Why the HIPERSHOE®? No one else has seen a need for it.

“Necessity is the mother of invention.” We can’t say why others didn’t see the need. But we did, and developed something novel and useful to meet it. The need: improve finger dexterity and tactile feedback in a trigger for the most demanding shooter, the 3*gun competitor, where high accuracy and fast splits are of paramount importance. Of course you don’t have to be a 3*gunner to appreciate what advantage it could bring to your shooting style.

When the shooter pulls the trigger, the finger moves first. When the finger pad can no longer compress, the trigger begins to move. The amount of finger pad compression is directly related to trigger weight. If the weight is high, the pad compresses more compared to a lighter weighted trigger. Some high-end triggers have a very narrow trigger bow. In those cases, even though the weight is low, the depression produced in the finger pad due to the smaller contact area compared to the normally sized trigger bow’s width. This causes a similar delay in the onset of trigger movement as does a high weight trigger. See? Weight is not the only factor that affects trigger responsiveness. An improvement in the trigger’s responsiveness to our trigger finger is our objective!

One more point before we get to the shoe. The 24C’s trigger bow is straight. Without the shoe, this results in slightly more compression of the finger pad flesh given the same trigger bow width, the same trigger weight, and the same lever arm length (distance of finger pad placement relative to the trigger pivot) than the conventionally curved bow, because it conforms less to the finger pad’s natural curvature. This results in relatively more finger pad compression than the traditionally curved bow. This also explains why every shooter’s experience with a given trigger can be different, because everyone’s trigger finger pad is different, compressing more or less according to their physiology. What the straight bow does provide and that’s why its so attractive to many is that the shooter can modify finger placement and therefore vary slightly the trigger’s creep and weight by adjusting the lever arm length to suit his taste. Of course, this is all the more attractive since the 24C has three different user adjustable weights to begin with, which makes the range of adjustment almost continuous.

Well, using the shoe on the trigger accomplishes two things: first, it increases the trigger finger pad’s surface contact area, which for a given trigger weight, lowers the force exerted by the finger pad necessary to initiate trigger movement. The result is that the trigger “feels” and indeed is more responsive to trigger finger displacement, which translates into a more trigger tactile feedback sensitivity that can enhance performance speed and timing. And by the way, adding the shoe is the only way to make an AR15 trigger wider without opening up the trigger slot in the lower receiver. Second, because the HIPERSHOE®’s position can be indexed to specific locations on the straight trigger bow, the shooter has repeatable control over the placement of his trigger finger. By adjusting the shoe up or down, he can not only fine-tune creep and weight, but absolutely control finger position relative to the grip he’s using for comfort or other reasons. For those reasons we developed the HIPERSHOE® HIgh PERformance SHOE.

Terry Bender

How is 24C creep different from the 24 or 24E?

The 24C’s sear design is closer to that of the 24E than the 24, therefore the creep as mesured by instruments is very close to that of the 24E. Moreover, the perceived feel of the 24C is subtly different from the 24E because the trigger bow is flat/straight and the accessory shoe might be employed. Read the FAQ immediately below for an explanation of what the shoe does. Also note, that the 243G is identical to the 24C except for the shape of the bow.

Let’s go into a little more depth. The 24C’s initial creep is a little less than that of the 24E and almost imperceptible. The biggest difference between these two triggers (besides the straight trigger bow and shoe) is that the 24C’s creep (and 243G’s) after reset is the same as its initial creep. With the 24 and 24E, if the shooter can stop trigger let off after touching off a round right after hammer reset and then repeat fire. The repeat fire’s creep is less than the initial creep using this technique. If however, after stopping the trigger after the hammer resets, the shooter decides to let off further, he can feel the little bit of extra forward travel. Pulling the trigger from there resets to the initial creep feel.

With the 24C however, there is no additional let off. This means that the 24C’s creep is the same before and after reset, no matter the shooter’s control over the trigger. It’s like a 1911 single action pull at lower weight with no take up. This is especially important for the 3gunner. A fast repeat habit is easier to develop because the trigger pulls the same each time. For those with a fast twitch trigger finger, split times drop. Faster times and accuracy are a winning combination.

Terry Bender

Why is there so much “creep” in the HIPERTOUCH® 24?

Good question, because it’s all about perception. In fact, the creep is the same as the stock trigger, only about 1/16 of an inch. Some think creep, any “creep,” is bad. We use the term here in its technical sense as one metal surface sliding against another. All triggers but hair triggers have some creep. The 24 feels like it has more creep only because, unlike the stock trigger, the shooter can draw the trigger back so much more slowly to hammer release. He feels the squeeze, i.e. trigger movement, due to the smooth lower trigger weight and says to himself, “WOW, that was a long stroke.” Compared to stock it feels long indeed.

