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Posted: 5/29/2012 4:18:53 PM EDT
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In all my years of owning AR's, I have never installed a trigger, or completely built a lower. Just how it worked out. I have always managed to find complete lowers or rifles/carbines when buying.
Almost decided a few times to buy a stripped lower and assemble it, but for whatever reason, I didnt. I now have a Spikes Tactical lower that I have a form 1 going on and it will be my SBR host. As much as I like the trigger that came in it, for a combat/GP style trigger, I want the best trigger available in this lower now, since it will wear various uppers, including precision uppers. To me, the best all around trigger is the one that was in my OBR. The Geisselle SSA. So, I added one to one of my Larue orders a few orders back. It is sitting on my bench, just waiting on me. Having never installed a trigger in an AR, and strongly desiring that it is installed perfectly, I am a little apprehensive. I have watched the video of Mr. Geisselle installing one, and am going to watch again. It doesnt look terribly difficult, but it is not exactly crystal clear in my mind, as far as exactly how it goes in and making sure it is 100% perfect. Any tips before I get started? Any obscure tools that will make getting it "just so" easier to accomplish? |
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Quoted:
The hammer can be kind of tough. A pin punch to keep holes aligned can help. Also holding the hammer back to almost cocked as you put the pin in. Thanks. Noted. There are multiple videos floating around of the install. Do any of you know of one or more that is/are better than others? As far as just being clear and concise with the instructions? |
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I recommend Delrin pin pushers.
They do the job (slave and push out) without marking the finish. Pin pushers |
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Quoted:
I recommend Delrin pin pushers. They do the job (slave and push out) without marking the finish. Pin pushers Was hoping not to have to buy anything else, lol. Am hoping to find a better video than the one from Geisselle. He did a good job narrating, but didnt zoom in much to actually allow me to see what happens. |
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I built my first AR from scratch with a SSA-E, so I don't have experience with removing the original fcg, but the install was not overly difficult. Like stated above, compressing the hammer spring to get it started can be kinda tough, but it comes with a slave pin for the trigger so no need to buy a delrin one. Not sure if using a punch would help a whole lot to install the hammer.
Edit: I used a magazine block in a vice to install, so I'm not sure about the method in the Gisselle video. I did watch the videos 2 times before I put it in |
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Hey JMT, I'd say on difficulty, it rates a 5 out of a 10 scale. I installed a Geisele SSA trigger. Take your time and use the right tools. Hell, if I can do it, you can too.  LOL, I hear you man. You are probably dead on, but until I actually do it, I will fret about it. Just how I am 
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I had never done any work on an AR except for breaking them down to clean when I installed my first SSA-E. I watched the video from Geissele, and from there, all it took was me and a pin punch to get the job done perfectly in about 15 minutes.
I've now installed three Geissele's, and am about to finish my first complete build. I'll always remember my first SSA-E as my first work on an AR. |
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Like you I knew I wanted an SSA, but was a bit tentative about the install. I watched the same video as you and ordered the SSA. I got it, watch the install video again (and again) and decided to just do it myself.
Due to my noobness, I sat down and looked over the FCG. Made sure I understood all the parts and how they worked and fit together. I definitely over thought it! About 30 minutes later I was the proud installer of a new SSA. It would of taken me less time, but I cleaned out the FCG well and old trigger. #1: Use the slave pin. It helps keep the disconnector and trigger aligned. #2: Make sure the selector is in the fire position when you install the hammer. After I installed the trigger, I checked my selector to make sure it worked and I forgot to put it back to the fire position. I had a bitch of a time aligning the hammer. I referred to the video and notice my selector was in the safe position. Once I moved her into the fire position, it was easier to line up the holes for the hammer. I still had to fanangle the hammer a bit, but once the holes were lined up she went together. I did have to LIGHTLY tap the hammer pin home though. Mr. Geissele is right...just take your time and make sure you line everything up. Don't force anything. Other than that, you'll be GTG. Just do it! Once you're done you'll be really proud of your work...as easy as it was! I'd wish you good luck, but you don't need it! ETA... #3: When I got my SSA the hammer spring was on backward. Compare it to your old hammer. #4: Hammer springs legs on top of the trigger pin. |
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The Geissele tool that comes with the Hi-Speed triggers is a god send. Not that the installation is particularly hard without it, but the tool makes it the easiest part of the lower assembly.
It is a 3-ish inch rod the diameter of the trigger and hammer pins with a wooden ball/handle on the end. You start the tool in the hole, line up the trigger and DC, bump the tool through to hold them, then use the Geissele pin to drive out the tool. Same with the hammer. I can't find any source for just the tool, but you could repurpose something else to do the same thing. |
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Quoted:
Is there any difference between a standard and the Geisselle trigger set for install? Nick No significant difference that I've found. They are just as easy to install as a mil spec single stage trigger; easier, in fact, with the slave pin to keep the disconnector in place. Once you've swapped or installed a few FCGs, it gets easier to remember some of the little tricks to make things fit. |
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