What if my trigger won't reset?

Introduction

If your trigger isn't resetting properly after firing, this guide provides step-by-step troubleshooting to identify and resolve the issue. Always ensure firearm safety: unload the rifle, point it in a safe direction, and comply with local laws. If unsure, consult a gunsmith.

Step 1: Identify Your AR Platform and Trigger Model

The most common cause of reset failures is using the wrong trigger for your platform, such as an AR-15 trigger in an AR-10, due to differences in bolt height tolerances.

• Determine Your AR Frame Size:

  • Small Frame (AR-15): Chambered in 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington; tighter BCG tolerances.
    
    
  • Large Frame (AR-10): Chambered in .308 Winchester/6.5 Creedmoor; requires compatible triggers for larger BCGs.
    
    
  • PCC (AR-9): 9mm or similar; blowback systems need specific triggers for recoil and bolt design. 

• Identify Your American Trigger Corp Model: Model identification focuses on hammer height, which varies by platform for proper reset. Check your order receipt for the specific variant (e.g., AR Gold for AR-15 vs. AR-10). If unsure, email a side-profile photo of the trigger hammer to argold@americantrigger.com—we can identify it based on height and shape.

Step 2: Verify Compatibility Between Trigger and Platform

• Confirm the trigger's hammer height matches your platform's bolt tolerances. For instance, an AR-15 trigger in an AR-10 often fails to reset because the bolt doesn't fully cock the hammer.
• For AR-9s, it's essential to make sure it is the correct trigger. There are a lot of variations in bolt heights with this platform. In rare cases, we have to change the hammer height because of the manufacturer's tolerances.
  

  The AR Gold PCC Trigger has been thoroughly tested with a multitude of different PCC combinations. Please note that despite this extensive testing, there are rifles that have mixed results with fitment.

  To identify compatibility with your bolt and our PCC AR Gold trigger, please go to our PCC Bolt Identification page.

• Solution: Reference your receipt or our product pages. If mismatched, contact us for the correct model. We do have a hammer swap service.

Step 3: Check Installation and Overall Assembly

Our triggers are drop-in assemblies—do not disassemble them, as this voids the warranty and may cause damage. Instead, verify proper installation:

• Remove the upper receiver and inspect the trigger module in the lower: Ensure it's fully seated, pins are secure (.154 size, included if custom), and no debris interferes.
• Dry-fire test with snap caps: Cycle the charging handle and check if the trigger resets audibly and tactilely.
• If issues persist, avoid further tampering—send the trigger to us for inspection.

Step 4: Inspect for Dirt, Damage, or Wear

• Clean the BCG, chamber, and exterior of the trigger module. Fouling can prevent full cycling and reset.
• Check for visible wear, bends, or burrs on external parts (e.g., hammer or disconnector engagement points). Do not polish or alter—contact support.
• Apply light lubrication to contact points, but avoid excess to prevent attracting dirt.

Step 5: Evaluate Ammunition and Cycling Issues

Reset requires full bolt travel to cock the hammer and engage the disconnector.

• Ammunition: Underpowered loads (e.g., light or subsonic) may not cycle fully, especially suppressed. Test with standard factory ammo.
• Gas/Buffer System: Undergassing or wrong buffer weight causes short-stroking. Adjust gas block or test different buffers.
• Other: Weak recoil spring or dirty bolt. Manually rack—if it resets, focus on cycling.

Additional Tips and When to Seek Help

• If unresolved, email argold@americantrigger.com with platform details, model, photos of the hammer, and issue description/videos. Visit https://americantrigger.com/support/ to fill out a form to get additional support, or information on how to send your trigger to us for inspection.

Following these steps should resolve most reset issues efficiently. Safe shooting!