Anyone running a SET trigger?

EDELWEISS

EDELWEISS

Sergeant of the Hide
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Minuteman
Feb 22, 2019
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#1
My first experience with modern SET Triggers was on a Steyr SSG69. I played with "sets" on muzzle loaders before that and I had seen "sets" on custom Mausers; but the Steyr was my first and you always remember your first.... Today Im thinking about adding a SET on a rifle im building for PRS and when hunting from a blind. For PRS my plan is to only use it for the first shot, after that revert to the "regular mode".

Im also adding a SET to a AR10 build.

Thoughts?
 
#2
I think a quality two stage trigger will do everything you need, without the added complexity.

What would be the benefit to using the set for the first shot, but not subsequent shots? I mean other than setting the trigger each time would be slow?
 
#3
OK, a light first shot increases the likelihood of a first shot hit and a first shot hit is better than a miss. Setting the "set" only involves pushing the trigger forward (on a single set trigger); but Ill probably only use it for the first shot especially if there is movement required between shots.

A quality two stage trigger wont take the release down to 8 ounces (or less) . The trigger Im going to use is 2 1/2 lbs in normal mode and 3 to 8 ounces when set. Admittedly its a love it or hate it concept.
 
#4
EDELWEISS said:
OK, a light first shot increases the likelihood of a first shot hit and a first shot hit is better than a miss. Setting the "set" only involves pushing the trigger forward (on a single set trigger); but Ill probably only use it for the first shot especially if there is movement required between shots.

A quality two stage trigger wont take the release down to 8 ounces (or less) . The trigger Im going to use is 2 1/2 lbs in normal mode and 3 to 8 ounces when set. Admittedly its a love it or hate it concept.
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You don’t have a better opportunity or more time or anything before the fist shot on a stage than any other shot on said stage? Set trigger is a waste for prs. No need for the unset trigger hard pull. Adds complexity and movement in a sport where you are trying to do the opposite.
 
#5
I guess it a mindset thing. I play PRS because its good real world practice, IF you aren't worried about winning the game. I don't give a good Sh*t about winning a game; but I do like that I can get additional practice on barricades with PRS., that I cant at normal ranges (at least not around here).

I had fun at PRS matches last year watching guys whove spent fortunes on guns and silly game gear get beat buy a 9 year old kid using a AR 15 that his day built for him and a sock full of rice for a rest.....and lets be real if only for just a second, show me a time where THE FIRST SHOT isnt the one that matters MOST--once you take the game out of it.
 
#6
EDELWEISS said:
I guess it a mindset thing. I play PRS because its good real world practice, IF you aren't worried about winning the game. I don't give a good Sh*t about winning a game; but I do like that I can get additional practice on barricades with PRS., that I cant at normal ranges (at least not around here).

I had fun at PRS matches last year watching guys whove spent fortunes on guns and silly game gear get beat buy a 9 year old kid using a AR 15 that his day built for him and a sock full of rice for a rest.....and lets be real if only for just a second, show me a time where THE FIRST SHOT isnt the one that matters MOST--once you take the game out of it.
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First shot means nothing more than any of the others to me. I don’t understand what you are asking. A set trigger is so you have a safer hunting trigger, but the ability to have a light pull with the set feature. If you want a double duty rig by all means do it. Nobody would set a prs gun up like that. There is no need for the hunting mode. If you like a nice light pull on your first shot and a heavier pull on all your other shots then you’ve found the hot setup.
 
#7
I appreciate your thoughts, that's what I asked for, and discussions are learning tools. That being said we disagree, and that's ok too. Yes a set trigger can be used in hunting; but the Steyr SSG69 was designed from the ground up to be a sniper rifle and it was standard with double set triggers.

As for PRS, very few of the guns Ive seen in PRS would be useful in any real world role, even less with all the gamer gear like belly bags and dope card holders.

For me the set trigger is just another tool. Maybe itll get used, maybe itll work spectacularly, maybe it wont. Worse case is I have a polished trigger with a 2 1/2 pound pull.

One question--have you ever used a set trigger?
 
#9
EDELWEISS said:
I appreciate your thoughts, that's what I asked for, and discussions are learning tools. That being said we disagree, and that's ok too. Yes a set trigger can be used in hunting; but the Steyr SSG69 was designed from the ground up to be a sniper rifle and it was standard with double set triggers.

