In the world of firearms, the precision and reliability of a trigger can significantly impact the performance and satisfaction of the shooter. The Rise Armament Rave 140, part of the company’s renowned trigger lineup, is a product that has garnered attention in the firearms community for its quality, affordability, and performance. This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the Rise Armament Rave 140, exploring its design, installation process, performance, and overall value in the market.
Design and Build Quality
The Rise Armament Rave 140 is a single-stage trigger, a design choice that appeals to a wide range of shooters due to its simplicity and reliability. The trigger is constructed with high-grade, durable materials, ensuring longevity and consistent performance. Notably, the Rave 140 is designed with a clean break and minimal overtravel, which are critical aspects for precision shooting.
One of the standout features of the Rave 140 is its trigger pull weight. Factory set at around 3.5 pounds, it strikes a balance between being light enough for accurate shooting, yet heavy enough to prevent accidental discharges. This feature makes the Rave 140 suitable for both competitive shooting and tactical applications.
Key Components
The Rise Armament Rave 140 trigger is well-regarded in the firearms community for several key components and features that contribute to its popularity and effectiveness. These components enhance the overall shooting experience by improving precision, reliability, and ease of use. Here are some of the best components of the Rise Armament Rave 140:
- Single-Stage Trigger Mechanism: The Rave 140 is a single-stage trigger, which means it has a consistent pull from start to finish. This type of mechanism is preferred by many shooters for its simplicity and predictability, which are crucial for both precision shooting and rapid firing scenarios.
- Crisp Break and Minimal Overtravel: The trigger is engineered to have a crisp break and minimal overtravel. A crisp break ensures a clean release of the hammer, improving shot accuracy. Minimal overtravel — the movement of the trigger after the firing pin has been released — enhances the shooter’s control and allows for quicker follow-up shots.
- Optimized Pull Weight: The Rave 140 typically comes with a pull weight of around 3.5 pounds, which is considered an ideal middle ground for a wide range of shooting activities. This weight is light enough to facilitate quick and precise shooting while being heavy enough to prevent accidental discharges.
- Quality Construction Materials: Made with high-quality materials, the Rave 140 is durable and reliable. It often features components like precision machined aluminum and hardened steel, which ensure a long service life and consistent performance.
- Quick Reset: The trigger is designed for a fast reset, which is a critical feature for rapid firing. A quick reset allows the shooter to make follow-up shots more efficiently, enhancing both speed and accuracy in various shooting disciplines.
- Easy Installation (Drop-In Design): The Rave 140 is designed as a drop-in trigger, making its installation straightforward and accessible even for shooters with limited gunsmithing experience. This ease of installation is a significant advantage for those who prefer to customize their firearms themselves.
- Compatibility: This trigger is designed to be compatible with most AR-15 platforms, making it a versatile upgrade option for a wide range of rifles. Its compatibility with various models increases its appeal to a broad audience of gun owners.
- Affordable Price Point: Compared to other triggers of similar quality and performance, the Rave 140 is often noted for its affordability. This makes it an excellent value-for-money choice for those looking to upgrade their firearm without a substantial financial investment.
These components collectively make the Rise Armament Rave 140 a standout choice for anyone looking to enhance their shooting performance, whether they are involved in competitive shooting, tactical operations, or recreational shooting.
Installation Process
The installation of the Rave 140 is relatively straightforward, making it accessible for gun owners who may not have extensive experience with modifying their firearms. The trigger comes as a drop-in unit, which simplifies the installation process. However, it’s always recommended to have it installed by a professional gunsmith if you’re not confident in doing it yourself. You can do it yourself! with this simple to follow video.
A significant advantage of the Rave 140 is its compatibility with a wide range of AR-15 platforms, making it a versatile option for many shooters. This broad compatibility is a testament to Rise Armament’s commitment to providing practical, user-friendly solutions.
Performance
The true test of any trigger lies in its performance, and the Rave 140 does not disappoint. The trigger’s crisp break and quick reset contribute to an improved shooting experience, allowing for faster follow-up shots and greater control over shot placement.
