Partisan Disruptor Trigger Troubleshooting Guide
Support Guide
Partisan Disruptor Troubleshooting Guide
If your Partisan Disruptor Trigger is not functioning correctly in your AR-15 platform, use this guide to diagnose the most common issues. Most problems are related to buffer weight, bolt carrier compatibility, installation, or supporting rifle components.
1. Buffer & Bolt Carrier Checks
The most common cause of malfunction is an incorrect buffer setup or an incompatible bolt carrier group.
Recommended Buffer Setup
- Use an H2 or heavier buffer in carbine extensions.
- Rifle buffers in rifle extensions also work well.
- A5 buffers in A5 extensions also work well.
- H1 buffers may function, but H2 or heavier is recommended for reliable operation.
- Most factory AR-15 rifles ship with a standard carbine buffer, which is usually insufficient for the Partisan Trigger.
How to Check Buffer Weight
- Most heavier buffers are stamped H, H1, H2, or H3.
- You can also remove the roll pin and rubber bumper to inspect the internal weights:
- 1 tungsten weight = H1
- 2 tungsten weights = H2
- 3 tungsten weights = H3
Check for Solid Buffers
- Shake the buffer and listen for internal weights moving.
- If the buffer is solid and does not contain moving weights, replace it.
- A solid buffer can contribute to bolt bounce and trigger malfunctions.
Bolt Carrier Group Requirement
- Use an M16 / full-auto style bolt carrier group.
- Do not use an AR-15 cut carrier.
- The Partisan system requires the correct carrier profile for proper out-of-battery safety sear function.
2. General Firearm Checks
Before assuming the trigger is at fault, verify that the rifle is clean, lubricated, and properly configured.
- Clean and lubricate the firearm thoroughly, including all moving trigger components.
- Use quality magazines with strong springs such as PMag, Lancer, or newer USGI magazines.
- Inspect the buffer spring for proper length, installation, and wear.
- Use reliable, quality ammunition.
- Inspect for gas leakage at the gas block or carrier key.
- Tighten and properly stake gas key screws if needed.
- Inspect gas rings and replace worn rings if necessary.
- Verify anti-rotation pins are correctly installed and tightened.
- Use thread locker on anti-rotation pins.
- Ensure the buffer tube castle nut is properly torqued and staked.
3. Function Check
- Confirm the firearm is completely unloaded and no magazine is inserted.
-
Selector on SAFE: Pull the trigger.
Expected result: The hammer should not fall. -
Selector on SEMI: Pull and hold the trigger.
Expected result: The hammer should fall.
While continuing to hold the trigger, cycle the charging handle.
Release the trigger.
Expected result: The trigger should reset. -
Selector on THIRD POSITION: Pull and hold the trigger.
Cycle the charging handle several times.
There should be some trigger movement.
Release the trigger.
Expected result: The hammer should remain forward.
Cycle again for trigger reset.
4. Installation Steps
- Remove any magazine and ensure the rifle and work area are clear of ammunition.
- Press the pivot and takedown pins and separate the upper and lower receivers.
- Loosen the pistol grip screw. Complete removal of the grip is usually not necessary.
- Remove the installed safety selector.
- Remove the hammer pin, then remove the hammer and hammer spring assembly.
- Remove the trigger pin, then remove the trigger, sear, and trigger spring assembly.
- Insert the Partisan Trigger cartridge assembly.
- Install the Partisan Trigger 3-position safety. This safety must be used with the trigger.
- Tighten the pistol grip screw.
- Install anti-rotation pins and apply thread locker.
- Place the rear lug of the upper receiver into the lower and slightly pull back on the charging handle so the rear of the bolt carrier group clears the out-of-battery safety sear.
- Reinsert the pivot and takedown pins.
- Installation is complete.
5. Common Problems & Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Trigger cannot be pulled in SEMI or ENHANCED | Ensure an M16-cut bolt carrier is installed and that the Partisan Trigger safety is correctly used and properly installed. Confirm selector positions are functioning as intended. |
| Hammer falls on empty chamber or bolt is not fully in battery | Ensure an H2 or heavier buffer is installed and that it is not a solid buffer. Use quality magazines capable of keeping up with the rate of fire. Clean and lubricate the firearm thoroughly. |
| Failure to fire (“dead trigger”) | Inspect trigger installation and function, confirm correct selector operation, verify quality ammunition is being used, and check for worn or misaligned fire control components. |
| Bolt fails to feed or pick up the next round | Clean and lubricate the firearm. Check the magazine for defects or wear. Inspect gas rings, gas key, buffer, and springs for correct condition and installation. |
| Trigger is not resetting after firing | Inspect for dirt, fouling, or improper installation. Ensure the correct buffer and spring combination is being used. Perform the full function check again. |
| Failure to eject (“stovepipe” or spent casing trapped) | Clean the chamber and bolt. Inspect the extractor and ejector for wear. Check the gas system for leaks, loose keys, or undergassed operation. Replace worn springs if needed. |
| Selector not snapping properly into each position, or safety moves with difficulty | Remove the selector. Unscrew the selector screw. Make sure the selector lever is fully seated and clicks into place. Reinstall and retighten the screw. |
Final Notes
Most reliability issues are resolved by correcting the buffer system, confirming the use of a full-auto M16 bolt carrier group, and verifying proper installation of the trigger and selector.
If your rifle is clean, lubricated, properly installed, and configured with the correct supporting components, the Partisan Disruptor should function reliably.