magnum. That short-nosed wheelgun is one ugly beast, but greater ammo capacity is probably a good thing. Then the crew samples Springfield Armory’s XD handguns. There is also a fun feature on Crimson Trace Master Series Lasergrips. It’s cool to watch the laser beams track from gun to target (see below).
Here is a sneak preview of this week’s Guns & Gear Episode:
Why We Love Wheelguns
We were intrigued by the 8-shot Ruger Redhawk, being avid revolver fans. When we go out plinking with handguns, a classic revolver is often our first choice. This Editor’s S&W model 617 ten-shot .22 LR revolver probably has more rounds through it than all my other handguns. And I have a S&W Performance Center .44 Magnum that has shot 1″ groups at 50 yards (off a rest). I like full-sized revolvers for long sight radius and inherent accuracy of the fixed barrel, combined with the superb trigger break in single-action mode.
Guns & Gear Showtimes
Guns & Gear airs year-round on the Sportsman Channel on Wednesdays at 2:00 PM Eastern, Thursdays at 8:30 PM and 11:30 PM EST, Fridays at 2:30 PM EST, and Sundays at 4:00 AM EST. Find the Sportsman Channel at DirectTV Ch. 605, DISH Network Ch. 395, AT&T U-Verse Ch. 642, Spectrum Ch. 315, and your local cable provider. Watch past Guns & Gear episodes on Gun Talk Media’s YouTube Channel, or visit www.GunTalk.com.
In the wake of the tragic events in Las Vegas, politicians have drawn up new anti-gun legislation in Congress and in State Legislatures. As expected, there are bills to ban “bump-fire” stocks and rotary triggers, but there is more… much more. Anti-gun politicians have used the Las Vegas tragedy as an impetus to draft much more far-reaching restrictions on guns, magazine, and ammunition.
Here is a summary of new Federal legislation released in the past month. Note that none of these new bills specifically targets rapid-fire technology. Instead they seek to restrict conventional firearms, or impose new restrictions on purchasing shooting supplies. For example, H.R.3962 will ban online ammunition sales by requiring face-to-face purchases of ammo.
Here is a list of anti-gun measures that have recently been proposed in Congress. This list was prepared by the Cheaper Than Dirt Shooter’s Log. The list provides a representative sample, but it is not comprehensive — readers should note that other legislation has been introduced in various states. And expect more anti-gun legislation to come….
H.R.3984 – Rep. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA-28] (Introduced 10/05/2017)
Summary: This would repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, and provide for the discoverability and admissibility of gun trace information in civil proceedings.
Comment: The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) protects firearms manufacturers and dealers from being held liable when crimes have been committed with their products.
Summary: To require face-to-face purchases of ammunition, to require licensing of ammunition dealers, and to require reporting regarding bulk purchases of ammunition.
Comment: This measure is designed to eliminate online sales of ammunition.
H.R.3986 – Rep. Velazquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7] (Introduced 10/05/2017)
Summary: To provide for the establishment of a national standard for incorporating a passive identification ability into all firearms sold in the United States.
Comment: This essentially would require all firearms to have smart gun technology.
H.R.3987 – Rep. Velazquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7] (Introduced 10/05/2017)
Summary: To reduce gun violence, fund gun violence research and victim assistance, and enhance the tracking of lost and stolen firearms, and for other purposes. Any transaction involving at least on firearm, would have a $1 fee added.
S.1945 – Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ] (Introduced 10/05/2017)
Summary: To regulate large capacity ammunition feeding devices.
Comment: In truth, there is not much new here, but the threat is as serious as it ever was.
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At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Buy Qualifying Nightforce Scope, Get FREE Ruger 10/22
Nightforce is running a pretty amazing promotion to mark its 25th Anniversary. Here’s the deal — if you purchase a qualifying Nightforce scope, you’ll get a Special Edition Nightforce Optics Ruger 10/22. Buy scope, get rifle for free. Can’t argue with that. Here is the promo announcement: “To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Nightforce Optics, we are offering a complimentary Special Edition 25th Anniversary Ruger 10/22 at no additional charge with the purchase of select Nightforce riflescopes. This offer is good on qualifying purchases made from October 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017. Bruno Shooters Supply and Eurooptic.com have all the qualifying scopes in stock now. Check out Nightforceoptics.com/1022 for details and rules.