As for PRS, very few of the guns Ive seen in PRS would be useful in any real world role, even less with all the gamer gear like belly bags and dope card holders.

For me the set trigger is just another tool. Maybe itll get used, maybe itll work spectacularly, maybe it wont. Worse case is I have a polished trigger with a 2 1/2 pound pull.

One question--have you ever used a set trigger?
Click to expand...
Yes. I have four rifles with set triggers. This is my cz Kevlar.308. I’ve used it in prs/sniper competitions a few times. The set feature was costing me a second or two on each shot, so I don’t use it for that. I use the set trigger for other purposes, but find it to not be useful at all in prs style competition. Your mileage may very. I’d be more likely to keep track of time and use the set trigger at the end of a stage with extra time on the last few than fiddle around on the first shot trying to get set up toward the target etc. 2 different trigger pulls in competition was completely distracting to me. To the point I abandoned the set feature on the first stage. I would love to hear the logic behind a set trigger on a tactical long range rifle? Real world or competition world.
 

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#10
EDELWEISS,

Yes, CZ 550. It's quick and easy compared to a two trigger set type trigger. Just push forward before pulling. They were adjustable for both the set and standard, but I believe the standard was only adjustable down to 2 lbs. reliably when the set was adjusted down. I put the set at about one pound, and the regular pull at 2 1/2 lbs.

I can see what the guys are saying above in that two different pulls, and the speed lost to change them, makes it better to just adjust the trigger to one light poundage. And, get used to that only. A two stage is kind of the same thing. A half a pound of spring pull to the release then another half pound to let the sear go. A little light, IMO, for packing around. I prefer an adjustable trigger where I can put 2 to 2 1/2 pounds on and take the creep way out. Hair trigger but with some weight behind it. I've seen a lot of guys adjust triggers and not understand that. Also, stoning surfaces so the sear and striker faces are not grabbing during release.

Overall, I'd say it's usable in PRS, but the two stage or well fitted/adjusted trigger is going to give you the same without the time lost to set it before each shot. Not many stages are that short on time for what it takes to set that trigger. The stages where you try to hit as many as you can in a given time, it would be a fiasco for the shooter.
 
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#11
JMO, but a set trigger in PRS is a solution in search of a problem. And yes, I have used them for hunting (where it does make some sense). But in PRS (especially at the National level), seconds matter. A set trigger just adds complexity to an action that is geared towards removing as many steps as possible.
 
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#14
What SS said. Since I shoot much more often for PRS style matches, then a single set trigger is superfluous, and yet another, muscle memory skill to train. When hunting these days, my rifles are set up like my match rifles...with a quality two stage trigger.
 
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#16
rth1800 said:
Horrible idea. Set triggers guarantee reduction of focus on fundamentals.
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I would beg to differ. Set triggers maximize the need for fundamentals. It's too easy to let one fly with them if you don't. Focusing on fundamentals becomes extreme because of the chance you may pull the shot off while just laying your finger on the trigger and not quite exactly where you want to be on the target. Maybe we're saying the same thing. It's easy with one to pop one off too soon or not totally in a stable shooting position. They don't give you the room to 'hang' your finger on the trigger while making those last few tiny adjustments. {added:} before putting firing pressure on the trigger.

That said, super light pull set trigger are very consistent, IMO, Again though, they are very light and you certainly shouldn't have a rifle set that way unless you are in position and ready to pull the trigger. This mostly applies to hunting, but some benchresters still like them. I've tested a number of set triggers in the 6-8 oz. range. It seems to me all it takes is a strong wind to set one off. But, waiting in an ambush situation on game or p-dogging, they help because over a long haul of a day, the mental strain of focusing on trigger pull on p-dogs out to 500 makes that light trigger feel heavier than you remember setting it. We're talking 100-200 shots per day at long ranges on small targets.
 
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#17
I have my 2nd Steyr SSG69. It was what got me into long range shooting. Love the set triggers and the option for the set trigger or the heavier but still great trigger. When I was looking for my next rifle I wanted the same but could not easily find it, so I bought single stage after market triggers. I have spent a lot of money since then and am doing great with the single stage triggers.

I shoot 1,000-1,200 yards every weekend and shot 1500 a couple weekends ago, and never even think about the set trigger. Don't miss it a bit. Practicing for getting into PRS and don't think I would take it over my present trigger.

Love my set trigger on the Steyr, but don't think I would want it in a PRS match. Certainly personal preference. Hope you make it work for you.
 
