Polishing Mil Spec AR Trigger at Home: A Comprehensive Guide
Polishing a mil spec AR trigger at home can be a rewarding and cost-effective project. Whether you’re looking to enhance the feel of your firearm or simply want to learn more about the mechanics of your AR-15, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.
Understanding the Mil Spec AR Trigger
The mil spec AR trigger is a standard trigger used in many AR-15 rifles. It’s known for its crisp break and minimal overtravel, making it a favorite among shooters. Before you start polishing, it’s important to understand the components of the trigger and how they work together.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Trigger Bow | The main part of the trigger that is pulled to fire the gun. |
| Trigger Pivot Pin | Holds the trigger bow in place and allows it to pivot. |
| Trigger Spring | Pushes the trigger back into the firing position after it’s pulled. |
| Sear | Engages with the hammer to fire the gun when the trigger is pulled. |
These components work together to ensure a smooth and consistent trigger pull. Polishing the trigger can help reduce friction and improve the overall feel of the trigger pull.
Gathering Your Materials
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
- Trigger pull gauge
- Trigger pull kit (including a new trigger, hammer, and sear)
- Trigger polishing compound
- Microfiber cloth
- Trigger puller
- Hammer and sear installation tool
- Locking pliers
- Trigger spring compressor
Make sure you have a clean, well-lit workspace and all the necessary tools before you start.
Preparation
Start by removing the magazine and ensuring the firearm is unloaded. Place the firearm on a secure bench or table and remove the grip and magazine release. Next, remove the bolt carrier group and the firing pin.
Use the trigger pull gauge to measure the current trigger pull weight. This will help you determine if the trigger needs to be adjusted or replaced. If the trigger pull is too heavy or inconsistent, you may need to replace the trigger, hammer, and sear.
Removing the Old Trigger
Use the trigger puller to remove the trigger from the firearm. Once the trigger is removed, use the hammer and sear installation tool to remove the hammer and sear from the trigger bow.
Remove the trigger pivot pin and the trigger spring. Be sure to keep track of the orientation of the spring and pin for reassembly.
Polishing the Trigger
Apply a small amount of trigger polishing compound to a microfiber cloth. Gently rub the compound onto the trigger bow, focusing on the pivot pin area and the areas where the trigger bow contacts the hammer and sear.
Use a soft cloth to wipe away any excess compound. Continue polishing until the trigger bow is smooth and free of any burrs or rough spots.
Reassembly
Reassemble the trigger by reversing the steps you took to remove it. Be sure to apply a small amount of lubricant to the pivot pin and the trigger spring to reduce friction.
Install the new hammer and sear, and adjust the trigger pull weight if necessary. Use the trigger pull gauge to ensure the trigger pull is within the desired range.
Final Checks
After reassembly, perform a thorough inspection of the firearm to ensure all components are properly installed and functioning. Test-fire the firearm to verify that the trigger pull is smooth and consistent.
Polishing a mil spec AR trigger at home can be a challenging but rewarding project. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can improve the feel and performance of your firearm.
