How to Orient Your AR-15 Trigger

by
posted on January 6, 2017
trigger-assembly1-1.jpg

I have witnessed even accomplished AR shooters get confused on reassembly of the traditional AR trigger. So I thought I would share a charming mnemonic device I picked up while taking the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 rifle and carbine Armorer course. It is so memorable, you will never install the trigger incorrectly again.  

But first, a quick caveat.  There are countless videos on the web for disassembly and reassembly of AR triggers, so I won’t belabor the multi-step method here. If that is what you are looking for, my personal favorite is delivered by Brownells, check it out here..   

The trigger, when positioned correctly, looks like an elephant. The trigger face is his trunk, and the spring legs are his tusks. The trigger pin would run through his ears. The elephant faces front; that is, the front of the receiver. The elephant dons a hat, or the spring and disconnector.  

The hammer assembly is the one you’re most likely to install incorrectly, since the spring rotates almost 360 degrees. When positioned correctly, the hammer assembly looks like a grasshopper. Imagine the spring legs are his antennae, the hammer represents the grasshopper’s legs, and the place for the hammer pin could be his big googly eyes. The grasshopper faces rearward to serve as the elephant’s lookout. The antennae sit on top of the trigger pin, and the hammer is then pushed down and forward.  


It may seem silly, but I bet you will never forget the illustrations here and will always remember the correct orientation for the trigger group of an AR. 

Latest

Franchi Momentum All Terrain Elite
Franchi Momentum All Terrain Elite

New Guns 2025: Franchi Momentum All-Terrain Elite Rifle in Verdant Camo

For hunters who appreciate accuracy and do-it-all performance in a more compact design.

New Guns 2025: Rossi R95 Triple Black Lever-Action Rifle

Lookin' chunky! This solid, compact lever gun offers modern features for the modern shooter.

New Gear 2025: MTM Case-Gard Suppressor Case

It helps save your hearing, so doesn't it deserves a case as nice as your gun's?

New Gear 2025: Silencer Central Banish Speed K Titanium Suppressor

Strong enough for law enforcement, but lightweight and affordable enough for you.

New Guns 2025: EAA 2311 Witness Double-Stack Pistol

The Year of the Double-Stack continues with this low-recoil, high-capacity 1911-style handgun.

New Guns 2025: Charter Arms Double Dog Revolver

We double-dog dare you to try out this two-cylinder revolver!

Interests



Get the best of NRA Family delivered to your inbox.