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#18
After hearing your thoughts, I played with some Geisle and CMC triggers for ARs at a shop today. Im still liking the idea of a set trigger. Im waiting on the return of my AR10 with the set trigger and I may yet change my mind for use on ARs; but in concept I like the option of a standard (Heavy) or light (set) trigger--all the more so on a semi auto weapon. Consider that a lightweight trigger is always light; but a set trigger can be engaged or not (and the trigger automatically reverts to standard (heavy) weight after each shot. So yes it is one more thing to do but in the real world (not the game world) of precision shooting (and remember we are on a "sniping" forum) its the first shot that matters cuz its probably the only shot youre gonna be taking
 
#20
A set trigger sounds retarded.

Get a quality two stage trigger. You get way more trigger control with a 2 stage over a single stage trigger, so you can set it to an overall lighter weight than a single stage trigger while being "safer".

Best of both worlds. Nice light and crisp trigger pull (with a good quality 2 stage), while still having plenty of trigger control.

I use BnA Tacsport triggers. My triggers are set to have less than 1lb of pull weight (both stages combined), and I would feel very comfortable taking them hunting. I am VERY familiar and comfortable with my trigger. However, I would never take a single stage set to less than 1 lb hunting. Probably wouldn't even take anything less than 2 lbs on a single stage.

The set trigger seems like a very silly idea IMO.
 
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#21
EDELWEISS said:
After hearing your thoughts, I played with some Geisle and CMC triggers for ARs at a shop today. Im still liking the idea of a set trigger. Im waiting on the return of my AR10 with the set trigger and I may yet change my mind for use on ARs; but in concept I like the option of a standard (Heavy) or light (set) trigger--all the more so on a semi auto weapon. Consider that a lightweight trigger is always light; but a set trigger can be engaged or not (and the trigger automatically reverts to standard (heavy) weight after each shot. So yes it is one more thing to do but in the real world (not the game world) of precision shooting (and remember we are on a "sniping" forum) its the first shot that matters cuz its probably the only shot youre gonna be taking
Click to expand...

Smh...if you were correct, then why "in the real world" of "sniping" (I'm suppressing an eyeroll right now) do you think a set trigger is not used by military and LE snipers? Please, don't tell me that you think this type of trigger has not been considered.

As to the "game world", while some of it is a game, don't fool yourself. A LOT of the best practices of the "game" (fundamentals, stress management, mental process, some gear, etc.) have a huge applicability to the "real world".

It sounds to me more like your trying to justify to yourself the use of a single set trigger, rather than asking (and receiving) advice from a lot of folks that have been doing this for quite some time. If you want a single set trigger, rock on buddy. Just don't expect a lot of us to encourage you to go that route or not be annoyed when you ask a question, but ignore the answer when given. i.e. Don't be an "askhole".
 
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#22
kthomas said:
A set trigger sounds retarded......The set trigger seems like a very silly idea IMO.
Click to expand...

Interesting how you've decide its a bad idea; but it seems like you've never tried one. You sound like a kid who says he doesn't like vegetables...

Guys a lightweight trigger is great but its ALWAYS light. Try running a lightweight trigger when youre actually running, as in one foot in front of the other really fast because people who don't dress like you are interested in adding your left ear to their necklace. A set trigger gives options in the REAL world
 
#23
srt-4_uk said:
If you want a light, single stage, trigger for your AR, Timney Calvin Elite. It blows away either of the two you tested and might fit the bill better for you.
Click to expand...


Thank you. I'll look for them; but as Ive been trying to explain, a light trigger is JUST a light trigger, its ALWAYS a light trigger, for better or worse (sometimes both). A set trigger gives both options at the same time. You get to choose which one is best.

Guys think of a set trigger like a DA/SA handgun. Most of the time you run it in DA mode; but when the bad guy is holding the store clerk in front of him with a gun to her head, you have the option to cock the hammer (switch to set mode) and shoot him in the eye. Then you and the store clerk get to go home. The clerk goes home to wash the bad guys brains out of her hair and you go home to a rare steak and a single malt scotch....ask me how I know.

Set triggers don't have to be used in the set mode, its just an option. Again picture the DA/SA pistol; when your taking fire from a guy with a rifle from 50 meters and the only cover you have is the front wheel of a Crown Vic, you can dump a mag (like everybody else) or you can cock the hammer and picture that steak. Can you make a head shot with a pistol in the DA mode, yes you can; but you can do it a butt load easier in the SA (set) mode. Conversely for normal duty the DA mode is preferred.
 
