As you might suspect after reading our other AR-15-centric articles, we’re big fans of the platform. By design, they’re one of the most adaptable rifle platforms ever created, as nearly every AR component can be swapped out, allowing for complete user customization. Due to this, the AR-15 is the rifle of choice for many, simply because it can be set up for a multitude of applications.
While there are a lot of key components to consider when planning out your next build, one that often gets overlooked until the end is the trigger guard. This simple component plays a critical role, serving as a protective barrier around the trigger, preventing unintentional discharges from snagging on protruding gear or environmental hazards.
Although the standard mil-spec trigger guard found in most lower kits is a solid choice, there are a plethora of aftermarket options to pick from too, each of which offers their own distinct advantages
What is an AR-15 Trigger Guard?
As we mentioned above, a trigger guard is a simple, yet essential component designed to act as a shield for your trigger. Installed directly under the trigger, they fill in the open space of the bottom of the trigger well, closing it off to keep it protected. Although all trigger guards fulfill the same purpose, their respective designs can vary quite heavily depending on the manufacturer.
Ergonomics and Aesthetics
Ergonomically, there isn’t anything inherently wrong with mil-spec trigger guards, but they can leave something to be desired in terms of the amount of space they provide. Mil-spec trigger guards are simple in design, but their flat design doesn’t add much space to the inside of your trigger well. While functional, if you’re wearing shooting gloves with any extra padding or insulation, the lack of space within the trigger well can prevent you from adequately using your trigger.
To solve issues like this, most, if not all, aftermarket AR-15 trigger guard options have a curved bar design, allowing for more internal space within the trigger well. Additionally, aftermarket options are beholden to mil-spec material restrictions, so they can be made to different specs with varied materials like polymer and specialized billet aluminum. Lastly, while not as important as the functionality they add to your rifle, aesthetically speaking, they go a long way in tying your build’s look together.
Compatibility with different AR-15 Lowers
The AR-15 is renowned for its parts interchangeability, but not every AR-15 lower is created equal. For instance, not every lower receiver is designed to accept different trigger guards, with there being both billet and forged options available with integral trigger guards.
Popular billet lower receivers like the American Defense UIC and Radian Weapons A-DAC lowers, as well as select forged options like Aero Precision M4E1 lower receiver all come with a built-in trigger guard. As such, it’s impossible to swap out. So long as you’re running a mil-spec receiver, or one that accepts mil-spec trigger guards, you’ll be able to spring for just about any aftermarket trigger guard with no issues. Still, we recommend double-checking your lower’s compatibility with aftermarket components to make sure everything will fit on your build.
Popular AR-15 Trigger Guard Brands
Being one of the most popular rifle platforms ever created, the AR-15 has one of the largest parts aftermarkets available. So, naturally, there are a vast assortment of brands making specialized trigger guards for the platform. Below are some of the most popular to help you get started in your search:
Magpul
Magpul is easily one of the most recognizable manufacturers of aftermarket AR-15 parts and components, known primarily for their handguards, stocks, and grips. In addition to these, they also offer an assortment of trigger guards too.
Currently, Magpul offers two distinct trigger guard options made from polymer and aluminum. Both options incorporate a shallow V-shaped curve design to maximize the amount of room inside the trigger well, allowing for easy access to the trigger while wearing gloves. Additionally, the polymer models are available in an assortment of color options such as black, FDE, OD Green, and Stealth Gray, while their aluminum model is currently only available in a black finish. Either way, both are incredibly budget friendly, with their polymer and aluminum options costing around $10 and $20, respectively.
Bravo Company Manufacturing
Bravo Company Manufacturing, better known as just BCM, is another highly regarded brand in the firearm industry, known for their top-tier rifle and parts. Their lineup, of course, includes a selection of enhanced trigger guards.
Much like Magpul’s trigger guard options, BCM’s Mod 0 Trigger Guards are made from high strength polymer and feature a curved contour to maximize the internal space of your rifle’s trigger well. These trigger guards are available in an assortment of colors, including black, FDE, Foliage Green, and Wolf Gray. Additionally, they’re also incredibly budget-friendly, with each model commonly being priced around $7.
Geissele Automatics
Getting their start as an aftermarket trigger manufacturer, Geissele Automatics has risen to fame as one of the most well-known brands in the firearm industry, renowned for their wide range of top-tier AR-15 rifles and components. Amongst their expansive lineup, they offer a wide array of lower parts, including their Ultra Precision 5 Axis Trigger Guard.
Constructed from 7075-T6 aluminum, this trigger guard is designed to be both an ergonomic and aesthetic upgrade for your rifle. The Ultra Precision 5 Axis Trigger Guard uses a snag-free, curved design to maximize trigger well space, and it also has a unique texture on the bottom facing, adding some aesthetic flare to the trigger guard. Being a more premium option, they’re typically priced around $35 to $40 and are available in either a black or Desert Dirt anodized finish.
Strike Industries
Strike Industries has quickly risen to popularity in recent years for their vast assortment of unique components for AR-15s and other rifles. Their lineup consists of everything from enhanced safety selectors and charging handles to specialized handguard systems and trigger guards. Currently, they offer three distinct trigger guard options: PolyFlex, Fang, and Cobra.
PolyFlex trigger guards are their most budget friendly options with the simplest design. Made from polymer, they are designed with gloved shooting in mind, and come with built-in finger rests—plus, it even has tool-less installation, making it an easy upgrade fit for all budgets with it coming in at just under $10.
Their Fang trigger guard has a unique design with a ‘fang’ that protrudes out from the bottom of the guard, providing a solid surface to help guide the magazine in place when reloading. Currently, it’s available in both a polymer and aluminum configuration, which typically cost around $12 to $20, respectively.
Lastly, their Cobra trigger guard is one of the more unique options available. It retains the ‘fang’ protrusion from the earlier possibility, but it also comes with extended wings on the side, reminiscent of a King Cobra’s hood (hence the name). These wings serve as an index point for your trigger finger, allowing you to rest your finger on it when you aren’t firing your rifle. Available in an assortment of color options, they’re typically priced around the $25 to $30 mark.
Installing your AR-15 Trigger Guard
Once you’ve chosen a trigger guard for your build, you’ll need to install it. Fortunately, trigger guards are some of the easiest components to install on your rifle, requiring minimal tooling. While you can easily install them with basic hand tools, a good AR-15 punch set goes a long way to streamline the process.
Still, if you’re new to building/upgrading AR-15s, swapping parts can be a bit daunting, as there are a lot of little parts to keep up with like detents in springs. Before starting your installation, we recommend looking at our guide, “How to Assemble an AR-15 Lower”. It provides a lot of insights into what’s needed before getting started, and it also provides a step-by-step guide on how to install every component, including the trigger guard.
Conclusion
The trigger guard on your AR-15 is more important than you might think, serving as shield of sorts to keep your trigger protected from any protruding elements such as gear or environmental hazards. And while they may appear to be a simple, but necessary part for your AR-15, they can have a profound effect on your trigger’s accessibility.
With the vast assortment of aftermarket trigger guards available, it’s more than possible to transform the look and overall functionality of your rifle by opting for an aftermarket trigger guard. So, whether you’re looking to increase the amount of space within your trigger well, want extra features like magazine guidance and a finger ledge, or just want to enhance the aesthetics of your build, you won’t be hard-pressed to find a suitable trigger guard for the job.
