Installation of the Magpul MOE Trigger Guard
Installing the Magpul MOE/Enhanced Trigger Guard
Flat hinged trigger guards are standard equipment with most AR15s and AR Lower Parts Kits (LPK) and leave a little to be desired. The annoying gap between the standard trigger guard and the grip can tend to get uncomfortable during long shooting sessions and needs to be “folded” open to accommodate larger cold weather gloves.
Warning!
Before starting work on any firearm be sure that the firearm is clear. Do not touch the trigger until the firearm has been cleared. Inspect the chamber to ensure that it is clear of ammunition and that there is no ammunition positioned to be chambered. Do not keep live ammunition near your work-space. Once you have checked the firearm, check it again!
Tactical Works, Inc. takes no responsibility for the accuracy and/or safety of this “how to”. This post is simply for your reading enjoyment. Before shooting any firearm have it inspected by a qualified gun smith.
The “Gap”
To solve the short comings of the flat trigger guard Magpul designed two Enhanced replacement trigger guards the “Enhanced Trigger Guard” which is aluminum and the MOE Trigger Guard which is made from a lightweight durable polymer and is offered in multiple colors.
MOE vs. Standard Flat Trigger Guard
MOE vs. Standard Flat Trigger Guard
This post will cover the installation of the MOE Trigger Guard.
The MOE Trigger guard includes:
- Polymer Trigger Guard
- Replacement Spring Pin
- Threaded Front Screw
Magpul Trigger Guard, Rear Spring Pin, Front Set Screw
Tool Needed:
- 1/8 Punch
- 1/16 Hex Key
- light weight hammer
Step 1: Check Weapon
Make sure the rifle is clear, magazine is removed, the chamber is empty, and the safety is on.
Step 2: Removal of the flat trigger guard
With the 1/8′ punch depress the front trigger guard detent spring. and swing the trigger guard “open” or down.
Next using the same 1/8″ punch tap out the rear trigger guard spring pin. CAUTION: You can easily destroy your lower receiver if this step is not done with care. The trigger guard “ears” can break off if they are not correctly supported. A small block of wood placed under the front tip of the bottom side receiver ear should provide the necessary support while you drive the spring pin out of the trigger guard and receiver ears.
Step 3: Check trigger guard/receiver fit
Once the original trigger guard is free of the receiver place the MOE Trigger Guard in to the lower receiver. Check hole alignment and fit. Make sure the rear spring pin and the front set screw holes line up.
Step 4: Installing the MOE Trigger Guard
Move the wood block or support so that it now supports the entire bottom side receiver ear. Again, failing to do this is risking damaging or destroying your lower receiver.
Once the receiver is supported use the 1/8″ punch to drive the rear spring pin through the top receiver ear, through the Magpul MOE Trigger Guard, into the bottom receiver ear. The rear spring pin should be a littler deeper that flush on either side once the spring pin is seated. TIP: use gun oil on both the receiver ears and the spring pin to prevent chipping of the anodizing around the receiver ear holes.
Next us a 1/16″ hex key and screw the set screw through the top side receiver ear and into the Magpul MOE Trigger Guard. The set screw should be flush with the top side receiver ear. CAUTION: do not over tighten the set screw. The MOE Trigger Guard is polymer and the threads can strip if the set screw is over tightened. Once the set screw is flush with the receiver ear STOP.
Once the set screw is in place the installation is done.
Installation Complete
Tips: If the you get small chips in the receiver finish you can touch up the installation with a “Sharpie”/black permanent marker.
Tags: AR15, MapPul