#24
If your running around with your rifle loaded and cocked without the safety on , I don’t want to be near you in the real world. Snipers and prs competition shooters generally don’t run 4oz benchrest triggers and don’t need a heavy trigger pull setting. Consistency is the major factor in long range shooting. Having the same trigger break every time is more important than having the lightest pull. Really. It seems you just want to bash prs anyway.
 
#25
The difference in DA and SA on a revolver or a '74 Sharps is not the same as the difference in a quality 2 stage rifle trigger, or a quality single stage set at about 2.5 lbs. I've used all of the above, and set triggers on rimfires, and I shoot F-TR with my Jewell or Bn'As set in ozs. I either have removed and replaced, or in the process of removing them from my rimfires that had them. The only rifles I want them on are my BPCRs because the triggers in them can't be set up to be reliable at less than the weight of a gallon of milk.



Sounds like you didn't come here for a discussion but to tell people what you were going to do, and you don't like the responses. You are not the first.

Good luck, if you win the nationals then everyone will want one.
 
#27
Why do you keep going off about this "REAL" world?

You can setup a 2 stage trigger to be versatile in a lot of situations, including your "REAL" world scenarios. A lot more versatile than a single stage.

Sounds like your mind is made up. Run a set trigger. I don't see the value in it. To me, it doesn't make sense to have a trigger that feels completely different based on what mode it is on. That is completely opposite to where precision rifle doctrine has been headed for the last few years. I also think that DA/SA triggers are really stupid - a lot of LE/MIL are going away from those to striker fired pistols (probably because they think DA/SA is retarded as well). But I'm not a "REAL" world operator that learned to snipe from Call of Duty. I'm just a guy that likes to shoot shit at really long ranges with quality precision rifles.
 
#30
Just by chance ran into this thread this morning,Raining all day yesterday so I went through the gun safe and cleaned / oiled everything and was playing around with an old german mauser 8mm that has been sporterized and has a set trigger. That thing goes off when you look at it !
 
#31
Guys I stopped talking about this for PRS several posts ago. I got into PRS because of the opportunity for long range shooting with barricades and the manufactured stress of time restrictions. Have nothing against PRS. Its a GAME so I play for what I get out of it. I don't compete with bags hanging all me or dope cards hanging in front of me (thus blocking my view). I carry a sock full of rice and (full) back pack for support. No I know Ill never make the Nationals, heck I don't win matches; but Im a better real world shooter for it. I look at PRS like golf; its about me getting better not beating someone else. I don't care if Tiger Woods is on the course. Im not playing against him. Im playing against my last score.

My issue with PRS is so many of the competitors Ive met seem to think its real world, just like PPC or IPSC shooters who think they know what a gunfight is like and wont do any force on force training to see how their skills match up to a guy whos willing to shoot them for their shoes.

I AM interested in discussion, Ive said that and I AM hearing what is being said; Im just not sure anyone else is listening and that's OK too I suppose.

As for running around without the safety on, Im not sure how to respond to that except that in my world there was no RESET button and in my world I know what its like to get shot at and get stabbed and face a guy with an IED in his hand. Yes the safety is used when appropriate but I cant ever once remember putting it on in the middle of a fight...maybe that's just me.

Im really not trying to be an ass, I do apologize if any of you took offense.

Perhaps its best if we just end this thread.
 
#32
EDELWEISS said:
Guys I stopped talking about this for PRS several posts ago. I got into PRS because of the opportunity for long range shooting with barricades and the manufactured stress of time restrictions. Have nothing against PRS. Its a GAME so I play for what I get out of it. I don't compete with bags hanging all me or dope cards hanging in front of me (thus blocking my view). I carry a sock full of rice and (full) back pack for support. No I know Ill never make the Nationals, heck I don't win matches; but Im a better real world shooter for it. I look at PRS like golf; its about me getting better not beating someone else. I don't care if Tiger Woods is on the course. Im not playing against him. Im playing against my last score.

My issue with PRS is so many of the competitors Ive met seem to think its real world, just like PPC or IPSC shooters who think they know what a gunfight is like and wont do any force on force training to see how their skills match up to a guy whos willing to shoot them for their shoes.

I AM interested in discussion, Ive said that and I AM hearing what is being said; Im just not sure anyone else is listening and that's OK too I suppose.