In practical terms, the Rave 140 enhances the shooter’s ability to execute precise shots consistently. This precision is especially beneficial in competitive shooting scenarios, where every fraction of a second counts. Additionally, the trigger’s reliability is a crucial factor in tactical situations, where a dependable trigger can make a significant difference.
Value Comparison with Other Triggers
When compared to other two stage triggers, the Rave 140 stands out for its balance of quality and affordability. While there are cheaper options available, they often do not offer the same level of performance and reliability. On the other hand, more expensive triggers might provide marginal improvements in certain aspects but at a significantly higher cost.
Considering its features and performance, the Rise Armament Rave 140 offers excellent value for money. It’s an affordable upgrade that can significantly enhance the shooting experience without breaking the bank. For shooters looking to improve their firearm’s performance without a substantial investment, the Rave 140 is a compelling option.
Rise Armament current cost – $110 on OpticsPlanet once added to cart.
More Expensive Models
- Geissele Automatics SSA-E Trigger – $245 on Optics Planet: The Geissele SSA-E (Super Semi-Automatic Enhanced) is a high-quality, two-stage trigger known for its reliability and precision. It’s a popular choice among competitive shooters and is used in various military and law enforcement applications. While typically more expensive than the Rave 140, it’s renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and performance.
- Timney Triggers AR-15 Competition Trigger – $208 on Optics Planet: Timney Triggers offers a range of single-stage triggers for the AR-15 platform, known for their crisp break and short reset. The Competition series is particularly popular for its performance and ease of installation. It’s a direct competitor in terms of both price and functionality.
- CMC Triggers AR-15 Tactical Trigger Group – Last seen, $174: CMC Triggers are well-regarded for their quality and performance. Their AR-15 Tactical Trigger Group is a drop-in, single-stage trigger offering a crisp break and minimal overtravel, similar to the Rave 140. It is competitively priced and is often compared with the Rave 140 in terms of value and performance.
- Triggertech AR Diamond Trigger – Last Seen, $304.99: This is a premium option, offering a two-stage trigger with adjustable pull weights and a crisp break. It’s favored in precision shooting sports but comes at a higher price point, catering to a different segment of the market compared to the Rave 140.
- Larue Tactical MBT-2S Trigger – Last seen, $115: This two-stage trigger is a strong competitor due to its balance of quality and affordability. It offers a crisp, clean break and is often praised for its superior build quality relative to its cost.
Less expensive models
- ALG Defense Advanced Combat Trigger (ACT) – Last seen, $82.95: The ACT is a budget-friendly option known for its reliability and smoother, more consistent pull compared to standard mil-spec triggers. It’s a great entry-level upgrade for those looking for improved performance without a significant investment.
- Rock River Arms Two-Stage Varmint Trigger – Last seen, $87.99: This trigger is designed specifically for precision shooting, particularly in varmint hunting and long-range target shooting. It offers a two-stage design with a light pull weight and is known for its accuracy-enhancing qualities.
- Hiperfire EDT Sharp Shooter – Last Seen, $94.05: Known for its unique ‘Cam-Over Toggle Engine’ mechanism, this trigger provides a smooth pull and a sharp break. It’s designed for both recreational and professional use and is priced competitively.
Customer Feedback
Feedback from users of the Rave 140 has been overwhelmingly positive. Many users have noted the noticeable improvement in their shooting accuracy and comfort. The trigger has also been praised for its robustness, with many users reporting no degradation in performance even after thousands of rounds.
A small percentage of users reported issues at around the 500-600 round mark but were offered full warranty replacements.
Additional users experienced trigger failure which has a simple fix, see video below.
Conclusion
The Rise Armament Rave 140 trigger is a standout product in its category, offering a blend of quality, performance, and affordability that is hard to beat. Whether you are a competitive shooter, a tactical operator, or a casual enthusiast, the Rave 140 is worth considering. Its ease of installation, compatibility with various platforms, and remarkable performance make it a top choice for anyone looking to enhance their shooting experience while not breaking the bank.
