Will A AR-15 Trigger Fit This Shotgun

Published on February 8, 2026
Duration: 2:35

This guide details an attempt to install an AR-15 trigger into a Derya Arms DY12Y 12-gauge shotgun. The process involves disassembling the shotgun, examining the lower receiver for compatibility, and attempting installation of CMC AR-15/10 triggers. The video highlights significant differences in pin retention and hammer design between AR-15s and this Turkish-made shotgun, ultimately concluding that direct AR-15 trigger swaps are not feasible without extensive modification.

Quick Summary

Direct installation of AR-15 triggers into most shotguns is not feasible due to significant design differences. Shotguns often feature unique safety detent systems, pin retention methods (like C-clips), and hammer designs that are incompatible with AR-15 trigger groups, leading to malfunctions such as light primer strikes.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: AR-15 Parts on a Shotgun?
  2. 00:25Testing CMC AR-15 Trigger Kits
  3. 00:33Turkish Firearms Manufacturing Standards
  4. 00:42Differing Pin and Safety Systems
  5. 00:50Separating Upper and Lower Receivers
  6. 00:53Examining Shotgun Lower Receiver
  7. 00:59Shotgun Pin Retention Methods
  8. 01:11Installing Single-Stage Flat Trigger
  9. 01:27Flat Trigger Seems to Work (Initial)
  10. 01:38Live-Fire Test of the Trigger
  11. 01:47Failure to Fire: Light Primer Strike
  12. 02:00Analysis of Light Primer Strike
  13. 02:11Trying the Enlarged Hammer Kit
  14. 02:19Enlarged Hammer Incompatible Also
  15. 02:29Conclusion: AR Triggers Don't Fit Shotguns

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an AR-15 trigger be installed on a 12-gauge shotgun?

Generally, no. While some shotguns may share aesthetic similarities or minor components with AR-15s, their internal trigger group mechanisms, pin sizes, and hammer designs are typically different. This video demonstrates that AR-15 triggers like CMC models do not directly fit a Derya DY12Y shotgun due to these fundamental design variations.

What are the common reasons AR-15 triggers won't fit shotguns?

Key reasons include differing safety detent systems, unique pin retention methods (like C-clips on some shotguns versus AR-15's standard pins), and variations in hammer height and shape. The shotgun's hammer might be too tall or shaped differently, preventing proper engagement with an AR-15 disconnector, leading to light primer strikes or complete failure to fire.

What is a light primer strike and why might it happen with a trigger swap?

A light primer strike occurs when the firing pin or hammer doesn't strike the primer with enough force to ignite the cartridge. When installing an AR-15 trigger into a shotgun, the geometry changes can cause the shotgun's hammer to not fully cock or engage correctly, or it might hit an obstruction, resulting in insufficient force on the primer.

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from Civilian Tactical

View all →