Everything You Should Know About Binary Triggers
There are tons of modifications you can make to an AR 15, changing everything from the rifle trigger to the safety selector, handguard, and grip. One of the most talked about upgrades recently is known as a binary trigger, and it is unique among other choices because there is some controversy surrounding this piece of equipment. While binary triggers are growing in popularity, they still aren’t common and many people don’t understand how they work or what the purpose of installing one is. Thankfully, we’re here to help you navigate this area so that you can fully understand binary triggers and decide for yourself if you want to install one in your AR 15.
*Information is current as of 5/9/2024. The information here is not legal advice. Please refer to your local, state, and federal laws before purchasing or installing a binary trigger.
What Is a Binary Trigger?
A binary trigger is a type of rifle trigger that allows you to fire a semi-automatic firearm at an increased rate. This function is not to be confused with an auto sear that can turn a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic firearm, which is not legal unless you have the proper license. Instead, a binary trigger fires a round with two separate trigger actions. The first round is fired when you pull the trigger completely, while the second round is fired when you release the trigger and it resets. This is why binary triggers are sometimes called echo triggers or double tap triggers. This lets you fire a lot faster, as you are essentially doubling the fire rate. This can be particularly useful for law enforcement and tactical operations, as well as in shooting competitions where speed helps determine your overall score.
How Does a Binary Trigger Work?
To explain how a binary trigger works, it’s useful to understand how a standard rifle trigger works. Since binary triggers are often installed in AR 15s, this is the best place to start. A standard AR 15 trigger operates by using a sear. This is a small device that holds the hammer back. After applying a certain amount of pressure to the trigger, known as the trigger pull weight, the sear releases the hammer to strike the firing pin which strikes the primer on the round. This is the same process you’ll find in nearly all AR 15 triggers, as it is simple and allows for reliable shooting in a variety of situations.
In regard to binary triggers, they operate on a two sear system. This is where they get their name, as binary involves two numbers, 1 and 0, which signal on and off respectively. When you change the safety selector from safe or semi-automatic to the binary setting, it is ready to fire with both the trigger pull and release. As you pull the trigger and fire a round, the first sear works in the same way as a semi-automatic trigger. This process involves the disconnector stopping the hammer to prevent the gun from firing automatically. Then, before you release the trigger, the second sear automatically engages to grab the hammer and hold it again. When you do release the trigger, the second sear releases, starting the firing system over again. This is what allows a binary trigger to operate without being fully automatic, as firing a round requires a specific input from the shooter, whether that is pulling or releasing the trigger.
Can You Install a Binary Trigger Yourself?
Yes you can. Just like regular rifle triggers, if you are familiar with working on your firearm, the process of swapping out the trigger is fairly simple. This is especially true for AR 15s, as they are designed to be simple so that anyone can work on them, which is why they are so popular. Many AR15 triggers are designed as drop-in triggers, which is a reference to how they’re so easy to install you just drop them into the lower receiver and you’re ready to go. Essentially, most rifle triggers are designed to work similarly to this, as they are complete systems that don’t require much installation.
However, you should make sure that the trigger you purchase is designed for your firearm. For example, if you have an AR 15 chambered in .223, you shouldn’t get a binary trigger that is designed for an AR10, as the sizes and tolerances may not match. Instead, match the trigger with your firearm type for the best results. If you’re thinking about switching to a binary trigger, we have tons of gunsmithing tools to help, like receiver vice blocks and armorer’s wrenches, so that you can take down the weapon easily and keep it stable while you’re swapping the sensitive components.
Grab a Binary Trigger Today!
Our team at OpticsPlanet is proud to bring you all the gear and equipment you need for any situation. We have tons of rifle parts and AR 15 parts for you to choose from so that you can customize your favorite firearms to be as precise and reliable as possible. If you’re looking to improve your accuracy, check out our huge selection of red dot sights and rifle scopes.
