Drop in trigger in MDI SLR

A

AGrant580

Member
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
So the beginning of the winter I received my SLR and wanted to put a very nice trigger in it, bought the receiver set from TNA (great service by the way) they advertised that the elfman trigger was the only drop in Trigger that would work with the SLR..... "you just might have to open up the trigger box a little".....
My experience was way more F***ing around then that... I had to open up the trigger box for the hammer, grind the top of the trigger box to adjust the tension screws, and file the top of the trigger box because without tension on the trigger it becomes a binary trigger firing when you pull the trigger and let go of the trigger... and open up the hole in the back for the safety...
It works now but if I wasn't someone who doesn't mind tinkering with stuff I would be upset spending over 300 bucks on a trigger and not being able to use it in my rifle...
Anyone else try making a drop in trigger work with their SLRs???
And a word of advice to MDI (as if they would actually listen) get rid of that POS trigger box!! Yes it does look slick not having exposed trigger pins but having a slick looking rifle does not outweigh having a receiver set that just works... just my 2 cents what do you guys and gals think??
I do want to say I do love the rifle it has completely replaced my ARs and has become my favourite rifle I own :D
 
AFAIK the trigger box was one of the components that set the rifle apart from an AR-15, making it a requirement for the Non-Restricted status.

Additionally, the trigger box design means that your pins can literally never come lose of fall out. I've never had that happen on any rifle I've installed a quality trigger into, but I know that people have had issues with cheaper trigger kits and/or incorrect installations in AR-15s.

Personally, I'm just going to stick with and keep recommending Geissele triggers. They have such a wide variety of bows, weights, and stage options now that there's an option for everyone.
 
My Trigger Tech drop in broke after a few hundred rounds. Replaced with Geissele and never looked back. The SD-E fit the trigger box perfectly.

Forget drop ins on SLRs. My 2 cents.
 
Xero said:
AFAIK the trigger box was one of the components that set the rifle apart from an AR-15, making it a requirement for the Non-Restricted status.
Click to expand...

I keep hearing arguments along this nature regarding different aspects of the design but it doesn't make sense...why then didn't ATRS have to go to these lengths for the Modern Sporter or Stag with the Stag 10? Not being sarcastic or anything, maybe there's something here I'm missing, but seems unnecessary. I just purchased an SLR set myself and I can see screws getting stripped and whatnot after being repeatedly disassembled for cleaning even being extremely careful using torque wrenches and the like. Tiny steel screws and aluminum threads are not a good combination. But, time will tell I guess.
 
DasJager said:
I keep hearing arguments along this nature regarding different aspects of the design but it doesn't make sense...why then didn't ATRS have to go to these lengths for the Modern Sporter or Stag with the Stag 10? Not being sarcastic or anything, maybe there's something here I'm missing, but seems unnecessary. I just purchased an SLR set myself and I can see screws getting stripped and whatnot after being repeatedly disassembled for cleaning even being extremely careful using torque wrenches and the like. Tiny steel screws and aluminum threads are not a good combination. But, time will tell I guess.
Click to expand...

My understanding to how the process works, is that you design a rifle, then submit a sample to the RCMP. the RCMP comes back with a classification and that's it. The RCMP won't negotiate and say "well if you change this, it will change the classification". Because of this, the designer may incorporate specific features in to the design (like trigger box) to ensure it isn't considered a variant, to help ensure the classification comes back how they want.

Ultimately what was "required" to to not be classed as a variant and get the NR classification is known only to the RCMP, but the closer you cut it, the more likely you are to get the result you don't want.
 
Last edited:
Yeah, makes sense. I guess ATRS was perhaps willing to take more of a risk. Also, nothing has to make sense when dealing with the RCMP.
 
There are two major issues with some drop ins. In some cases they have adjustment screws that are accessed through the top of an AR lower receiver. This would mean there is no access with the MDI box. These systems will not be adjustable while installed.
The other issue is that some trigger modules use wider than normal hammers and or sears. Since there is a clearance slot in the trigger box, this system would require alteration to the box to work. The internal real estate required for modular triggers is sufficient for most to fit.
We have found no issues with most of the CMC packs (those with standard width hammers and sears) and Timney packs fit fine too.

Also, the set screw on the trigger box is not required, as the safety holds the box in place.
 
mustang979 said:
My understanding to how the process works, is that you design a rifle, then submit a sample to the RCMP. the RCMP comes back with a classification and that's it. The RCMP won't negotiate and say "well if you change this, it will change the classification". Because of this, the designer may incorporate specific features in to the design (like trigger box) to ensure it isn't considered a variant, to help ensure the classification comes back how they want.

Ultimately what was "required" to to not be classed as a variant and get the NR classification is known only to the RCMP, but the closer you cut it, the more likely you are to get the result you don't want.
Click to expand...

IIRC, it has more to do about the interfacing between the upper and lower, ie. shouldn't be able use a stock AR-15 upper with whatever you are trying to classify NR, thus the sliding / set-screw design used by ATRS.
 
I put a Trigger Tech into my first MDI, and just received a Trigger Tech Diamond for my second. I drilled two small holes in the top of the MDI trigger hanger to allow putting tension 'up' on the trigger assembly. I did this to take out the excess play so that you can't pull the trigger in the safe position, and have it fire when removing the safety.

A friend put a Trigger Tech in his, he removed the two set screws, installed the trigger in the MDI hanger, spot drilled the hanger through the empty set screw holes in the TT module and then removed the trigger and drilled though, this gives plenty of access for the little allen key required for the set screws.

Looking forward to trying the Trigger Tech Diamond at 1.5 lbs with zero creep!
 
Sorry for the thread resurrection but is it the consensus that you're better off with a traditional style trigger (a la Geiselle) in a SLR than a drop in (specifically the Trigger Tech Combat Primary)?
 
rugbydave said:
Sorry for the thread resurrection but is it the consensus that you're better off with a traditional style trigger (a la Geiselle) in a SLR than a drop in (specifically the Trigger Tech Combat Primary)?
Click to expand...

Not necessarily. TriggerTech works fine, just drop in TT and adjust as necessary, they will fit. Everyone will have their trigger pull preferences of course. Don’t know if the combat is any different than the adjustable.
 
rugbydave said:
The Combat actually isn't adjustable.
Click to expand...

Yes I know what I meant is that I don’t know if the combat is dimensionally any different or special vs the adjustable.

I have several diamonds and Standard adjustable Triggers, even have a non adjustable competition trigger but never tried it, the adjustables work just fine. I meant some will argue for other non cassette type triggers based on their trigger pull preferences.

Here is a standard adjustable flat for reference.

tnGJZkL.jpg


zfG9nhL.jpg
 
vanondemand said:
any recommendations for a economy basic trigger that is a drop in for the SLR?
Click to expand...

Most mil-spec triggers will work, but up until this year the receivers came with a trigger box that required some filing of the safety hole to make them work, they have since corrected this with a new fool proof trigger box of proper dimensions, seen above. If you have a receiver made in the first 1000 or so you may need to have it fitted by RDSC (their official licenced gunsmith)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom