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Posted: 11/17/2008 4:00:25 PM EDT
| Okay, I feel silly asking this because I believe that I have some firearm knowledge. But, could someone explain to me the difference between a single stage and two stage trigger? My new RRA has the match two stage trigger and I did some research but still do not understand the difference if someone could put it in plain English for me cause Im just not getting it. Thanks.... |
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I had the same trigger and was confused myself. I believe the 2 stage has some free play
up to the 2nd stage. This gives the op a sense of a light pull trigger. A good single stage has little or no creep and when pulled the hammer falls. I'm not good at explaining and i hope this helps. I.E. 2 stage- If you have a 4.5 lbs trigger you use 3 lbs in the 1st stage and 1.5 to drop the hammer. 1 stage(like my CMC)- 4 lbs with no pre travel. |
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The standard single stage trigger (supposedly more reliable from a true defensive position), is usually gritty and has creep in a basic AR, even if it is improved upon. Trigger weight is heavy, usually 5-8 pounds (but that may vary by mfg.).
On the other hand, a 2 stage trigger is more precise, with an initial "take-up" of slack, which leaves a lighter and more precise trigger pull, just before the break. This improves accuracy, especially at long range. Nine out of ten, will usually suggest an AR with a 2-stage (unless strictly meant for optimum reliability and defense, using a single stage). |
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I dont know about more precise.... Changing from a RRA 2 stage to a CMC single stage
was a noticable increase in accuracy. No creep and light pull. My buddy still has his RRA 2 stage and can group well with it to so i may be ignorant on the subject. I know this, i would never have a 2 stage or pre travel on a long rifle. That is just my 2¢. |
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single stage=stock; has one distinct break point––usually ranges from ~7+lbs and creapy and heavier
2 stage: 2 distnct stages of pull––the first being heavier where you take the slack feel, then it goes into the 2nd stage which is light; they can range to 4 lb and down 2 stages are nice b/c you can tell when your trigger is going to break |
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1. A two stage trigger is not less reliable. Lets clear that misconsception up right off the bat. Clearly there are unreliable triggers like CMC with the huge amount of QC issues (doubling etc...) or RRA that lose the first stage over time (at least they still funtion) but those are individual trigger issues, not related to the fact they are single stage or two stage or even adjustable vs non adjustbale. Quality is quality and reliable is reliable.
2. If two triggers are EQUAL WEIGHT and EQUAL QUALITY... the single stage will take a "suprise break" or it will be too light. The two stage will allow me to know EXACTLY when the round will go down range. If I dont like the shot I can let go of the weighted take up. 3. A two stage trigger is not slower than a single stage for close in shooting. If the take up is short enough it will feel like a single stage when shooting fast. People dont even notice my Geissele Hi Speed with overtravel and take up set to minimum is 2 stage till I tell them. Also recoil recovery take many times longer than trigger reset. Lets try putting it into clearer light in som other ways. A Sig's single action has more take up than the entire trigger range of my 2 stage trigger. I have used 1911s with more take up distance than my Geissele. US military rifle have always had 2 stage triggers for war... till the M16. You can still correct this error thankfully. 
What are the drawbacks to a 2 stage trigger? Cost. Thats it. |
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Quoted:
So a 2 stage is not recommended for LE use? Not fired mine yet so not sure how it feels. Do any handguns have 2 stage triggers? No. But any pistol trigger with take up is like a 2 satge trigger in feel. The 2 stage usually has more weight on the take up realtive to total weight than any pistol though. Tis is so the second stage "feels" lighter as you only need a small amount of effort to release the second stage. |
| I just installed a two stage RRA trigger in my new S&W MP and really like it. Much better for me than the factory trigger. Will probably look into a better trigger down the line, but for now with the amount of shooting that I do, this one should last for a while. |
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