We have read some ad copy for enhanced stock triggers with Nickel Boron plating for example that states that the trigger has no creep. How are we to reconcile that with what we at HIPERFIRE® know to be measureably false? Again, it’s all about perception. These and other stock triggers have a high weight relative to the HIPERTOUCH® 24. When force is applied to the trigger to draw it back, the user’s finger pad flesh is compressed, much like a tire inner tube, or air spring, storing potential energy. During this increased application of force, the finger perceives that the trigger isn’t moving, because it isn’t, but the finger is. When the pressure in this fleshy part of the finger exceeds the threshold resistance of the trigger for movement, the static friction force of the trigger against the hammer’s primary sear is exceeded in an instant and the trigger springs off of the compressed finger pad to hammer release. This spring back is simply the stored energy in the finger pad being released as a force causing motion. This movement is so fast that the finger doesn’t perceive the trigger’s movement. NiB improves sear lubricity slightly over stock so it “feels” even more like the trigger didn’t creep, therefore, “it has no creep.”

For those shooters who therefore think that the HIPERTOUCH® 24’s creep is “huge,” just stroke it faster. A little practise will quickly readjust your muscle memory. After a while, go back to your stock trigger and then make the comparison in “feel” and your group sizes. You will see that creep is not the only measure of what makes or doesn’t make a good trigger. The HIPERTOUCH® 24 was designed this way for those who prefer or like a trigger with perceptible pretravel.

Terry Bender

What is the difference between the 24, 24E, and 24C?

The 24, 24E and 24C have some fundamental similarities. They all tout the same trigger design concept and all use the same pair of toggle springs that adjusts trigger pull weight and adds to the swing weight of the hammer for a more reliable, consistent ignition. However, despite having a similar trigger design, each model offers a different trigger pull feel to ensure every user gets a more customized personal fit.

The 24 model offers more trigger creep for safety purposes or other user preferences, making this model an ideal option for users who want a deliberate, higher creep trigger pull. Having said that, there are some highly ranked 3*Gunners who run the 24. Just goes to show, it’s what you want in a trigger and not going just by the name.

The 24E is an upgrade to the 24 model that reduces creep by 50%. Users of the 24E experience a lightweight/responsive trigger reaction with just a hint of creep or pre-travel that minimizes time between deciding to take the shot and trigger break. The 24C offers an even faster trigger response than the 24E, delivering the least amount of creep, most say virtually no creep, of all three options, making it an ideal option for an expert shooter. Of course, this applies to the newer 243G as well.

Terry Bender

What lowers will the HIPERTOUCH® FCGs not work in?

So far, only two lowers we know of may not receive our FCGs, but with some qualifications. Both lowers are .308 lowers, which follow no commonly practiced MIL-spec standard like AR15 type lowers. We know of one that definitely will not, dare I say, should not, receive a HIPERTOUCH® FCG.

Polymer Lowers of Various Manufacture: Caveat emptor (buyer beware): some polymer lowers have been found to not meet the MIL-spec pin size and layout making proper function of the HIPERTOUCH® triggers problematic: hammer won’t fall (no trigger break), hammer falls on reset (hammer not captured by primary trigger sear), etc. Measure your lower per the spec found here.

Smith & Wesson M&P-10: The first lower that may not permit our HIPERTOUCH® FCGs to operate as-is are lowers from Smith&Wesson that have ambidextrous controls. Users have reported to us that the ambi-controls invade the fire-control cavity and interfere with free rotation of the 24 series hammers where the toggle springs connect at the toggle spindle. The EDT series triggers install and function without issues. These users have removed the offending ambi-control and then the hammer is free to swing without interference.

DPMS 308-LR: Some 308-LR lower from DPMS will not work with our FCGs, or not work without modification to the lower. First, examine this document. It shows the FCG cavity that the HIPERTOUCH® FCGs are designed to work in. We have learned of three different problems that can be fixed by a slight mod to the lower and or the FCG, and one that can’t be fixed.

In some of the 308-LR lowers, the distance between the forward wall of the cavity and the trigger pivot pin is too short preventing hammer swing upon cocking. What happens is that the hammer will not fully lie down when cocked during manual charging or by live-fire. The bottom of the hammer strikes and then binds on the forward wall preventing the BCG from moving fully to the rear. So, users have removed material from the forward wall to produce the clearance the hammer needs to fully cock and the binding issue goes away. This problem has exhibited on some lowers, but not on others.
In some cases the cavity depth with respect to the trigger pivot is too shallow. When the trigger is let-off, the rear portion strikes the cavity floor, preventing the disconnector from releasing the hammer (reset). Fix it by removing some material from the trigger; just enough to permit reset.
In other lowers, the spacing between the bottom of the upper and the trigger pivot pin is too close, or the trigger pivot pin hole is too high. What happens is the toggle shafts hit the underside of the upper when the hammer cycles so that they can not freely poke out all the way. When these toggle pivot shafts hit the upper, the shafts stop and the hammer doesn’t fall. Fix it by removing a little material from the ends of the toggle shafts exhibiting wear upon hitting the upper just enough so the hammer won’t bind up, or remove a little material from the upper at the location showing wearing to prevent binding.
In rare instances, the lower’s pin hole spacing is not within spec, leading to hammers that don’t release (holes too close), or hammers that skip off the sears leading to occasional doubling (holes too far apart). This problem can’t be fixed by repair of the lower. Stock FCGs will work in these lowers because they do not rely on the tight tolerancing that the HIPERTOUCH® triggers demand.

