M14 / M1A triggers - Norc vs. USGI vs. Sprigfield?

The Baron

The Baron

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I mentioned Norc just to acknowledge their existence, knowing full well they're not (as far as I have read or felt with my finger) of the same quality as a Springfield or USGI trigger group. But for those last two, what really are the differences, if any? The USGI triggers seem to command a hgher price and this implies some kind of benefit. But are the USGI/Springfield trigger groups comparable or is there an advantage or quality difference on one vs. the other?

What would consitute the "ultimitate" M14 trigger? Starting parts, springs, 'smithing...?
 
I think (this is just my opinion) that the USGI stuff commands a higher price because it was made to military specs - the springfield stuff might very well be close, or even right there, but it isn't necessarily a "requirement" whereas USGI stuff MUST be. At the end of the day, you can (or someone who knows how can) work a trigger group to feel pretty darned good. I think even a norinco one can often be worked to feel nice, though it would take a lot of work to get it up to top notch. a US one (springfield or USGI) is a better place to start imo.
 
USGI parts adhere to military spec tolerances both in hardness and dimension.
ALL others DO NOT
Met plenty of shoddy springfield (SAI) trigger groups including a few of their supposed NM assemblies..... I'll pass thanx
Norinco, well, they are what they are... Not usgi LOL
Smith enterprise has done some fantastic work around the M14 trigger, but holy shiznit are they pricey! Worth it?
One man's opinion anyways...
 
45ACPKING said:
USGI parts adhere to military spec tolerances both in hardness and dimension.
ALL others DO NOT
Met plenty of shoddy springfield (SAI) trigger groups including a few of their supposed NM assemblies..... I'll pass thanx
Norinco, well, they are what they are... Not usgi LOL
Smith enterprise has done some fantastic work around the M14 trigger, but holy shiznit are they pricey! Worth it?
One man's opinion anyways...
Click to expand...

Makes sense... I've heard a lot of good and bad about springfield...

Would you say they could generally be "worked" to be a great trigger... or just not worth the risk?

By the way... mad props on using the term "shiznit"! I haven't heard that word in many years... brings back memories!
 
krprice84 said:
Makes sense... I've heard a lot of good and bad about springfield...

Would you say they could generally be "worked" to be a great trigger... or just not worth the risk?

By the way... mad props on using the term "shiznit"! I haven't heard that word in many years... brings back memories!
Click to expand...
Replaced a Norinco hammer and trigger for a buddy of mine that was so crooked you could see it without glasses or a magnifying glass....I am still using my Norinco trigger group on my upgraded rifle, and after 2000 rounds it is still working quite well, worked it over with grinding compound until it showed contact on both sides of the sear and it works very well.
My M1A LOADED needed the same treatment as it was only contacting on one side also, so I wouldn't consider the M1A trigger to be better than the Norinco in this case.(niether one seems to be "better" in terms of how it breaks)......but guess which one cost me more?(I bought USGI trigger parts for both so when they fail I can rebuild them)
Rodney
 
The ultimate trigger would be any with the SEI max pack treatment, I have two USGI (HRA's) with the SEI max pack treatment and they are a world of difference! So clean and predictable, actually rivals a lot of target triggers of used. To bad one trigger group is worth more then a norc or poly rifle.
 
I did alittle polishing and cut the spring on mine (2 rings i think, cant remember for sure) and its still that long pull but its about 3 pounds lighter than stock and very smooth. like krprice said, at the the end of the day if you tune them, they all can perform the same. longevity might differ from one to the other tho.
 
glockgrouptherapy said:
I did alittle polishing and cut the spring on mine (2 rings i think, cant remember for sure) and its still that long pull but its about 3 pounds lighter than stock and very smooth. like krprice said, at the the end of the day if you tune them, they all can perform the same. longevity might differ from one to the other tho.
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i wonder about "the same".

i have no doubts that a norc trigger can be tuned to perform 'well' but to say it could be 'as good' as a good USGI trigger, that might be a stretch.

i think what might be MORE important, however, is the fact that you never know what you're gonna get with norc triggers (and a box of chocolates)... one might be great, the other might be horrible. i've seen one in person where the trigger sear piece is so tilted you can plainly see it with your eye, and so bad that it's clear the right front hook is not even engaged one iota... bad mojo there
 
All your observations are valid. Some Norc triggers are goofy and canted, some work really well. And that's why I'm always warning you guys, just smooth them up with grease. Don't try taking them apart since them out-of-round pins may cause havoc. :cool:

There is a reason some of us hoard USGI parts, and many of you on the journey are learning why. They command a premium price is this day and age of goofy Norcs for $400. Fortunately few of us are deploying overseas with any M14 platform(s) these days so it's all good for horsing around. Mind you at the 2 days clinics like in Petawawa or Dundurn or Milcun, I've never seen the Norc TG units fail to operate, but time will tell I guess. :eek:

Like anything else in this world, one gets what one pays for! :)

Cheers and keep helping them nooobs out there!

Barney
 
I had Smith Enterprise work their magic on one all TRW, and one all Poly Tech trigger group.
You can not tell them apart by shooting with them. They are both that good.
 
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