If your carry gun is too big and bulky, you probably won’t carry it, which sort of defeats the whole purpose. The Ruger LCP is light (9.6 ounces) and compact (5.16″ OAL), so you’re more likely to carry it regularly. The little LCP is small enough to fit in a pocket. The .380 ACP cartridge is not as powerful as a 9x19mm or 40 S&W to be sure, but when your life is on the line, a small gun is certainly better than no gun. For those looking for a very light-weight, easy-to-conceal handgun, this little Ruger is a solid choice. Owner reviews have been positive and the $169.00 price (with free shipping) is hard to beat. That’s for payment via money orders, checks, or echecks; credit card price is $174.07.
3. Amazon — PRS Practical Shooting Book — $19.99
Thinking of getting started in the Practical/Tactical shooting game? Looking for ways to be more stable when shooting from unconventional positions? Then you may want to read Marcus Blanchard’s Practical Shooter’s Guide (A How-To Approach for Unconventional Firing Positions and Training). Unlike almost every “how to shoot” book on the market, Blanchard’s work focuses on the shooting skills and positions you need to succeed in PRS matches and similar tactical competitions. Blanchard provides clear advice on shooting from barricades, from roof-tops, from steep angles. Blanchard says you need to train for these types of challenges: “I believe the largest factor in the improvement of the average shooter isn’t necessarily the gear; it’s the way the shooter approaches obstacles and how they properly train for them.”
Here is an exceptional deal on an entry-level spotting scope. Right now the Celestron Cavalry Spotting Scope, normally $119.99, is just $39.99 on sale at Cabelas.com. That’s right, this spotter is under forty bucks. This optic features a 70mm front objective, 25-75X eyepiece, and rubber armored body. Will it compete with a premium spotting scope costing $1000.00 or more? No, but you may find it can do many basic tasks, such as watching target shot markers, watching wind flags, or spotting prairie dogs. It’s also perfectly fine for spotting pistol and rifle shots at close ranges. With a price this cheap, you can get one to use as a “back-up” spotting scope.
5. Lyman — Fall Rebates on Reloading Hardware and Press Kits
Lyman has just announced more rebates on some very popular products. You can now get $50.00 off Lyman reloading kits: T-Mag Expert Kit Deluxe, and the Crusher Expert Kit Deluxe. In addition, you can get $25.00 off three of Lyman’s most popular products: Cyclone Rotary Tumbler, T-Mag II Turret Press, and Gen5 Digital Powder System. For pistoleros, Lyman is also offering $10.00 rebates on the Pachmayr G-10 and Renegade Laminate Pistol Grips. With Lyman’s Fall Mail-In Rebate Program you can get $10.00, $25.00, or even $50.00 back on some of Lyman’s best-selling products. The Fall Rebate Program applies to products purchased from any Lyman Dealer from October 15th through December 31, 2017. CLICK HERE for the Rebate Redemption Form.
6. Champions Choice — Deluxe 58″-Long Rifle Case, $68.00
Many of our readers shoot Palma, F-Class, and ELR rifles with long barrels (up to 35″). It’s difficult to find high-quality, well-padded cases that fit very long rifles. Champion’s Choice offers just such a product, the 58″ Deluxe Soft Rifle Case. With thick 1″ padding on each side, big pockets, and backpack straps, this black/blue/white gun case has earned rave reviews from our Forum members. There’s plenty of room for big scopes, and it even comes with an internal tube to hold your cleaning rod.
7. Midsouth — CCI Std Velocity .22 LR Ammo, $3.75 for 50ct Box
Here’s a great low-price on quality, CCI .22 LR rimfire ammo. The sale price of $3.75 per 50-ct box works out to just 7.5 cents a round for this 40gr CCI 1070 fps rimfire ammo. At that price you can enjoy rimfire plinking without worrying about cost — just like the “good old days”.
8. Stocky’s — LR Stocks with Aluminum Bedding Block, $179.99
Here’s a good deal on a versatile Stocky’s Long Range Stock with aluminum V-block bedding system. For just $179.99, order this for Rem/Rem Clone long actions or short actions, with either narrow or wide (varmint/tactical) barrel channel. This would be a good choice for a varmint rifle. This is also offered with handsome hydrographic or web-pattern baked-on textured finishes for $199.99.
