The PSA (Palmetto State Armory) Enhanced Polished Trigger is a popular upgrade for AR-15 platforms, offering a significant improvement over the standard mil-spec trigger. This guide dives deep into its features, benefits, installation, and potential drawbacks, providing you with all the information you need to decide if it's the right trigger for you.
What Makes the PSA Enhanced Polished Trigger Stand Out?
The PSA Enhanced Polished Trigger distinguishes itself through several key features:
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Polished Components: The trigger, hammer, and disconnector are all polished, resulting in a smoother, lighter trigger pull. This reduces friction and contributes to a more consistent and predictable trigger break.
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Improved Geometry: PSA has refined the geometry of the trigger components for optimized function and feel. This often translates to a crisper break and reduced overtravel.
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Enhanced Reliability: While not explicitly advertised as such, the enhanced polish and geometry improvements contribute to overall reliability, minimizing potential malfunctions related to trigger function.
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Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to high-end aftermarket triggers, the PSA Enhanced Polished Trigger offers a compelling value proposition, making significant improvements at a more affordable price point.
Benefits of Upgrading to the PSA Enhanced Polished Trigger
Switching from a standard mil-spec trigger to the PSA Enhanced Polished Trigger offers numerous advantages for both experienced shooters and those new to AR-15 platforms:
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Smoother Trigger Pull: The polished components drastically reduce friction, leading to a smoother, more consistent trigger pull. This is crucial for accuracy and quicker target acquisition.
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Lighter Trigger Pull: While not drastically lighter than a mil-spec trigger, the reduced friction contributes to a slightly lighter pull weight, improving overall shooting comfort and control.
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Crisper Break: The improved geometry results in a crisper, more defined trigger break, making shots more precise and less prone to errors.
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Reduced Creep: Many users report a noticeable reduction in trigger creep (the gradual movement before the trigger breaks), contributing to a more predictable shot.
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Improved Accuracy: The combination of a smoother, lighter, and crisper trigger leads to improved overall accuracy, especially at longer ranges.
Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide (General Instructions)
While specific steps may vary slightly depending on your firearm model, the general process for installing an AR-15 trigger is relatively straightforward. However, it's crucial to emphasize that working with firearms requires caution and familiarity with safe gun handling practices. If you're unfamiliar with AR-15 disassembly, seek assistance from a qualified gunsmith. Always ensure the firearm is unloaded and clear before beginning any work. Generic instructions usually involve these steps:
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Safe Disassembly: Follow proper safety procedures to disassemble your lower receiver. This typically involves removing the lower parts pin and carefully separating the lower receiver from the upper receiver.
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Trigger Removal: Carefully remove the existing trigger components (trigger, hammer, disconnector, and trigger pin).
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Installation of New Trigger: Install the new PSA Enhanced Polished Trigger components, ensuring they're correctly seated and aligned.
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Reassembly: Carefully reassemble the lower receiver, ensuring all parts are properly installed.
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Functionality Check: Before using your firearm, perform a thorough function check to ensure the trigger operates correctly and safely.
Disclaimer: These are general instructions; consult your firearm's manual and/or a qualified gunsmith for detailed, model-specific guidance. Incorrect installation can result in malfunctions or even injury.
Potential Drawbacks
While the PSA Enhanced Polished Trigger offers many advantages, it's important to be aware of potential drawbacks:
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Slightly Increased Cost: While affordable compared to premium triggers, it still represents an upgrade cost compared to using the standard mil-spec trigger.
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Not Drop-In for All Platforms: While designed for most standard AR-15 platforms, minor fitting issues may arise in rare cases due to variations in manufacturing tolerances.
Conclusion
The PSA Enhanced Polished Trigger is an excellent upgrade for AR-15 owners seeking to improve their shooting experience without breaking the bank. Its polished components, improved geometry, and relatively easy installation make it a popular choice among both novice and experienced shooters. However, remember to prioritize safety and, when in doubt, consult a qualified gunsmith.
