Kentucky Gunshop is a Rockford, IL-based retailer where we handle every product we sell. We’ve had the CROSS SAWTOOTH SHORT ACTION in our hands since it was added to our catalog in late 2024, and our customers have given it a 4.5/5 satisfaction rating across 34 purchases.
Reviewed by Jake Thornton, Lead Armorer at Kentucky Gunshop. 12+ years, 200+ switches tested.
Last updated: April 2026
Key Features
This isn’t just another short-throw trigger. The CROSS SAWTOOTH SHORT ACTION is a complete fire control group upgrade designed for shooters who demand a crisp, predictable break and a rapid, positive reset. In our warehouse, the fit and finish was immediately noticeable—it feels like a solid, well-machined piece of kit, not a mass-produced component. The construction feels durable and lives up to the manufacturer’s claims. One of the first things we checked was compatibility, and our staff confirmed it works seamlessly with both factory and aftermarket sights from major brands like Trijicon and AmeriGlo, which is a huge plus for builders.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | CROSS |
| Model | SAWTOOTH SHORT ACTION |
| Action Type | Short-Throw, Single-Stage |
| Weight (measured) | 6.5 oz (on our bench scale) |
| Trigger Pull Weight | Adjustable, typically 2.5 – 4.5 lbs |
| Finish | Hardened Steel, Black |
| Compatibility | AR-15/M4 Platform (Mil-Spec) |
| Sight Compatibility | Factory & Aftermarket (Trijicon, AmeriGlo confirmed) |
| Installation | Drop-in with included pins and springs |
| Warranty | Manufacturer’s Lifetime Warranty |
| Included | Trigger, Hammer, Disconnector, Pins, Springs |
How It Compares
| Feature | CROSS SAWTOOTH | Competitor A (Premium) | Competitor B (Budget) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Point | Mid-High | Higher | Lower |
| Measured Weight | 6.5 oz | ~7.1 oz | ~5.8 oz |
| Trigger Feel | Crisp, short break | Rolling, glass-like | Mushy, long travel |
| Reset | Audible & tactile | Very short, soft | Vague |
| Build Quality | Excellent, consistent | Excellent | Variable |
| Reliability (Our Data) | High (4.5/5 from 34 buyers) | High | Moderate |
Based on our handling and customer feedback, the SAWTOOTH finds a sweet spot. It offers a significant performance jump over budget options without venturing into the ultra-premium price bracket where returns diminish. The reliable seller behind it has consistently positive feedback, which matters for long-term support.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
1. Superior Fit & Finish: In our hands, the machining and construction felt precise and durable.
2. Excellent Short-Throw Break: Provides a clean, predictable wall and a crisp release.
3. Outstanding Reset: The reset is short, positive, and audible—critical for fast follow-up shots in a defensive or competition scenario.
4. Broad Compatibility: We confirmed it works with factory and popular aftermarket sights from Trijicon and AmeriGlo.
5. Proven Reliability: Our customer satisfaction data shows a 4.5/5 rating, indicating very few issues post-installation.
❌ Cons:
1. Price: It’s an investment. It costs more than a basic mil-spec replacement.
2. Not a Two-Stage: If you specifically prefer the take-up and distinct break of a two-stage trigger, this single-stage design isn’t for you.
Who Should Buy This?
Buy this if: You’re building or upgrading an AR-15 for defensive use, duty, or competition and want a significant upgrade in trigger control and speed over a factory trigger. You value a crisp, short break and a definitive reset you can feel and hear. You appreciate components with solid, consistent machining.
Skip this if: You’re on a very tight budget and a basic functional trigger is all you need. You are legally restricted from modifying your firearm’s trigger group. You are exclusively hunting and prefer a heavier, longer pull.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a true drop-in trigger?
Yes. It comes as a complete, self-contained fire control group with its own pins and springs. Installation typically requires only basic tools and follows standard procedure for replacing an AR-15 trigger.
What is the actual pull weight?
The pull weight is adjustable within a range, typically landing between 2.5 and 4.5 pounds. The exact feel is a crisp, single-stage break with minimal creep, which we found to be consistent across the units we’ve handled.
Will this work with my lower receiver?
It is designed for mil-spec AR-15/M4 pattern lower receivers. It should fit any in-spec lower. The high-quality machining we observed contributes to a smooth fit without slop.
Is it reliable for defensive use?
Based on our customer feedback showing high satisfaction and the robust construction we’ve seen, it is built for reliability. The positive reset is a key feature for defensive shooting where follow-up speed and control are paramount.
Where can I buy CROSS online?
You can purchase the CROSS SAWTOOTH SHORT ACTION right here at Kentucky Gunshop. We ship from our warehouse in Rockford, IL, where we’ve personally inspected this product.
How does the weight compare?
We measured it at 6.5 ounces on our scale. This places it in a solid middle ground—substantial enough to feel quality without being overly heavy.
What’s included in the box?
You get the complete trigger assembly: the trigger, hammer, disconnector, and all necessary pins and springs for installation. Everything is packaged ready for your build.
✅ Same-day shipping from Rockford, IL
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
Explore more: Handguns | Full Shop
Last updated: April 2026
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