Introduction
Upgrading the trigger on your AR-15 is one of the most impactful modifications you can make. It directly influences accuracy, shot consistency, and, ultimately, the overall shooting experience. A crisp, clean trigger pull allows for more precise shot placement, faster follow-up shots, and a more enjoyable time at the range. This review dives deep into the PSA (Palmetto State Armory) EPT (Enhanced Polished Trigger), examining its features, performance, and value proposition to help you determine if it’s the right upgrade for your firearm.
The trigger, essentially, is the command center of your firearm’s firing mechanism. When you pull the trigger, you initiate a chain of events that culminates in the discharge of the round. A poorly designed or worn trigger can lead to issues like excessive creep, gritty pull, and unpredictable breaks, all detrimental to accuracy. Conversely, a well-designed trigger provides a smooth, predictable pull, making it easier to control your shots and achieve tighter groupings. Aftermarket triggers offer advantages like lighter pull weights, smoother actions, and faster resets compared to standard, often mass-produced, factory triggers.
Palmetto State Armory has established a strong reputation in the firearms community for providing high-quality components at affordable prices. They are known for their complete AR-15 builds, parts kits, and individual components, earning a loyal following among budget-conscious shooters and enthusiasts. The PSA EPT Trigger represents their attempt to offer a significant performance upgrade for AR-15 owners without demanding a premium price.
So, what exactly is the Enhanced Polished Trigger? The “Enhanced” part of the name suggests an improvement over a standard mil-spec trigger, while “Polished” hints at the key design feature: the friction-reducing polishing process. PSA meticulously polishes key contact surfaces of the trigger components. This refinement reduces friction, resulting in a significantly smoother and crisper pull compared to a typical factory trigger.
Key Features
Construction
Construction often employs robust materials. Typically, the trigger, hammer, and disconnector are crafted from hardened steel, ensuring durability and longevity. The specific type of steel utilized can vary, but commonly includes materials chosen for their resilience against wear and tear from repeated firing and hammer strikes.
Finish
The finish is a crucial element. The PSA EPT generally features a protective coating applied to the steel components. This finish isn’t just for aesthetics; it significantly enhances the trigger’s performance. Coatings like nickel boron are frequently used. Nickel boron provides a slick, low-friction surface that further reduces friction and contributes to the smooth pull and reset. The type of finish used also contributes to the overall corrosion resistance of the trigger, protecting it from environmental factors.
Trigger Pull Weight
The trigger pull weight is an important consideration. The PSA EPT typically aims for a pull weight in the range that is often lighter than standard military-specification triggers. This lighter pull, often around five to six pounds, makes it easier to control the shot and maintain accuracy, particularly during rapid firing sequences. The reduced weight contributes directly to the improved shooting experience and is a key benefit for shooters of all skill levels.
Components
The components that comprise the trigger system are critical to understand. The main parts include the trigger itself (the part you pull), the hammer (which strikes the firing pin), the disconnector (which prevents the hammer from following the bolt back down), the springs (which provide the necessary force for the trigger and hammer action), and the various pins that hold everything together. All of these components are designed to work together harmoniously to create a reliable and consistent firing mechanism.
Compatibility
Compatibility is usually a non-issue with the PSA EPT. The trigger is designed to be compatible with standard AR-15 platforms and most AR-15 lower receivers. Installation is typically straightforward and requires no special gunsmithing skills or specialized tools.
Price and Value
Now, let’s consider the value proposition. The PSA EPT, when compared to the market of aftermarket triggers, is competitively priced. It often falls within a price range that makes it very appealing to shooters looking for a performance upgrade without spending a fortune. Considering the improved trigger feel, the potential for enhanced accuracy, and the ease of installation, the PSA EPT offers exceptional value for its cost. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a noticeable improvement without breaking the bank.
Installation Process
The installation process is generally very manageable for anyone with a basic understanding of AR-15 mechanics. While specific instructions are often provided by PSA, the process generally involves the following steps. First, ensure your firearm is unloaded and safe. Remove the original trigger components from your lower receiver. This typically involves driving out the trigger and hammer pins. Next, install the new trigger, hammer, disconnector, and springs, making sure everything aligns correctly. Finally, re-insert the trigger and hammer pins.