9. Amazon — Kershaw 3″ Knife with Titanium Handle, $15.42
On sale for just $15.42, the Kershaw Intellect 3″ Folder is a quality knife that usually sells for around $28.00. Made from high-grade steel, the 3-inch blade is sharp and holds its edge. The handle is titanium for strength and light weight. This knife features the award-winning, patented SpeedSafe system for easy one-handed opening. Weighing just 3.7 ounces, this knife has a reversable 4-way pocket clip. Is this knife worth fifteen bucks? Heck yes — this Editor just bought a pair. Look at the Price Trend Chart below — you’ll see this is a great value. Recent verified buyer posted: “Excellent well made knife for the money and RAZOR SHARP”. Closed length: 3.75 inches; open length: 6.75 inches.
UPDATE: The price was $15.42 when we released the story at 2:30 am CST. The price has been fluctuating almost by the hour — this knife is in high demand.
Ten USA Shooting athletes compete this week at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Final in New Delhi, India. Some 160 shooters from 15 countries will compete in this year’s invitation-only World Cup Final which runs October 22-30, 2017. Most of the Team USA squad in India are shotgunners. This year our Skeet/Trap shooters, including six-time Olympic Medalist Kim Rhode (above left), have garnered 26 top-10 finishes plus 12 individual medals and eight team medals.
The new Olympic events of Air Rifle Mixed Team, Air Pistol Mixed Team, and Trap Mixed Team kick off this ISSF World Cup Final in India. The USA has two pairs in the Trap Mixed Team event: Kayle Browning/Jake Wallace and World Championship bronze medalists Ashley Carroll/Derek Haldeman.
Browning and Wallace won a team silver at the World Cup in Acapulco, Mexico. Ashley Carroll (Solvang, California) and Derek Haldeman (USAMU, Sunbury, Ohio) won team bronze at the World Championship in Moscow, Russia. Interestingly, Ashley and Derek have a life together away from the trap range — they have been dating for two years now.
“The way the team event goes, it’s still a pretty individual game,” said Haldeman, who will make his World Cup Final debut in New Delhi. Haldeman, a Double Trap specialist, converted to Trap this season upon Double Trap’s elimination from the Olympic program. “It’s hard to help each other out during the actual competition. Ashley came down to Fort Benning to work on stuff. We worked on how we can work together, what we can say and what we can’t say, and that’s kind of how we were getting ready for World Cup Final. We’ll shoot together, have fun with it and see what happens!”
Ashley will compete again later in the week as the lone U.S. competitor in Women’s Trap. Carroll had a breakout year in 2017, winning her third National Championship win in a row, along with a gold-medal win and world-record finish at World Cup Acapulco.
Thrasher is Sole American Rifle Shooter at ISSF World Cup Final
2016 Olympic gold medalist Ginny Thrasher (Springfield, Virginia) is the sole USA Rifle competitor at the 2017 ISSF World Cup Final. Thrasher, who earned her berth by virtue of winning Olympic Gold in Rio, took Bronze at the 2016 World Cup Final in Bologna, Italy.
ISSF World Cup Final
Competition commenced Sunday and concludes on October 30. The ISSF World Cup Final runs each year at the conclusion of the World Cup season. Athletes earn points through finishes throughout the season, with the eight best athletes in each event earning invitations to this match. Wild card invitations are also granted to title defenders, and in years of the Olympic Games and World Championships, to the three medalists in each event.
ISSF World Cup Finals Schedule (All times USA Eastern Time)
Tuesday, October 24th: Trap Mixed Team at 4:30 am
Wednesday, October 25th: Skeet Women at 5:30 am
Thursday, October 26th: 10m Air Rifle Women at 2:30 am; Skeet Men at 5:30 am
Saturday, October 28th: Trap Women at 5:00 am
Sunday, October 29th: 25m Rapid Fire Pistol Men at 12:45 am
We like Howa 1500-series rifles. The major attractions are the smooth-running action (feels almost like a custom), a very good two-stage trigger (way better than most domestic factory triggers), pretty decent barrels, and excellent fit and finish. Howa also offers a “mini” action that’s nearly an inch shorter than a conventional short action. The only negative is that the Howa actions have metric barrel threads. That complicates the re-barreling task for some gunsmiths who don’t have the right equipment. All-in-all the Howa 1500 series is still a fine value, offering excellent “bang for the buck”. If we were choosing a new varmint or hunting rifle, the Howa would be one of our first choices.