Colt Large Pin AR-15®: A customer installed a HIPERTOUCH® FCG in a rifle and complained about it bursting every time he pulled the trigger. After repeated tries to identify and fix the burst problem, HIPERFIRE® asked for a pic. Immediately the problem was identified. In the pic was an old Colt lower and yes it did have over-sized pivot holes. The customer wondered why it was so easy to install (the pins went into the lower with no resistance and now he knew why). The added pivot hole slop increased the functional pivot centers beyond MIL-spec and prevented the semi auto disconnector from ever capturing the hammer. The hammer would fall with every BCG cycle until the ammunition magazine was emptied or the shooter let off the trigger. HIPERFIRE® identifies its pivot pins as small and of 0.154-inch diameter. HIPERFIRE® does not make FCGs for the large-pin Colts.

Bushmaster Carbon-15 Composite Lower Receiver: The polymer lower’s trigger guard is not MIL-spec. It rides higher than the MIL-spec removable trigger guard. The HIPERTOUCH® 24C trigger must be shortened a little by grinding to remove the interference with the guard or the polymer guard must be trimmed slightly with a Dremel tool for example to allow free rotation of the trigger bow.

Seekins Precision SP Safety Selector Kit: This safety selector is not MIL-spec. It’s designed to operate at 90 and 60 degree throws by reversing the side on which is was installed. The cut outs in the cylindrical barrel of the safely for the trigger are therefore at vaious angles and interfere with operation of the Frame part on HIPERFIRE®’s HIPERTOUCH® 24 series triggers. Seekins Precision does not recommend HIPERTOUCH® 24 triggers for this reason and neither can HIPERFIRE.

Armalite 308 Bolt Carrier: A customer installed a HIPERTOUCH® 24C in a custom built AR featuring parts from different manufacturers. The customer chose a BC from Armalite. The bolt carrier would hang up on the cocked FCG hammer preventing it from going fully forward into battery and letting the hammer fall. It’s not clear to HIPERFIRE whether this was a fluke or a common problem to be encountered with Armalite BCs. The customer remedied the situation by selectively machining the hammer slot to make it longer so that it would leave plenty of clearance with the 24C hammer. See the pics below.

Terry Bender

I think I’d like one of your triggers. Can I place an order with you on the phone?

No. HIPERFIRE® does not accept phone orders – all purchases must be made online through our secure site to protect customer confidentiality.

Terry Bender

I was expecting less creep in the trigger. Can I return the product?

All sales made through hiperfire.com are final. To place an order, these terms must be agreed to. The only returns accepted are those made under warranty that covers problems with material and/or workmanship. In these cases, once the product is returned and inspected, it will be replaced.

Having said that, perhaps something is wrong with the trigger. Please see the Trouble Shooting Guide to learn if there is some installation or other issue related to its performance that can be easily remedied

Terry Bender

Do you offer MIL, LE or Veteran discounts?

No. All of our sales are made online to avoid costly staffing requirements to verify military, law enforcement and/or veterans’ status. However, HIPERFIRE® distributors may offer MIL and law enforcement discounts. See our list of distributors shown on the RESELLERS page at hiperfire.com and contact them directly for more information.

Terry Bender

What trigger do you recommend for _______ [fill in the blank]?

With so many different types of shooters with different personal preferences, types of rifles and ammunition, it’s hard to be specific with a recommendation that will suit everyone. However, detailed perusal of the hiperfire.com site will suggest those product options that best help the individual shooter determine the right trigger and performance feel for his or her needs. Or, phone HIPERFIRE® for a personal consultation.

Terry Bender

Will the FCG detonate 5.45×39?

Yes. Typically Russian, the primers on 5.45×39 ammunition are very hard. Our FCGs can have a high-energy hammer fall that exceeds MIL-spec by as much as 35% and is very capable of detonating/igniting 5.45 x 39 ammunition without breaking a sweat. To achieve this best-in-class high energy hammer fall, use the Blue toggle springs, which also produces low trigger pull weights in the range of 2-1/2 to 2-3/4 lbs.

For some, understanding how an extra pair of springs can simultaneously achieve very low trigger weights and still produce the highest energy AR hammer fall in the industry is mind bending. But, that’s precisely what the HIPERTOUCH® 24 family of FCGs for the AR rifle does. It’s kinda like a compound bow. Hammer cocking force is very high at the beginning, then it drops off as the hammer is fully cocked, just the opposite behavior of every other AR hammer. When the hammer is fully cocked, the force is lowest, therefore the pressure on the sear is lowest, therefore the pull friction is lowest, which the shooter feels as lower weight. That’s it.

Terry Bender