So you want to run a Pistol Caliber Carbine? There are a few key bits of information that you will want to take into account before doing so. The biggest is choosing a trigger. Because of the nature of the beast your standard drop in triggers are not going to hold up to the torture the blow back operation is going to dish out. Blow back operation relies solely on the explosive force to not only send the round downrange but to send the bolt to the rear as well. In addition to the extra force exerted in a pistol caliber carbine the Bolt has extra mass as well. This essentially acts like a giant hammer pounding on the trigger components with every round fired. The Direct Gas Impingement operation of a standard AR is a kitten compared to blow back. In a Direct inpingement system propellant gas is bled through a small hole located in the barrel, which is then channeled through a very small tube where it can proceed to directly contact (or impinge) the bolt carrier mechanism and cycle the action. This significantly softens the blow felt by internals during firing.
These forces are most likely what caused this PCC to fail during a match.
So that begs the question what triggers work? Which ones are the best? Here are the best choices we have found to work for PCC.
Armageddon Gear Revolution Trigger
Armageddon Gear Revolution Trigger
Along with the Revolution Trigger, this fire control package includes the JP Speed Hammer for reduced lock time and the adjustable, JP Adjustable/Reversible Safety Selector ensuring perfect safety function regardless of hole position in your lower receiver and also JP Anti-Walk Pins for a precise relationship between the fire control components. The result is a match-level release that breaks like the proverbial glass rod at about 3.5 lbs. (or greater, depending on your requirements and spring selection).
This is the only trigger that did not experience a failure at the Lucas Oil PCC Championship that members of the Tactical Shit shooting team attended a few months back. Its no surprise as anything that JP makes seems to hit the nail on the head. Like most of their other products this trigger is built with the quality they are known for.
Rise Armament -535 ADVANCED-PERFORMANCE TRIGGER
Rise Armament -535 ADVANCED-PERFORMANCE TRIGGER
With a crazy-fast reset, nearly nonexistent over-travel, and a smoother, crisper, lighter trigger pull, the RA-535 Advanced Performance Trigger (APT) helps you fire more quickly and accurately. The single-stage trigger group is easy to install.
According to one of our staff here at tactical shit this trigger has fired thousands of rounds out of a PCC and has not experienced one failure. This does not come as a surprise though as Rise Armament manufactures and assembles in accordance with strict AS9100 aerospace requirements, which are more stringent than standard gun manufacturing requirements. Additionally All Rise Armament triggers are precision CNC machined from high-grade, heat-treated tool steel and aluminum meaning only strong quality parts are found in these triggers.
Geissele Super Dynamic 3 gun
The Geissele Super Dynamic 3 Gun (SD-3G) Trigger is based on the S3G Trigger. Like the S3G, the SD-3G has a shortened pull length and a lightning-quick reset to give it a unique, hybrid trigger pull that is a cross between a traditional two-stage and single-stage trigger while still retaining the safety and robustness of a two-stage combat trigger. The SD-3G’s flat trigger bow further enhances the trigger’s performance by reducing the perceived pull weight and improving the trigger’s tactile feedback to the operator making it ideally suited for 3 Gun competition shooting.
Geissele triggers have ran no matter what I throw them into. I’ve never had any issues as a result of a geissele trigger and they are built tough and run quick which makes them a perfect candidate for a pcc build.
HIPERTOUCH® 24COMPETITION FIRE-CONTROL (DROP-IN TRIGGER)
The HIPERTOUCH 24C is the competition version of HIPERFIRE’s line of drop-in fire control groups for AR-15 and AR-308 rifles. The name, HIPERTOUCH 24C is a portmanteau of High Performance Touch, while 24 indicates user adjustable trigger weights and finally, C for competition. Built for durability and a long range of adjustments this would also be a great option for a PCC build!