single stage or two stage trigger??

Discussion in 'Firearms' started by cdnboy66, Apr 19, 2014.


  1. cdnboy66

    cdnboy66 Monkey++

    Well Monkeys,
    What's the consensus??
    In contemplating an AR-15 Build, I am confronted with a host of options and choices, but what's your opinion on triggers?
    I have shot single stage, not 2 stage triggers before.
    What are the major differences, Pro's/Con's
    I see that there are lots of options even between triger groups, what are your experiences with some of them?

    Thanks
     
    Mike likes this.
  2. BTPost

    BTPost Stumpy Old Fart,Deadman Walking, Snow Monkey Moderator

    For "Me" It is like this... Single Stage a Trigger for a Patrol Rifle, and a standard Shooter. 2 Stage Trigger for the Sniper, and long Range Rifle.... My Preferences..... YMMV....
     
    Sapper John, Mike, cdnboy66 and 2 others like this.
  3. ghrit

    ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

    Odd. I'd go exactly the other way. With target, a light (or very light) short travel single stage trigger works best for me (as I have on my one super accurate target 22; super light, measured in ounces.) For sniper, I should think a slightly heavier single stage short travel (as in the 2lb range) would be better all around. For "normal" warfare (or in the hood) I'd prefer a two stage that let me know just before breaking as well as to be sure full reset happened.

    To make the differences clear, single stage is essentially one pull weight thru the full travel, tho' some will "stack" (gradually get heavier) toward breaking. Two stage has a clearly low pull weight, nearly free play, for part of the travel and rather abruptly go into the secondary part of travel with a relatively large increase in pull weight, clearly obvious. Experts, feel free to change my mind with better definitions.
     
    Last edited: Apr 19, 2014
    Mike and cdnboy66 like this.
  4. Grand58742

    Grand58742 Monkey+++

    I'd personally say for a SHTF carbine, the best money to spend is a single stage ALG Defense QMS. It's a honed version of the standard Mil-Spec trigger, but is smooth as silk. It's all I will use and if I'm building an AR for someone is the poke in the side "you want this upgrade" item I tend to highly suggest.

    And like BT, I use double stage for my match stuff. I have a Geissele SSA-E on my AR10 that is one of the best triggers I've seen. Little slack on the first stage, the proverbial glass rod on the second stage.

    Depends greatly on the intended use of your carbine in question. I'd stick to a QMS or ACT for a fighting carbine, save the two stage and match stuff for when accuracy counts. And personally stick with Geissele for the latter.
     
  5. Quigley_Sharps

    Quigley_Sharps The Badministrator Administrator Founding Member

    Two stage if you will be wearing gloves. If not then either will work much better than stock. If long distance shooting I like the two stage over the single.
     
  6. HK_User

    HK_User A Productive Monkey is a Happy Monkey

    What ever it is it should be smooooooth with no over travel.
     
    Sapper John and ghrit like this.
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