When it comes to aftermarket AR triggers, there are numerous options. One of the categories some of these fall under are “Duty Grade” or “Enhanced Duty Grade”. I tend to lump everything in these categories into the “Enhanced Duty Grade” except the standard mil-spec trigger. That leads me to Triggertech coming out with their version of a Duty Trigger. Triggertech was kind enough to send me an AR Duty Trigger at the same time they sent the AR Diamond trigger.

Since this is a duty trigger, I opted for the curved shoe version. As you may know from previous reviews, I like a curved trigger. Triggertech does make the Duty version with their signature straight shoe also. Triggertech’s curved shoe is pretty close to the same width as a mil-spec trigger. But it feels narrower due to the ribs on the face of it. Because of this, the face is more radiused than the mil-spec trigger. However, the curve on the shoe seems to be the same as a mil-spec trigger. I really like the physical feel of the Triggertech curved shoe.

This Duty trigger has a few options available. I already discussed the shoe options, so those are taken care of. First, the Triggertech Duty comes in either a fixed 3.5 lb pull weight, or a 5.5 lb version. I opted for the 3.5 lb version as I like lighter pull weights, even in a duty trigger. Both of those pull weight options are also available in a single stage or two stage version. I opted for the single stage, which is just that, one pull and break. The two stage will have some light take-up before you hit the wall of the trigger pull and break. It’s really personal preference as to which one you go with.

The Triggertech Duty trigger comes as a cartridge style, drop in unit. This makes installation a snap. Triggertech used a different material for the Duty’s housing. They are using a EZAC diecast zinc. Here’s what I found on EZAC: “EZAC is a hot-chamber zinc die casting alloy with superior creep resistance, high yield strength, and high hardness.” So basically the housing should last a long, long time. The parts inside, that really matter, are made from 440C stainless. The trigger shoe is also PVD coated black. Drop-in triggers are my choice for trigger installs and not all “Duty” triggers are this way.

Since this Duty trigger is made by Triggertech, it inherits some of the technology from its higher end siblings. This means that you get the benefit of having their roller bearing between the trigger and sear. Big deal you say? Yes it is, because it removes the friction portion of a trigger pull. Rollers always beat friction, at least in my world. This makes the trigger have essentially no take up. At least on the single stage version. If you want to know more about Triggertech’s technology, you can check out their How-It-Works page. I think the only tech it doesn’t have is the CLKR adjustment, but that’s because it’s a fixed pull weight.

I will say, the Triggertech Duty has one of the best “duty” trigger pulls I have felt. There is no take up, just a crisp 0.050” break, with some overtravel. Here is where the trigger gets weird. If you dry fire the trigger, it has about 0.025” of overtravel. But when you cycle the action, after pulling the trigger and holding it (also during live fire), the trigger moves rearward another 0.050”, for a total overtravel of around 0.075”. This gives the Triggertech Duty trigger a 0.125” reset, or an ⅛”. This isn’t bad for a duty trigger, but it does make the trigger a little slower to shoot. Not in a bad way, just different. The clean break definitely makes up for the reset. Speaking of reset, it's pretty good. Not as strong as a mil-spec trigger, but better than the Triggertech Diamond line, at least in reset feel.

I ended up sticking the Triggertech Duty trigger in my Kaiser Blackbird. It was a great addition to the lightweight build. The trigger shoots very well in it. Double taps are fairly easy and quick for a duty style trigger. Bill Drills (6 shots) are a little slower due to the reset not being as short as non-duty triggers, but still manageable. Overall, the Duty trigger is still a great trigger in this category of AR triggers.

As I mentioned, the Triggertech AR Duty trigger is one of the best I have felt. I don’t think you can go wrong choosing this trigger, especially when you find out the MSRP is only $130 bucks. So if you want a good inexpensive trigger, or if you need an actual “Duty” grade trigger, go check out Triggertech’s version of a Duty trigger.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Duty style trigger with a great trigger pull

Target Market:

Close quarter engagement, harsh environments operations, law enforcement, military, 3 Gun

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

Traditional Curved trigger shoe
Trigger Action: Single-Stage
Zero Creep
TKR Technology
FLatwire spring
Creep: 0.000"
Overtravel: 0.060"
Reset: 0.070"
Reset Feel: Tactile mid force
Full Hammer Strike Force
EZAC Diecast drop in housing
Standard Mil-Spec Pin 0.154" (trigger pins not included)
Lifetime Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Straight shoe, two stage, 5.5 lb pull weights. AR9 and AR10 options

What others are saying?:

5 out 5 stars from Glenn P. at Brownells

Excellent trigger

Wanted a better trigger for my AR15 than the factory trigger. After an easy 5 minute swap the difference is night and day. Zero grit, creep. Consistent 3.5# pull and short crisp reset. Highly recommended for an upgrade to your rifle.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found as of publishing

Price point:

MSRP = $129.99

Retail = same at Brownells

I need it now! Availability:

TriggerTech or Brownells

Our Rating:

Pros:

Great trigger break
Decent reset
Drop in installation
Curved or straight shoe
Price

Cons:

Over Travel after bolt movement
Long reset

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link: Triggertech Diamond review

I am someone that is always looking for the newest and best AR trigger. I have found some that are pretty fantastic. Which leads me to the Triggertech AR Diamond Single stage trigger. The Diamond is Triggertech’s top of the line model and it shows. They were gracious enough to send me one for review, and I am glad they did.

