AR-15 Trigger, AR15 Trigger, drop-in trigger, process

RISE Trigger Install

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Install a Drop-In AR Trigger

You have your new RISE Armament RA-535 Advanced-Performance AR Trigger — or a different RISE AR trigger model — but how do you install it? It’s a simple process that should take less than 10 minutes. We’ve demonstrated the process on a standard forged receiver with a mil-spec trigger. Step 3 will vary if you have another drop-in or cassette-style trigger installed, but you will still remove the trigger at that time.

You have your new RISE Armament RA-535 Advanced-Performance AR Trigger — or a different RISE AR trigger model — but how do you install it? It’s a simple process that should take less than 10 minutes. We’ve demonstrated the process on a standard forged receiver with a mil-spec trigger. Step 3 will vary if you have another drop-in or cassette-style trigger installed, but you will still remove the trigger at that time.

These instructions apply to the following RISE triggers:

RA-535 Advanced-Performance Trigger
RA-434 High Performance Trigger
Patriot Trigger
LE145 Tactical Trigger
RA-140 Super Sporting Trigger
RA-140 DTOM Trigger

If you have a Rave 140, Blitz, RA-242 Gen 2 Enhanced Rifle Trigger, or RA-240 Gen 2 Enhanced Rifle Trigger, the process is even easier. Skip down to the RISE Rave 140 and Blitz Trigger Installation Instructions section to read what to do.

How to Install Your RISE AR Trigger

You will need safety glasses, a brass or nonmetal punch (smaller than .154″), a hammer (we recommend a ball-peen hammer), 5/64 Allen wrench, flathead screwdriver (type of screwdriver may differ depending on rifle manufacturer’s grip screw).

Before You Begin: Make sure your firearm is unloaded and clear, and wear eye protection.

1. Remove the Upper

After ensuring the gun is clear, remove the upper receiver.

2. Remove the Grip and Safety Selector

Secondly, loosen and remove the grip screw on the inside of the grip. Carefully remove the grip to expose the spring inside. There is a detent behind the spring; both are small and easily lost. Remove the spring and detent, using your hand or a bin to catch the detent. Then save them for reinstallation.

Remove and set aside the safety selector.

3. Remove the Existing Trigger

If a cassette-style trigger is currently in the gun, remove its pins and the trigger system.

If the gun has a mil-spec trigger, use a small brass punch or nonmetallic item to press out the hammer pin and remove the hammer and hammer spring. Press out the trigger pin. This may require pressing down on the disconnector. Remove the disconnector, disconnector spring, trigger, and trigger spring. The hammer is under tension and may spring out.

The pocket that everything was in should now be empty and ready for your new trigger.

4. Install the RISE Trigger

Drop the RISE trigger in the pocket using the holes as reference for direction; the trigger’s and receiver’s holes should align. Install the included anti-walk pins (or anti-rotation pins if it’s an RA-535 Advanced-Performance Trigger). For each pin, it’s helpful to use one of the enclosed 1/16” Allen wrenches to hold one screw while using the other 1/16” Allen wrench to tighten the screw on the other side.

5. Tighten the Set Screws

There are two small set screws located on the trigger system under the hammer spring legs. Release the trigger’s hammer to access them. (See image above.) Lift or shift over each hammer spring leg and use the included 5/64” Allen wrench to snug the setscrews to the floor of the receiver. (The 5/64” Allen wrench is the longer one on the back of the package, not the shorter one with the pins.) Do not overtighten the setscrews, simply turn them until they’re snug.

6. Reinstall the Safety Selector and Grip

Reinstall the safety selector. Then reinstall the grip assembly with the detent, detent spring, grip, and grip screw to their respective positions.

7. Perform a Function Check.

Perform a function check to verify correct installation.

RISE Rave 140 and Blitz Trigger Installation Instructions

  1. Remove the Upper
    After ensuring the gun is clear, remove the upper receiver.
  2. Remove the Grip and Safety Selector
    Secondly, loosen and remove the grip screw on the inside of the grip. Carefully remove the grip to expose the spring inside. There is a detent behind the spring; both are small and easily lost. Remove the spring and detent, using your hand or a bin to catch the detent. Then save them for reinstallation.Remove and set aside the safety selector.
  3. Remove the Existing Trigger
    If a cassette-style trigger is currently in the gun, remove its pins and the trigger system.If the gun has a mil-spec trigger, then use a small brass punch or nonmetallic item to press out the hammer pin and remove the hammer and hammer spring. Press out the trigger pin. This may require pressing down on the disconnector. Remove the disconnector, disconnector spring, trigger, and trigger spring. The hammer is under tension and may spring out.The pocket that everything was in should now be empty and ready for your new trigger.
  4. Install the Safety Selector and RISE Trigger
    Drop the RISE trigger in the pocket using the holes as reference for direction; the trigger’s and receiver’s holes should nearly align. Reinstall the safety selector to help align the trigger and receiver’s pin holes. Install the included anti-walk pins. To do this, we recommend inserting one of the pins in the hammer pin bushing (the upper hole) first, followed by the trigger pin bushing (the lower hole). You might need to apply downward pressure on the trigger to align the holes. For each pin, it’s helpful to use one of the enclosed 1/16” Allen wrenches to hold one screw while using the other 1/16” Allen wrench to tighten the screw on the other side. Note: If you’re installing the trigger in a 9mm AR (a PCC, for example), we recommend anti-rotation pins, rather than anti-walk pins, because of the more extensive wear and tear on the parts.
  5. Reinstall the Grip
    Reinstall the grip assembly with the detent, detent spring, grip, and grip screw to their respective positions.
  6. Perform a Function Check
    Lastly, perform a function check to verify correct installation.

Additional Instructions & Notes

Want to see an AR trigger install in action? In case you cannot view the video at the top of this post, watch the entire trigger installation video on our YouTube page.

Note: The instructions are for reference only. Refer to your local gunsmith or dealer for professional installation advice. The assembly or installation of firearm parts and components should only be performed by a qualified gunsmith or certified armorer. Using a rifle assembled incorrectly or assembled using incorrect or modified parts can result in a damaged rifle, property damage, personal injury or death. Manufacturer is also not responsible for any injury or damage resulting from the improper installation or use of our products. Always practice gun safety and handle your firearm responsibly. Ensure the gun is unloaded before installing the trigger. Lastly, always point your gun in a safe direction and use extreme caution.