Description

Ever wondered what it would be like to have a trigger that fires on both the pull and the release, giving you that rapid, controlled cadence you see in competition videos? That’s the exact question I get from shooters looking to step up their PCC game.

Californiagunshop is a San Antonio, TX-based retailer specializing in tactical firearms and components for enthusiasts and families. The Franklin Armory BFSIII PC-C1 Binary Trigger for Pistol Caliber Carbines – Enhanced Firing System is a drop-in trigger group that provides a unique binary firing mode. Its enhanced design offers improved reliability and a crisp, predictable break over standard triggers. This unit is in stock and ready to ship for $250.00.

Why This Binary Trigger Belongs on Your PCC

After building and testing hundreds of custom rifles and carbines, I can tell you that the trigger is the heart of the shooting experience. A standard mil-spec trigger gets the job done, but for competitive shooting, dynamic range drills, or just adding a new dimension of fun to your training, the Franklin Armory BFSIII PC-C1 is a legitimate upgrade. It’s not about turning your carbine into something it’s not; it’s about giving you more control and more options. The binary mode lets you achieve a remarkably fast, yet deliberate, rate of fire by firing one round when you pull the trigger and another when you release it, all while maintaining a safe, controlled grip and stance. I’ve used these with families I coach, and once they understand the mechanics, it becomes an excellent tool for teaching trigger control and follow-through in a way that’s genuinely engaging.

Franklin Armory BFSIII PC-C1 Specifications

How It Stacks Up: Franklin Armory vs. The Competition

When you’re shopping for a trigger like this, you’ll see a wide range of prices and claims. Let’s break down how the Franklin Armory BFSIII PC-C1 compares to two common alternatives you might encounter.

Feature	Franklin Armory BFSIII PC-C1	Generic/Import Binary Trigger (~$60-$80)	Other Premium Brand Binary (~$250+)
Material	CNC-machined steel & aluminum	Often cast or MIM parts, softer metals	Typically CNC-machined steel
Quality & Fit	Precision fit, minimal play, enhanced sear geometry	Loose tolerances, can feel gritty, may require fitting	Generally high-quality fit and finish
Compatibility	Specifically engineered for PCCs (pistol calibers)	Marketed for “AR-15,” may not function reliably in PCCs	Often rifle-caliber focused, may need separate PCC model
Shipping & Legality	Shipped complete, ready for legal installation	May ship from overseas with delays/customs issues	Similar domestic shipping
Lifespan/Durability	Heat-treated, designed for high round counts	Prone to wear, breakage, or sear deformation	Built for durability
Price	$250.00	$60 – $80	$250 – $300

The key takeaway from my bench experience is compatibility and reliability. The cheap import might seem like a bargain, but I’ve seen them fail under the unique stresses of a blowback PCC system. The Franklin unit is built for this specific application, which is why it’s my go-to recommendation for this niche.

The Good and The Honest Considerations

Pros:

• ✅ PCC-Specific Engineering: This isn’t a re-purposed rifle trigger. It’s designed from the ground up for the heavier bolt mass and different cycling dynamics of a 9mm (or similar) carbine, leading to better reliability.
• ✅ True Drop-In Simplicity: If you can install a standard AR trigger, you can install this. It comes as a complete, self-contained unit with all necessary pins and springs.
• ✅ Crisp, Predictable Break: Even in semi-auto mode, it’s a noticeable improvement over a basic trigger, with a clean pull and reset.
• ✅ Enhanced Safety Profile: The three-position selector (Safe, Semi, Binary) provides clear, positive detents. The hammer is automatically caught by the disconnector in binary mode if you don’t release the trigger, adding a layer of safety.
• ✅ Unmatched Fun & Training Value: For competitive shooting like USPSA PCC or Steel Challenge, mastering the binary rhythm can shave time. For training, it emphasizes trigger finger discipline like nothing else.

Cons:

• ❌ Premium Price Point: At $250, it’s a significant investment compared to a basic trigger. You’re paying for specialized engineering and U.S. manufacturing.
• ❌ Not for Rifle Calibers: This is the PC-C1 model for Pistol Caliber Carbines only. Do not install it in a 5.56/.223 rifle. If you need a binary for a standard AR-15 rifle, see our trigger category for the rifle-caliber BFSIII model.
• ❌ Requires Practice: The binary mode has a learning curve. New users often “short-stroke” the trigger by not allowing a full release before the next pull, causing a malfunction. This isn’t a flaw; it’s a technique to learn.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This Trigger

Buy it if: You own a 9mm/.40/.45 AR-platform carbine and want to explore binary firing for competition or recreational range use. You value U.S.-made, purpose-built components and are willing to invest in reliability. You’re an experienced shooter looking to add a new skill dimension to your training.

Skip it if: Your primary use is home defense (stick with a standard semi-auto trigger for simplicity under stress). You’re on a tight budget and a standard enhanced single-stage trigger would satisfy your needs—check out our other trigger options. You have a rifle-caliber AR-15 (you need the standard BFSIII model).

Common Questions & Concerns

Q: Is this legal?
A: The Franklin Armory BFSIII is a federally legal trigger group for civilians. It does not convert your firearm into a machine gun. It fires one round per function of the trigger (pull *or* release). However, laws can vary by state and locality. It is your responsibility to know and comply with all local, state, and federal laws before purchasing or installing.

Q: Will it work with my specific PCC (like a CMMG, PSA, or Foxtrot Mike)?
A: It is compatible with most AR-platform PCCs that use a standard fire control group pocket and a Colt-style magazine pattern or dedicated PCC lower. It is generally not compatible with guns using a modified hammer path like the CMMG Radial Delay system without potential modification. When in doubt, consult your firearm’s manufacturer.

Q: Is it hard to install?
A> Not at all. The process is identical to swapping any AR-15 trigger: drive out the two fire control pins, remove the old trigger and hammer, drop this unit in, and re-insert the included pins. No gunsmithing is required. A basic armorer’s tool and a punch set are helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

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