As for running around without the safety on, Im not sure how to respond to that except that in my world there was no RESET button and in my world I know what its like to get shot at and get stabbed and face a guy with an IED in his hand. Yes the safety is used when appropriate but I cant ever once remember putting it on in the middle of a fight...maybe that's just me.

Im really not trying to be an ass, I do apologize if any of you took offense.

Perhaps its best if we just end this thread.
Click to expand...
I think you hit the nail on the head. On a patrol /hunting rifle that you may use that set trigger for that once in a while long precise shot, it makes good sense. On a prs or military sniper rifle, which aren’t that great at anything else in the real world, as you have stated, it’s unnecessary. There is enough difficulties in prs style competition that most competitor don’t try to add difficulty “to be a better real world” shooter. Run what you brung! Use what you have, good for you, that’s the game!
 
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#34
EDELWEISS said:
My issue with PRS is so many of the competitors Ive met seem to think its real world
Click to expand...

There's a lot better chance of me shooting steel targets at a match next month than having to snipe a terrorist or protect my Reeboks. And in the real world, people don't use set triggers.
 
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#36
kthomas said:
Why do you keep going off about this "REAL" world?

You can setup a 2 stage trigger to be versatile in a lot of situations, including your "REAL" world scenarios. A lot more versatile than a single stage.

Sounds like your mind is made up. Run a set trigger. I don't see the value in it. To me, it doesn't make sense to have a trigger that feels completely different based on what mode it is on. That is completely opposite to where precision rifle doctrine has been headed for the last few years. I also think that DA/SA triggers are really stupid - a lot of LE/MIL are going away from those to striker fired pistols (probably because they think DA/SA is retarded as well). But I'm not a "REAL" world operator that learned to snipe from Call of Duty. I'm just a guy that likes to shoot shit at really long ranges with quality precision rifles.
Click to expand...

The main reason LE is moving to striker fire is because of the lack of training. Easier for someone to shoot a striker fire than spend time to learn proper trigger control.

I think the HK LEM trigger is the absolute perfect duty and/or self defense trigger our there. But if your fundamentals are lacking, you’re not going to shoot it well.

Depts don’t have the time or funding to properly put in the time needed to master these types of triggers.

There’s a couple ways to look at the transition to striker fired, both positively and negatively. But this is the main reason.
 
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#37
Also, back to the OP alluding to a James Bond life, but not out and out saying it, so he can deny it when called on it.

OP, remember that time we couldn’t let the bus drop below 60? Good times


Carry on.
 
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#38
I listed my credentials in my profile. I was Army MP then CID where I did a personal security detail for the commanding general of CENTCOM. I started as the team long rifleman (MPs don’t have snipers and that was before Designated Marksman)

I’m retired police where I worked SRT for 5 years in addition to patrol division in what is best described as a Freddy Gray neighborhood but with a better zip code

I’ve done EP work in some shitholes around the world and some low class PI stuff. I’ve been shot at and stabbed and almost blown up. My family was stalked by a crazy guy who threatened to kill them because I locked up his girlfriend when she tried to stab me.

Should I go on?
 
#41
I WAS A DOOR GUNNER FOR NASA AND DID A TOUR AT CUNTCOM. SOME REAL OPSEC SHIT. I STOOD BY THE DOOR AT THE LOCAL BAR AND SHOT DOWN ANY THOT BAR-FLY THAT LOOKED OLDER THAN 30 THAT WERE TRYING TO GET NEAR THE ASTRONAUTS WHO HAD A STRICT CRITERIA FOR GROUPIES.

AAAAHHHH THOSE WERE THE DAYS.

SHIT, MY CAPS LOCK WAS ON. NOW IT LOOKS LIKE I AM YELLING. OH WELL, ILL JUST GO WITH IT......
 
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#48
motorcycleboy said:
I thought It was me at first. Like he took what I said out of context or something. I was trying to help.
Click to expand...

He was mad that we were not impressed with his so-called credentials.

That’s really all my sarcastic reply was about LOL. There are guys on here that have done way more than he has.
 
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#49
Bender said:
He was mad that we were not impressed with his so-called credentials.

That’s really all my sarcastic reply was about LOL. There are guys on here that have done way more than he has.
Click to expand...

Hey man, you wouldn’t be saying that if he’d included the part about being recruited out of ROTC for the CENTCOM security detail!
 
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