The Graves Starfire A.R.T. trigger is a popular choice among competitive shooters and firearms enthusiasts seeking to enhance their AR-15 platform's performance. This comprehensive guide delves into the specifics of this trigger, exploring its features, benefits, installation, and potential upgrades. We'll also address common questions and concerns surrounding this popular aftermarket trigger.
Understanding the Graves Starfire A.R.T. Trigger
The Starfire A.R.T. (Adjustable Rate Trigger) is designed for precision and responsiveness. It’s known for its crisp break, short reset, and overall smooth operation. Unlike many mil-spec triggers, the Starfire offers adjustability, allowing users to fine-tune the trigger pull weight and overtravel to their personal preferences. This customization is a key selling point for shooters who demand optimal trigger feel for their specific shooting style and needs.
Key Features of the Graves Starfire A.R.T. Trigger:
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Adjustable Pull Weight: This feature allows shooters to adjust the trigger pull weight to their comfort level, typically ranging from a few pounds up to a specific maximum. This customization greatly improves accuracy and consistency, especially for precision shooting.
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Adjustable Overtravel: Overtravel refers to how far the trigger travels after the shot breaks. The Starfire's adjustable overtravel helps minimize unnecessary trigger movement, ensuring a faster and more controlled follow-up shot.
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Crisp Break: The trigger’s clean break is a hallmark of its design, providing a distinct and predictable trigger release, essential for accuracy.
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Short Reset: The short reset distance minimizes the amount of trigger travel required between shots, enabling faster target reacquisition and improved speed in rapid-fire scenarios.
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Drop-in Installation: Generally, the Starfire is designed for easy drop-in installation, making it a relatively simple upgrade for most AR-15 owners with basic gunsmithing skills. However, it's always recommended to consult professional sources or videos if you're unsure.
Installing the Graves Starfire A.R.T. Trigger: A Step-by-Step Guide (General Overview)
While the exact steps might vary slightly depending on your specific AR-15 model, the general process involves these steps:
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Safety First: Always ensure your firearm is unloaded and the safety is engaged before beginning any work.
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Disassembly: Carefully remove the lower receiver components, including the old trigger group.
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Installation: Insert the new Graves Starfire A.R.T. trigger group into the lower receiver, ensuring proper alignment.
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Reassembly: Reassemble the lower receiver, carefully following the reverse order of disassembly.
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Testing and Adjustment: After reassembly, test-fire the rifle to ensure proper function and then adjust the trigger pull weight and overtravel to your desired settings. This often requires specialized tools included with the trigger.
Upgrading and Maintaining Your Graves Starfire A.R.T. Trigger
While the Starfire A.R.T. is a robust trigger, regular maintenance is recommended to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. This includes keeping the trigger group clean and lubricated to prevent binding and premature wear. Specific maintenance procedures should be detailed in the user manual provided with the trigger.
Conclusion: Is the Graves Starfire A.R.T. Trigger Right for You?
The Graves Starfire A.R.T. trigger offers a significant upgrade for AR-15 owners looking to improve accuracy, speed, and overall shooting experience. Its adjustable features allow for customization to individual preferences, making it suitable for both competitive shooting and recreational use. However, it’s crucial to remember that proper installation and maintenance are essential for optimal performance and safety. Always prioritize safety and consult resources like professional gunsmiths or reputable online guides if you’re uncertain about any step of the installation or maintenance process.