For this particular review, I opted for the straight trigger shoe. Triggertech also has a curved option in the Diamond line, if that is your pleasure. I am known to like a curved trigger, but for a hi-performance trigger, I can get behind the straight options. The shoe is definitely straight and flat, but also has a tiny hook/knob at the foot. There are no sharp edges anywhere on the trigger, even if it looks like there would be. The trigger felt great to me, which surprised me since it has no texture on it and is super smooth. Part of that feel is in the trigger operation, but more on that later. Triggertech also puts a “TT” at the very top of the trigger, where it pivots. A nice touch to say whose trigger it is.

Let’s get into what makes the Triggertech Diamond single stage work so well. The most notable aspect to Triggertech triggers is their use of a roller between the sear and the trigger. They call this Frictionless release technology (FRT). This roller allows the trigger to not have any friction in the actual trigger pull. Most every other trigger on the market uses the friction between the sear and the trigger. You can definitely feel the difference because of the FRT, especially if you compare it to a standard friction trigger. They also use their TRK system to give you the shortest trigger pull possible. If you are curious about their other tech, check out their How-It-Works page.

Since the Diamond trigger is at the top of Triggertech’s lineup, it is adjustable. Triggertech states an adjustable pull from 1.5 lbs to 4.0 lbs. I can attest to these values, as I adjusted it all the way down and back up. To adjust the trigger pull weight, there is a set screw at the rear of the trigger housing. Turn clockwise to increase pull weight, and counterclockwise to decrease pull weight. This set screw also uses Triggertech’s Clicker technology. Essentially the set screw clicks every 2 oz of pull weight. The Clicker adjustment makes adjusting the pull weight super easy. I have mine set at 2 lbs and love it. The Diamond came set at 2.5 lbs on my trigger pull scale. It is definitely one of the easier triggers to adjust, due to that single adjustment screw.

For those wondering, the Triggertech Diamond is a drop in style trigger. This cartridge style makes installation easy. The cartridge is made from 7075 aluminum. Does it need to be this higher grade of aluminum? Probably not, but it does show quality. If you are worried about it wearing out, don’t. Even if it did, it’s covered by the lifetime warranty. One thing I wish that Triggertech included were anti-walk pins. Yes I can get them inexpensively, but in a top tier trigger, I think they should be included. I have criticized other companies for the same thing, even if it is kind of nitpicking.

Now for the really good stuff. The Triggertech Diamond has essentially zero take up or creep. Yes, I can’t perceive any, or measure it with the tools I have. There is also zero perceived over travel. You simply put your finger on the trigger and apply pressure. Then the trigger breaks with one of the cleanest breaks I have felt on an AR trigger. When I measured the total movement of the trigger, it measured at 0.050”. This was at the very bottom of the trigger shoe, so it is less as you move your finger up the trigger shoe. The trigger pull on the Triggertech Diamond is fantastic. Now comes my only complaint, and it’s minor. I would like the reset to be stronger. Triggertech calls it “tactile mid force”, which I think is a fair explanation. The reset works fine, even when shooting really fast, I just want a tactile high force reset. This trigger can be shot super fast if that’s what you want. If you like single stage triggers in a precision gun, it would do a fantastic job there too.

The Triggertech Diamond has impressed everyone that I let use it, even me. The Diamond is just that good. I did run it in a local match where it performed well. There were some rapid fire targets, and some small precise targets. The Diamond made it easy to do both and transition between them. When the sight was on target, I just touched the trigger and made decent hits. I attribute this to the consistent pull weight and lack of any trigger take up. The Triggertech Diamond is now in my top 2 triggers for an AR. The Diamond is a better all around trigger than my other top pick, which is more a speed trigger. The Diamond single stage can do everything an AR trigger should do, and it does it extremely well.

If you are looking for a great AR trigger, do not skip over looking into Triggertech. The Diamond AR single stage trigger does everything one could ask for. It works for precision shooting, as well as ultra fast shooting. I definitely place it in the best of the best category. If you want a top quality AR trigger, check out the AR Diamond from Triggertech.