AR Lower-Receiver Build: Trigger Guard Installation

by
posted on October 20, 2015
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

Charter Arms’ compact Bulldog
Charter Arms’ compact Bulldog

Handguns: Massive Bore

Big-bore carry guns are trending larger now, although Charter Arms’ compact Bulldog remains in production.

First Look: State-Compliant Kimber 2K11 Pistols

For those who live in capacity-restricted states.

NRA Annual Meeting 2025 Exhibition Floor Roundup

What we saw on the show floor in Atlanta.

When The Sights Are Right

You are a student of the handgun, diversified in many directions. You have shot Precision Pistol, Steel Challenge, IDPA, Bowling Pins and a few other informal disciplines. You are familiar with the textbook definition of sight picture, which you understand to be the alignment of the sights on a firearm in relation to a target as seen by the shooter.

First Look: NexTorch TA22 Penlight

A small rechargeable flashlight with three operating modes.

Review: Rock River Arms BT-2 Operator ATR

Ambidextrous operation, upgraded components and a mid-level price make this newest RRA rifle worth a look.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.