Released in 2019, the ELF Pro Component Trigger (PCT) by Elftmann Tactical is a revised version to the highly successful ELF Match Pro Trigger. It brings together precision machining, and hardened alloys for a quality competitive trigger.
What brings the PCT together as something new is its two-piece design that is free of restrictions found in a drop-in housing. This gives it the ability to shed dust or debris as it lacks the tighter constraints found in a cassette type drop-in design.
The PCT uses Elftmann’s proprietary PRO-LOCK threaded mounting system that combines aerospace-grade sealed bearings, precision threaded bushings, and screws over traditional pins to give it a secure trigger feel with zero excess movement.
The spring action of the PCT gives the trigger a 3.5lb. pull (after a short break in period), and is precision EDM wire that is made from hardened American steel.
The ELF Pro Component Trigger is available in a curved or straight shoe.
Specifications:
- Compatible to all calibers – 5.56, 9mm, .308 etc.
- Fits any mil-spec AR-15 (Standard pin size, no large pin Colt)
- Drop-Safe
- Full power hammer spring
- Disconnect allows full 1/4” width eliminating wear and double-firing
- Trigger and hammer needle bearings provide smoother and faster firing
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Average (3/5): At $239 the PCT is Elftmann Tactical’s current two-part competition-grade trigger that brings together high quality machining with high tolerance materials. Included in the PCT’s design is Elftmann’s skeletonized trigger design, with a crisp trigger break. Other market alternatives for two-piece triggers include Geissele’s Super 3 Gun Trigger ($240), or LaRue’s MBT’s 2-Stage Trigger ($80). The largest attributable difference in price stems from variances in manufacturing with competition triggers machined to higher tolerances using denser base metals. In comparison to other drop-in competition triggers, such as Rise Armament’s APT ($259) or Timny Trigger’s AR-15 Competition Trigger ($219), all demonstrate that the PCT is well within an average price scale for the market and intended purpose.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the PCT was manufactured to have a light 3.5lb. trigger pull. This gave it a definitive feel in the “break” with seemingly zero creep when firing. From a tactile aspect, the “hook” of the trigger had a grooved cut to give it more of a surface deviation against the finger. The hard angle edges of the skeletonized trigger however were notable, and gave it an unusual wire-hanger feel rather than a solid one-piece design. It would be suggested to Elftmann to consider polishing/rounding the edges of the trigger to give it a more contoured feel against the finger. The trigger mechanism itself felt, and sounded crisp with no excess noise or movement.
- Durability – Excellent (5/5): The PCT was cut from hardened steel (sourced in the United States) using a process called Electric Discharge Machining (EDM) which, without getting into the technical weeds, enabled the PCT to have exceedingly precise and complex cuts for the highest degree of precision possible. Added into its construction were sealed bearings, using what Elftmann cites as “Aerospace-grade” material, that gave it a smooth movement. This puts the PCT on par with some of the highest-degree of manufactured triggers on the current market made specifically for competitive use. At no point during evaluations did the skeletonized trigger bend, nor did the finish flake or stain.
- Functionality – Excellent (5/5): Functionally the PCT installed just as any generic two-piece trigger would, with its screw pins providing a rock-solid mount to the lower’s frame with zero wiggle or excess movement. The option to use threaded pins over traditional roll pins is somewhat unique to high-grade triggers as it eliminated the need to use anti-roll/walk pins. This resulted in consistent and reliable strikes by the full-weight hammer to the firing pin. Otherwise the 3.5lb. pull provided a consistent feel in the trigger with a crisp and consistent “break” in pull and very short reset. The advantage over traditional a traditional duty trigger was obviously rapid follow-up and a less distance needed to travel in trigger pull to fire. Since during this evaluation period the COVID-19 pandemic no competitive matches were being held due to state regulations on social distancing, individual speed trials and stressor drills were compared between the PCT in one rifle and another rifle with an ALG duty trigger. Consistently the PCT allowed for more rapid follow-up shots and shorter split times which made it an excellent option for its intended function.
- Weight – Average (3/5): At a weight of approx. 3.36 oz. per unit, the PCT is on-par (or average) with the materials utilized, and similar to the weight of other aftermarket triggers. In comparison Geissele’s Super 3 Gun Trigger (4.96oz.), Timney AR-15 Trigger (3.52oz.), ALG’s AR-15 Trigger (2.6oz.), or CMC’s Drop in Trigger (3.2oz.) show the weight range for more comparable aftermarket triggers. In the end the PCT’s weight is something that is relatively fixed as the base material (US steel) is itself fixed. The more base material used, the heaver it would become, and thus why some aftermarket triggers attempt to shave a few ounces by skeletonizing other trigger components.
Overall Rating – Good (20/25)
Product Link: https://www.elftactical.com/Elf-Pro-Component-Trigger-SE-with-ELF-PRO-LOCK-Threaded-Mounting-System_p_52.html
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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