Let’s Talk About Midwest Industries MI Enhanced Drop in Trigger
The Midwest Industries MI Enhanced Drop in Trigger promises to be a game-changer for AR-15 enthusiasts seeking a smoother, more consistent trigger pull. Midwest Industries is a well-regarded name in the AR parts world, and this trigger aims to deliver a crisp, clean break with a 3.5lb pull weight. It boasts easy installation, anti-walk pins, and a robust build, leading to the expectation of a significant upgrade over standard mil-spec triggers.
My own journey to this trigger began with a frustrating search for improved accuracy and consistency on my AR-15. I was tired of the mushy, unpredictable feel of my factory trigger, which negatively impacted my groupings at the range. I needed a trigger that would allow for faster follow-up shots and greater precision, without requiring extensive gunsmithing.
Upon receiving the Midwest Industries MI Enhanced Drop in Trigger, the immediate impression was one of quality. The blue anodized aluminum cassette housing looked and felt solid, and the curved trigger itself had a pleasing tactile feel. The weight felt appropriate, and the inclusion of anti-walk pins was a welcome touch that suggested a well-thought-out design.
I considered a few other drop-in triggers before settling on the Midwest Industries offering, including models from Timney and CMC. Ultimately, I chose the Midwest Industries MI Enhanced Drop in Trigger based on its reputation for reliability, the inclusion of the anti-walk pins, and the fact that it’s a complete kit with the ambi safety selector and Magpul trigger guard at a reasonable price point. The ambi safety selector and Magpul trigger guard are bonuses that add additional value.
I was cautiously optimistic upon unboxing. I’ve used Midwest Industries products before and have generally been impressed, so I hoped this trigger would live up to the brand’s reputation. If it delivers on its promises, it could be a significant upgrade to my AR-15 platform.
Real-World Testing: Putting Midwest Industries MI Enhanced Drop in Trigger to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Midwest Industries MI Enhanced Drop in Trigger was at my local shooting range. The weather was fair, and I had plenty of ammunition to put it through its paces. I tested the trigger on two different AR-15 lowers to see how it would perform in varying setups.
The trigger certainly felt lighter and crisper than my mil-spec trigger, offering a noticeable improvement in feel. Follow-up shots were quicker, and my groupings tightened up considerably. However, on one of the lowers, the anti-walk pins seemed slightly too long, requiring some careful adjustment to avoid binding.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and hundreds of rounds, the Midwest Industries MI Enhanced Drop in Trigger has held up well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the trigger itself, and the black nitride finish on the internal parts appears durable. Maintenance has been straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication.
Compared to my previous experience with standard AR-15 triggers, the Midwest Industries MI Enhanced Drop in Trigger is a significant upgrade. It offers a smoother, more consistent pull, and the quick reset allows for faster follow-up shots. While the initial installation required a small tweak with the included anti-walk pins, the overall performance has been consistently positive.
Breaking Down the Features of Midwest Industries MI Enhanced Drop in Trigger
Specifications
The Midwest Industries MI Enhanced Drop in Trigger is a single-stage trigger system designed as a drop-in replacement for standard AR-15 triggers. It features a 3.5lb pull weight, designed to provide a lighter and more responsive feel. The trigger is designed to fit small pin size (.154) AR-15 platforms.
The trigger itself is a curved design, and the internal components are made from S7 tool steel with heavy-hit hardening, which improves durability and resistance to wear. The housing is made from blue anodized aluminum, which is lightweight and corrosion-resistant. The inclusion of anti-walk pins ensures that the trigger pins remain securely in place, preventing any potential issues with trigger function.
These specifications translate to improved accuracy, reliability, and user experience. The lighter trigger pull allows for greater control and precision, while the durable materials ensure longevity and consistent performance. The anti-walk pins provide added peace of mind, preventing any potential malfunctions.
Performance & Functionality
The Midwest Industries MI Enhanced Drop in Trigger performs admirably, providing a noticeable improvement over standard mil-spec triggers. The 3.5lb pull weight allows for a lighter, more responsive feel, making it easier to achieve accurate shots. The reset is quick and positive, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
One of the strengths of this trigger is its simplicity. The drop-in design makes it easy to install, and the self-contained unit requires no fine-tuning. However, some users have reported issues with the anti-walk pins being too long for certain lowers, requiring slight adjustment.