While often straightforward, safety must always be a priority. Always double-check that your firearm is unloaded and the magazine is removed before beginning any work. Follow all safety precautions outlined in the manufacturer’s instructions. It is often advisable to watch video tutorials for assistance as you go, to make sure you’re properly replacing parts.
Performance and Testing
Subjective Assessment
When it comes to performance, a trigger’s feel is subjective, but the benefits are quantifiable. The pull should feel smooth. You should experience minimal creep before the break. The break should be crisp and clean, allowing for a predictable shot release. The reset—the distance the trigger travels forward after the shot—should be short and positive, allowing for rapid follow-up shots. The PSA EPT generally excels in these areas, offering a noticeably improved feel compared to a standard trigger. Shooters often report a much smoother and crisper trigger pull than they’re used to with stock triggers.
Objective Testing
While subjective impressions are valuable, objective testing provides concrete data. Measuring the trigger pull weight with a trigger pull gauge confirms the approximate weight as advertised. Further, shooting groups at a fixed distance can reveal whether the upgraded trigger contributes to improved accuracy. Tighter groupings, as indicated by smaller shot spreads, suggest an enhancement in overall precision.
Reliability
Reliability is a paramount concern. Over extended periods of use, the trigger should function flawlessly, cycling through each round without malfunctions. Rigorous testing, including firing hundreds of rounds, will help determine the trigger’s robustness and dependability. Any failures, such as light primer strikes or failures to reset, would indicate potential issues.
Comparison
It is always useful to compare the trigger to competitors. When compared to standard triggers, the PSA EPT tends to demonstrate a significant improvement in feel and performance. It can also compete with other aftermarket triggers within its price range, delivering excellent value. The specific features of the EPT make it an excellent option for shooters seeking a good blend of price and quality.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The pros of choosing the PSA EPT are numerous. First and foremost, is the improved trigger feel. The polished surfaces and smoother action translate to a much more enjoyable and precise shooting experience. This improved feel often directly translates into enhanced accuracy potential, allowing shooters to achieve tighter groupings and improve their overall shot placement. The ease of installation is another major advantage. The simple drop-in design means that most AR-15 owners can install the trigger with minimal effort and without needing any specialized gunsmithing knowledge. For the price, the trigger offers exceptional value. You’re getting a significant upgrade in performance without making a huge dent in your budget. Finally, the trigger’s design and materials generally lead to robust durability, making it an investment that will last.
Cons
While the PSA EPT is an excellent choice, it’s not perfect, and there are a few considerations. While it is generally reliable, there is a small chance of experiencing light primer strikes, particularly if combined with excessively hard primers. This is less of an issue with modern ammunition, but it is something to keep in mind. Also, while the trigger is a great upgrade, it might not be the best option for serious competitive shooters. Other high-end triggers, which cost more, can provide even lighter pull weights and crisper breaks. These options can lead to a very slight competitive edge, but come with a higher price tag.
User Experience
User feedback is overwhelmingly positive for the PSA EPT. Shooters consistently praise the improved trigger feel, the ease of installation, and the overall value. Many report a significant improvement in accuracy after the upgrade. Some common praises include a smoother pull, a cleaner break, and a noticeable reduction in trigger creep. Users from various shooting forums and online retailers frequently recommend the PSA EPT as a budget-friendly but effective upgrade.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the PSA EPT Trigger is a worthwhile upgrade for any AR-15 owner looking to improve their rifle’s performance without spending a fortune. Its enhanced polished design delivers a noticeably smoother and crisper trigger pull compared to standard factory triggers. The easy installation and robust construction make it an excellent choice for shooters of all skill levels. The value proposition is exceptional, making it a popular choice among the AR-15 community.
The PSA EPT is ideally suited for recreational shooters, home defense applications, and those looking to improve their overall shooting experience. It is an excellent upgrade that should enhance your ability to shoot accurately.
If you are looking to upgrade your AR-15’s trigger and are looking for a balance of performance, ease of installation, and affordability, the PSA EPT Trigger is a compelling choice.
