Video: Install and Evaluation of the FIME Group FCG AK Trigger

No matter how great the history or performance of the firearm, there is room for improvement. I do not carry a 1913 Colt. I carry the most modern 1911. Those who favor a truly reliable and capable AK rifle, choose the Arsenal. Any rifle will do to hang on the wall, but for those who keep the rifle on hand for extensive shooting or emergency use, the Arsenal is a favorite. Now the bar has been raised with the introduction of the FCG AK Trigger.

FIME Group FCG AK Trigger in clamshell packaging — The FIME trigger group is a must have for serious AK rifle shooters.

There have been issues with the AK rifle—some related to cheap production and some related to the original design. The FIME Group has spent over a year developing, engineering, and proofing an American-made two-stage MIL-SPEC trigger, the FCG AK Trigger. Workmanship and finish are good. The trigger group should provide many years of service.

The unit seems to sell for less than $40, which is really inexpensive and more than fair for this type of quality. FIME will have to sell a lot of these to recoup tooling costs, and I believe they will. The issue I mention is that the safety may touch the disconnector and drop the hammer if the safety travels too far.

There are other issues involving firing with the dust cover off. Some of these issues are theoretical, but they should be addressed. The improvement is real and worth the time and effort.

There are parallels in firearms development. Once SIG offered the P series with a positive firing pin block, everyone had to develop a firing pin block or be non competitive. The same seems to apply with this trigger. Your rifle needs to have this trigger, and the competition will have to respond to catch up.

FIME Group FCG AK Trigger — The closer you look, the more impressed you are with the quality of these parts.

The trigger is steel with a black protective. For those who keep the AK for emergency use, as a trunk gun, or on patrol, this is a good choice. For recreation and plinking, you should also have this trigger. Besides the hardened steel advantage, the trigger also features a black oxide coating.

The trigger press will be shorter than the original AK, and the compression required to fire the rifle is also lighter. Examination shows that the disconnector’s face makes full contact with the hammer. I like a secure lockup—even at the expense of a few ounces greater trigger action. The disconnector tail makes the desired full contact with the rear receiver rivet. The trigger slap that some experience with the AK and cheap internals is eliminated.

FCG AK Trigger Installation

The first thing we look to do is to remove the hook that retains the hammer and trigger pin. Now, a word to the wise… Look inside the rifle. There are no scratches, and it should be that way when you are done.

field stripped AK-47 — The AK is simple to field strip.

The use of needle nose pliers is easiest. Push the hook forward toward the muzzle end. Push out the hammer pivot pin with a punch (from the right hand side of the AK receiver). There will be tension from the hammer spring, so it may not come out on the first try. The hammer should be stabilized and moved side to side to center the pin for removal. The hammer is easily removed by twisting at a 90-degree angle. Remove the trigger pivot pin, and pull the trigger group out. The disconnect spring is pretty small, and it will take flight, so be careful to control or trap it as you change the trigger group. Depress the disconnector with a finger as you pull the pivot pin away.

Net, you’ll install the new unit. Install the hammer, and hook the Shepherd pin to the hammer pivot pin. I use a flat screwdriver from the Chapman took kit. When you replace the pivot pin, it must be above the Shepherd hook but below the hammer spring. Keep a finger on the disconnector.

Bob Campbell shooting an AK-47 rifle — The AK is a great all-around sporting and shooting piece. All AK rifles will benefit from the FCG AK trigger.

Push the pivot pin in, and as you line up the trigger and other parts, the pin is pressed in. Curl the legs of the hammer spring around the hammer, and you are in good shape.

Finally, the Shepherd hook goes in the retaining ring of the trigger pin. The Shepherd hook goes around to the left and down against the retaining pin to prevent ‘hammer walk.’

My friends at SCGunco.com are great believers in the Arsenal AK, and have several in stock and as personal rifles. The new trigger was installed in this rifle in a few minutes. The mechanical improvement is immediately evident—the trigger also became smoother with use. That is all we can ask.