Technology
LeMay Bullpup Conversion Kit — Technology
Compact handling is easy. A good bullpup trigger is the hard part.
This page explains the design priorities behind the LeMay trigger system—why bullpup triggers often feel “different,” what shooters mean when they talk about “1911-style” trigger feel, and what we built the LeMay to deliver.
The bullpup trigger challenge
Bullpup conversions move the grip and trigger forward while the firing mechanism remains rearward. That layout delivers a shorter, rear-balanced package—but it also means the trigger has to transmit motion over a longer distance through additional linkage.
More distance and more interfaces can introduce small losses: flex, friction, stack-up, and variability under load. The end result—especially on many bullpup-style systems—is a trigger press that feels longer, less defined, or less consistent than a conventional layout.
What shooters typically feel
- Less-defined “wall” before the shot breaks
- More take-up than expected
- Inconsistent break if the linkage flexes or changes leverage under load
- Reset that’s harder to feel when the system has extra travel
What the design has to fight
- Flex in long components
- Friction at contact points
- Tolerance stack-up across multiple interfaces
- Changing leverage as parts move through their arc
Why people rave about “1911-style” trigger feel
When shooters talk about 1911 triggers, they’re usually praising the predictability. A “good” 1911-style feel is often described as having a clear point of engagement, a clean break, and a reset you can confidently run—without feeling like you’re dragging the sights off target.
That matters in real use. A more controllable trigger helps you press through the shot with less disruption, which supports tighter groups and more repeatable performance—especially when you’re shooting faster or shooting from less-than-perfect positions.
Important nuance
“Best” is subjective—different trigger systems can be excellent for different purposes. The key takeaway is that the 1911-style reputation is built around a crisp, consistent, confidence-inspiring press. That’s the performance goal we’re chasing.
The LeMay trigger approach
The LeMay is designed around a direct-impact, 1911-style linkage concept with one goal: preserve a more defined, repeatable press even though the layout requires the trigger to be forward of the action. Instead of treating the trigger as the inevitable tradeoff of a compact system, we treated it as a primary performance feature.
Design priorities
- Consistency under load (less “changing feel” as you press)
- Defined engagement so the wall and break feel more predictable
- Controlled reset behavior so you can run the trigger confidently
- Serviceability and durability for real-world use
What you’ll notice
- A press that feels more controlled and less vague
- Better repeatability shot-to-shot
- Cleaner transitions for follow-up shots
- More confidence that your trigger press isn’t the limiting factor
Linkage geometry: why some designs feel different
Not all trigger linkages behave the same. Some systems use additional joints or leverage changes throughout the press. Others use cam-like behavior to vary mechanical advantage—sometimes to reduce effort in one part of the press and increase control in another. Some designs are more symmetrical; others are intentionally asymmetrical due to packaging, hand placement, or the path the linkage must travel.
These approaches can be valid—but they come with tradeoffs. More parts, more arcs, and more leverage changes can also mean more opportunities for variation in feel. Our design philosophy with LeMay is to keep the press behavior as consistent and repeatable as practical for a bullpup conversion.
Stiffness, alignment, and repeatability
Trigger feel isn’t just about the trigger shoe—it’s about how the system behaves under load. If a linkage flexes or wanders, the press can feel inconsistent. LeMay addresses this by focusing on rigidity and alignment so the motion stays controlled.
- Laser-cut 5052 aluminum linkage bars used as rigid members in the mechanism
- Delrin guide rods used to help stabilize and guide movement
- Geometry intended to keep motion consistent rather than “spongy”
Shooter interface: control where it matters
A good trigger system still needs a comfortable interface. LeMay includes both curved and flat forward trigger shoes so you can choose your preference at the point of contact—without changing the underlying mechanism. The goal is straightforward: give you a controllable press and a comfortable, repeatable finger position.
Clearance and finish protection
LeMay is designed so the linkage runs with built-in clearance along the outside of the lower receiver. For extra insurance, we include stand-off protection components so the linkage is less likely to contact your finish during operation. (Detailed notes and included items are listed in the FAQ.)
Next steps
If you’re choosing parts for a build, the fastest path is: check the FAQ for compatibility, then configure your kit on the Store. For the overview, return to Home. If you have a hybrid setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll confirm fitment.
Safety & compliance: Always follow safe firearms handling and comply with federal/state/local laws and regulations. You are responsible for your configuration and use.