Steve Coulston takes a look at the highly talked about, new three position 3MR trigger from TAC-CON.
Media Day at SHOT SHOW will always be one of the highlights of the event. That is the day that selective media groups have the opportunity to handle, shoot and molest all the latest and greatest in firearms and firearms accessories. For those who have not been there before, it takes place at Boulder City, NV the day before SHOT officially begins. It is a great opportunity to really get a feel for the new year’s offerings. This year was no different and a good time was had by all. After spending the day on the range, I wrote a Media Day summary of many of the products I had the opportunity to test. In that summary I hit on a new company called TAC-CON who makes a very unique trigger called the 3MR.
My TAC-CON summary stated:
“TAC-CON has been one of the most talked about triggers on the market for the past few months. It is a BATFE, Non-NFA approved trigger that actually allows the user to switch the selector the 3rd position for a Positive Reset Characteristic. If the shooter has the right amount of trigger control the follow up shots are very rapid. With practice it can be done successfully and I was able to get two solid mag dumps using the trigger. Keep in mind the trigger is pressed ones for every shot. The unit is very well built, has nickel Teflon coated components and comes with the proprietary safety selector as well as a credit card sized letter from the BATFE stating it is not a restricted part.”
During my brief time on the range I had the opportunity to shoot the TAC-CON and talk with Mike, one of the owners of the company. He broke down how the trigger works, the different positions, specifications, etc. Basically it is a drop in trigger pack, with 3 modes: Safe, Semi-Automatic and Positive Reset. The Positive Reset mode, if manipulated properly, reduces split times between shots.
According to Mike, “The positive reset characteristic is achieved by transferring the force from the bolt carrier through the trigger assembly to assist the trigger back onto the front sear. As a result, this gives the firearm the fastest reset possible.”
I was fortunate enough to leave SHOT with a brand new TAC-CON 3MR trigger. Since then I have put a few more mags on it and find it enjoyable and very fun to shoot in the third position. I am also very impressed with the second position function of the trigger. The semi auto selection has a very crisp 4.5 lb, single stage, trigger pull that is very fast in its own right.
The early articles I have read on this trigger have had mixed results. Some writers love it and some are less than impressed. Many of these comments have come from shooters, like myself, that used the TAC-CON for the first time at Media Day. I have heard some folks call it gimmicky, however I would disagree. A gimmick is something that is deceiving or uses false advertisement. In contrast, the TAC-CON 3MR trigger does what it advertises assuming the shooter does their part. Yes, it does take a little getting used to, but it isn’t rocket science. With practice rapid fire is easily achievable. I have a feeling the reason for the negativity is due to lack of trigger time. I don’t fault those writers for their opinions or experiences, however I would wager the more time they spent with it their opinions would be different or at least better informed.
The next question I hear is, “How fast is it?” Well, that depends on the shooter, now doesn’t it? As it is a semi-automatic device, it is up to the shooter to pull the trigger each and every time a round is discharged. How fast that happens is directly proportional to the shooter’s ability. My experience shows that it is a quick trigger in the third position. That being said, I have yet to time it against other triggers; however I plan to do so in another segment and video. I envision stacking up the TAC-CON against a mil-spec trigger, and a few after market triggers like Geissele, ALG, CMC and the like. Hopefully I will even compare it to a full auto gun. All the triggers will use my trigger finger and a shot timer for comparison.
“Is it practical?” Again, it depends on who you are talking to. Will the TAC-CON end up on the front lines across the pond? Probably not. Will it end up in a LEO stick in a squad car? Who knows? Personally, I enjoy shooting fast, however it isn’t always practical. Case in point, during my time in service, I ran an M4. I very rarely used the fun switch. When I did, it was in two to three round bursts. Why? I was more accurate with my rifle in the semi-auto mode, I could control it better and I could shoot “fast enough.” I did take comfort in knowing I had the full auto option, but for my line of work, it wasn’t usually necessary.
The last question I get is regarding the $495 price tag. “Is it worth it?” That is a tough one. Had I not got a good deal at SHOT, I most likely wouldn’t have forked over five bills for a drop in trigger. That being said, it offers something that no other trigger does. The ability to flip to the third position, get fast shots and still be legal. In addition, it doesn’t require your gun to modify the stock or grip or your shooting style. So in that sense, if those are attractive features for a potential buyer, then the price may not be an issue. You will need to decide for yourself if it is right for you.
I applaud innovation and welcome new products to the ever growing AR market assuming they are of good quality and design. I believe the TAC-CON trigger will be a big hit and will find its niche in the market. It is a pioneer in the AR trigger world and to that I say, “Bravo Zulu!”
For more information on the TAC-CON 3MR trigger or to pre-order check out their website at www.tacconusa.com.