AR Lower-Receiver Build: Trigger Guard Installation

by
posted on October 20, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dsc_0240.jpg
The necessary parts and tools are listed below:

Parts
Trigger Guard
Trigger Guard Roll Pin

Tools
Small hammer. (Plastic and brass-tipped preferred.)
4S Pin-holding starter punch (optional)
1/8-inch Roll-pin punch 1/8 inch pin punch (optional)
Bench block

The front of the trigger guard should have a spring-loaded detent already installed. Compress this and insert the trigger guard into the front, making sure the detent is on the same side as the hole. Put the receiver on a bench block to support it. A block of wood will work.

Alas, more dreaded roll-pin manipulation!
Use the roll pin-holding starter punch to start the roll pin, or hold it with needle nose pliers as you start it. It’s usually a tight fit and it’s easy to damage the end of the roll pin. It is easier to use a slave pin as you gently start the pin through the receiver and into the trigger guard. Carefully use the roll pin punch and hammer to drive the roll pin into the receiver. Check to see it is of equal depth on both sides.

Function Check
Depress the detent on trigger guard and make sure the trigger guard will pivot open. (The Blackhawk model I used had a second roll pin instead of a detent.)

An ideal choice for a hunting rifle, the Blackhawk Oversized Trigger Guard offers easy access for gloved fingers.
Unparsimonious Potential Upgrade
Despite its straight design and narrow opening the standard trigger guard will suffice under most conditions. But, when you consider my rifle is designed with hunting mind, the addition of Blackhawk’s AR-15 Oversized Trigger guard just makes better sense because it allows quicker access to the trigger with gloved hands.

The next entry will cover installing the buttstock.

Latest

shotgun ammo
shotgun ammo

Shotguns: A Couple Bucks

Should you consider other buckshot for your defensive shotgun?

New Suppressors for 2025

It’s never been easier to buy a suppressor, thanks to NRA’s ongoing efforts to remove them from the NFA.

First Look: Streamlight Sidewinder Compact III

A multi-fuel flashlight with 185-degree tilting head, different mounting options and a user-configurable LED.

First Look: Bushmaster Bravo Zulu Pistols

Available in either .223 Rem/5.56 NATO or .300 BLK.

IMNHO: We Ain't Gonna Make It

Some things sure have changed, and not necessarily for the better.

Review: Kimber 2K11 9mm Pistol

Kimber’s new entry into the 2011 market is sure to garner attention.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.