Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
AR Sponsor
11/14/2011 4:57:05 AM EDT
Can anyone explain what the difference is between standard triggers and 2-stage triggers?  I keep seeing these options when I look at lowers but so far I can't get a consistent answer.
11/14/2011 5:16:59 AM EDT
[#1]
Single stage is like a bolt action's trigger - there isn't any "takeup" and the trigger immediately releases the sear when enough pressure is applied. 2-stage triggers have some "takeup" or move a little before you reach the sear relese point where you then have to apply more pressure. The triggers react the same as a Good 1911 trigger (single) vs a springfield XD's trigger (2-stage).
11/14/2011 5:21:52 AM EDT
[#2]
I don't think an xd has a 2 stage trigger.... don't confuse single action and double action with trigger stages (though idpa claims an xd is single action)
11/14/2011 5:30:04 AM EDT
[#3]
A two stage trigger is like two triggers in one.  When you first start to pull the trigger it will travel a short distance and then it will stop (first stage).  This is where the second stage starts.  The second stage is usually lighter than the first and has a very short travel before the sear/disconnector disengages the hammer and the weapon fires.  For example, you have a 2 stage trigger and you start to pull it.  The first stage travels 0.050" and is 3 lbs.  After the 0.050" travel you feel the trigger stop.  The second stage travels 0.010" and only requires 1 lb of pressure to fire the weapon.  A single stage trigger would require the same amount of pressure throughout the pull.  One of the advantages of a 2 stage trigger is that you can have a very light trigger pull and still be safe.  IME it also alows me a final chance to get set before the shot.  I like to get on target, pull the first stage, and then fine tune my aim and breathing, then finish the trigger pull (all this in a very short period of time of course).
11/14/2011 12:44:06 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
Single stage is like a bolt action's trigger - there isn't any "takeup" and the trigger immediately releases the sear when enough pressure is applied. 2-stage triggers have some "takeup" or move a little before you reach the sear relese point where you then have to apply more pressure. The triggers react the same as a Good 1911 trigger (single) vs a springfield XD's trigger (2-stage).


Agreed.  The XD as well as the Glock have a noticeable amount of take-up before the trigger breaks, similar to a two stage rifle trigger.  A 1911 generally does not, similar to a single-stage trigger.

Of course, a quality two-stage rifle trigger like a Geissele has a sear that breaks crisply.  My Glock, OTOH, is mushy.
11/14/2011 1:04:47 PM EDT
[#5]
Go to geissele's web site.  They make several triggers (perform differently).  They give a description of the trigger break.  The last two posts explained it pretty well.  I like the two stage for target and tactical.  Any quality trigger makes a huge difference.
AR Sponsor