Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
AR Sponsor
9/20/2011 2:56:46 AM EDT
I'm a pistol shooter but I find myself wanting to build an AR.  Intended use is just fun/plinking.

Is there any advantage to a lower with the trigger guard machined into the lower instead of the traditional pinned guard?
9/20/2011 3:11:15 AM EDT
[#1]
The only advantage is that it is one less thing to install. That and it avoids any chance of breaking the ears off the lower while assembling it.
9/20/2011 3:33:54 AM EDT
[#2]
Really only two that I can think of....



1) Don't have to install one (and possibly break the ears off the lower)



2) Most I have seen are some variation of the "winter guard style" trigger guard so if you live in a cold climate and often wear gloves you don't have to worry about changing it to wear gloves and shoot because it's already machined into the lower.




9/20/2011 4:42:13 AM EDT
[#3]
Lube the roll pin and use the proper holder and punch to install...I have never broken the ears on a lower after a gazillion lower builds.
9/20/2011 4:53:33 AM EDT
[#4]
I'm in North Carolina so gloves are not a problem.  It seems that integral trigger guards are a lot more expensive and not many manufacturers make them.  It seems that it should be a little easier to make as you don't have to machine the ears.

Is there ever any reason to remove the guard after it is installed?
9/20/2011 6:05:12 AM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:


Is there ever any reason to remove the guard after it is installed?


If you have a straight guard and you have thick winter gloves on, you can fold it down. If you have the winter guard, well you shouldn't have to fold it down.
9/20/2011 6:27:29 AM EDT
[#6]
It really only gives you options (having the more traditional pinned guard) and most people expect
to have it.  It's personal choice, get whichever you prefer and can afford.
9/20/2011 7:31:10 AM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
It seems that integral trigger guards are a lot more expensive and not many manufacturers make them.  It seems that it should be a little easier to make as you don't have to machine the ears.

It's not the integral trigger guard that you are comparing. In reality you are comparing the two methods of manufacturing the AR receiver.
The integral trigger guard is almost always included with a receiver that is machined from solid stock (billet). A more expensive process.
The separate style trigger guard is a common feature with a forged receiver. The receiver is precision cast, then machined to specification, a more economical process.


Is there ever any reason to remove the guard after it is installed?

Usually the only time that you see them removed is when someone acquires a pre-built rifle that has the USGI (straight) trigger guard and wants a Magpul style trigger guard instead. The Magpul sweeps down and looks somewhat like the billet trigger guard.

AR Sponsor