Given our positive outlook towards Howa rifles, we were pleased to see that American Rifleman just named the Howa 1500 HCR rifle (with scope package) as the NRA Gun of the Week. Check it out:
Designed for PRS “factory class” competition and tactical applications, the Howa HCR offers the smooth-running 1500 action with HACT 2-Stage trigger in a fully-adjustable aluminum chassis. The Howa’s MSRP is $1299.00, with “street price” around $990.00 in black or $1180 with Camo finish so the HCR is directly competitive with the Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR). Available chamberings are: .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Winchester.
Mounted on an AR-style buffer tube system, the Howa HCR utilizes the fully adjustable LUTH-AR MBA-3 stock. Length of Pull is adjustable from 12.5″ to 16.75″. Comb height is also adjustable to fine tune for scope height-over-bore. Weight with a 24″ barrel is 10.2 pounds (before optics), so this Howa HCR is lighter than many similar rifles on the market.
Trigger images from PrimaryArms.com, which sells all the triggers reviewed here: Geissele, Elftmann, Timney, and ALG Defense.
Are you thinking of upgrading the trigger system for your AR-platform rifle? There are dozens of options available, from $45 up to $300. Thankfully, Brownells has created video reviews of some of the more popular AR trigger options from Timney, Geissele, and ALG Defense. And we included a video review of the highly-regarded Elftmann Match Trigger. If you want the best solution for Service Rifle competition, you might favor the Geisselle. For ease of installation, it’s hard to beat the Timney, a “drop-in” module. Like the Timney, the super-smooth Elftman is a drop-in module. At $249.00 it’s pricey, but it is one of the best AR triggers out there. If you’re on a tight budget, the best “bang for your buck” may be the “Perfected Mil-Spec” ALG which starts at around $45.00.
Geissele Enhanced Two-Stage Trigger
Geissele makes a variety of quality AR trigger sets both single-stage and two-stage. Many High Power competitors like the two-stage Geissele trigger. This delivers a repeatable, controlled pull through the first stage with a very clean break in the second stage. The Super Dynamic Enhanced Trigger, shown above, features a distinctive, trigger blade. Reviewer Thomas Conroy says: “The flat surface is very easy to press against. Both stages are light and very distinct.”
Elftmann Drop-In Match Trigger
Though pricey ($249.00 at PrimaryArms.com), we really like the Elftmann AR trigger. It combines the best of both worlds — the precision and smoothness of the Geissele with the Timney’s ease of installation. This single stage trigger is user-adjustable from 2.75 to 4 pounds pull weight. It is offered with either straight or curved trigger blade. Primary Arms says: “The amazingly short take-up, glass-rod crisp break and [near-zero] over-travel can be compared to the finest custom 1911 triggers.”
Timney Drop-In Trigger Module
This trigger module is available for both the AR15 and the AR10 platform (as covered in the above video). Timney triggers are easy to install and come with multiple pin size and pull-weight options. Reviewer Thomas Conroy confirms that the single-stage Timney “breaks cleanly and crisply. This trigger is modular, meaning that the trigger, sear, hammer, and spring are all encased in a bright, shiny yellow aluminum housing.”
ALG Defense Trigger — Higher-Quality Basic AR Trigger
According to Thomas Conroy, ALG triggers “are the perfected version of the standard, non-adjustable mil-spec original trigger. They have the same geometry, but are made to higher quality standards, and come with … hardened and smoothed-out sear contact surface to eliminate all grittiness.” These are also offered in a nickle-boron coated version. Available for under $45.00, the ALG is a well-made, low-cost option for shooters who want a better factory-type trigger system.
For More Information about These Triggers
Learn more about Geissele, Timney and ALG triggers, plus two more AR trigger options (CMMG and Rock River Arms) in a Trigger Comparison Review by Thomas Conroy on Ammoland.com.
The 
Borden Accuracy — A Success Story
Along with Smith & Wesson’s 6.5 Creedmoor semi-auto rifle, Guns & Gear’s crew tests the new Ruger 8-Shot Redhawk revolver in .357 Magnum. That short-nosed wheelgun is one ugly beast, but greater ammo capacity is probably a good thing. Then the crew samples Springfield Armory’s XD handguns. There is also a fun feature on Crimson Trace Master Series Lasergrips. It’s cool to watch the laser beams track from gun to target (see below).
Trigger images from 