Overall, the Midwest Industries MI Enhanced Drop in Trigger largely meets expectations. It delivers a lighter, crisper trigger pull and improves overall shooting performance. However, the potential issue with anti-walk pin fitment could be a point of improvement.
Design & Ergonomics
The Midwest Industries MI Enhanced Drop in Trigger is well-designed, with a focus on both functionality and aesthetics. The blue anodized aluminum cassette housing looks appealing and adds a touch of visual flair to the AR-15. The curved trigger provides a comfortable and ergonomic feel.
The trigger unit weighs just 2.4 oz, making it lightweight and non-intrusive. The drop-in design makes installation easy, and the self-contained unit eliminates the need for complex adjustments. The trigger also includes a Magpul Trigger Guard MAG417, which is an additional perk.
The design is user-friendly, and there’s virtually no learning curve. The trigger is intuitive to use, and the improved pull weight and reset make it a joy to shoot. The lightweight construction and ergonomic design contribute to a positive overall user experience.
Durability & Maintenance
The Midwest Industries MI Enhanced Drop in Trigger appears to be built to last. The S7 tool steel internals and black nitride finish provide excellent resistance to wear and corrosion. The blue anodized aluminum housing is also durable and resistant to damage.
The trigger is easy to maintain. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to keep it functioning smoothly. The drop-in design also simplifies maintenance, as there are no small parts to lose or complex adjustments to make.
Based on its construction and materials, the Midwest Industries MI Enhanced Drop in Trigger should provide years of reliable service. The ease of maintenance further enhances its longevity and overall value.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Midwest Industries MI Enhanced Drop in Trigger comes as a complete kit. It includes anti-walk pins and screws. The trigger is compatible with most .308 and .223 AR-style platforms, providing versatility in terms of application.
The kit also includes an Ambi Safety Selector with 60 / 90 degree option and a Magpul Trigger Guard MAG417. The ambi safety selector is a welcome addition for left-handed shooters, providing added convenience and functionality.
While the trigger itself does not offer extensive customization options, the fact that it’s compatible with a wide range of AR-15 platforms and includes useful accessories makes it a valuable upgrade. The user reviews do mention the anti-walk pins being too long for all lowers tried.
Pros and Cons of Midwest Industries MI Enhanced Drop in Trigger
Pros
- Noticeably lighter and crisper trigger pull compared to mil-spec triggers.
- Quick reset allows for faster follow-up shots and improved accuracy.
- Drop-in design makes installation easy and requires no fine-tuning.
- Durable construction with S7 tool steel internals and black nitride finish.
- Includes anti-walk pins, ambi safety selector, and Magpul trigger guard for added value.
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with the anti-walk pins being too long for certain lowers.
- A few users reported a rough reset on the trigger.
Who Should Buy Midwest Industries MI Enhanced Drop in Trigger?
The Midwest Industries MI Enhanced Drop in Trigger is perfect for AR-15 owners looking for a simple, effective way to upgrade their trigger pull. It is a great choice for target shooters, recreational shooters, and hunters seeking improved accuracy and control. It is also suitable for those who value ease of installation and a complete kit with added accessories.
This product might not be ideal for those who require a highly adjustable trigger with a specific pull weight beyond the advertised 3.5 lbs, or for those unwilling to potentially adjust the anti-walk pins for proper fitment. Also, if you are looking for a competition-grade trigger with an extremely light pull, you may want to consider other options.
A must-have accessory for this trigger would be a high-quality set of punches for easy installation and removal. Additionally, a good gun cleaning kit is essential for maintaining the trigger’s performance and longevity.
Conclusion on Midwest Industries MI Enhanced Drop in Trigger
The Midwest Industries MI Enhanced Drop in Trigger offers a significant improvement over standard mil-spec triggers, providing a lighter, crisper pull and a quick reset. While some users have reported minor issues with the anti-walk pin fitment, the overall performance and value of this trigger are impressive. The addition of the ambi safety selector and Magpul trigger guard further enhance its appeal.
At a price of $230.95, the value proposition is justified. The improved trigger pull, ease of installation, and included accessories make it a worthwhile upgrade for most AR-15 owners.
I would personally recommend the Midwest Industries MI Enhanced Drop in Trigger to anyone looking for a reliable and effective drop-in trigger upgrade. It’s a well-designed, durable, and user-friendly product that delivers tangible improvements in shooting performance. Upgrade your AR-15 today and experience the difference a quality trigger can make!