2 Stage Trigger Explanation

[rickp]

I need some help understanding the 2 stage trigger and it's benefit.

My AI has a 2 stage trigger. Now the way I have it set up is I have a little bit of slack just before the break which is about 2.5lbs or so.

Now I've been told that a 2 stage trigger can be set up so that the 1st stage can be adjusted not only in length but also in weight, is that correct??

R.

 

[bm11]

Re: 2 Stage Trigger Explanation

The "slack" has weight, it is the spring pressure that returns it. It is adjustable, and has the effect of making the second stage feel lighter.

For example, if your 2 stage has a 4.5 pound overall pull weight, but your first stage is 3 pounds, it will feel like it is breaking at 1.5 pounds because your finger is already holding the 3 pounds first stage weight when you hit the 2nd stage.

 

[rickp]

Re: 2 Stage Trigger Explanation

Ok, that makes sense, and explains a lot of my questions. But in my AI, I really don't have any weight on my "slack" When I adjusted it all I adjusted was the length of the "slack". The only weight I adjusted was the actual break.

 

[bm11]

Re: 2 Stage Trigger Explanation

I believe the weight screw (the one that is vertical in front of the trigger if the rifle is pointed down range) is the adjustment for the first stage, though it does have an effect on the second stage as well, at least by my finger. I believe you would have in increase the pull weight and decrease the sear engagement to increase the perception of the second stage getting lighter, though I'm not sure.

I shoot AI's as well, and my first stage has never felt like unweighted slack. If that is the case, I believe it is probably adjusted too light.

 

[scotharr]

Re: 2 Stage Trigger Explanation

Many precision long-range shooters prefer a two-stage trigger and 3-gunners often go with single stage triggers. Lots of exceptions to that rule and personal preference trumps everything. Benefits of two-stage triggers:

1. More sear engagement. Two-stage triggers are very safe because they have more sear engagement than single-stage triggers. For this reason, you want to keep an ample first-stage. Reducing first stage pull reduces sear engagement, thereby eliminating this advantage.
2. Lighter pull. A 4.5lb two-stage trigger (3lb 1st, 1.5lb) is going to feel much lighter than a 4.5lb single-stage trigger.

These benefits make a 2-stage good for hunting, tactical and other pursuits where you need precision and safety. Example, most people would advise against a 1lb or less single-stage trigger pull for a hunting rifle for safety reasons. But, having a good two-stage with a 1.5lb 1st stage, and a .75lb second stage would be no problem.

 

[SScott]

Re: 2 Stage Trigger Explanation

Don't think of your first stage as "slack" or something bad. It is take up, I have mine set up as a 1.25lb take up and it breaks around 2 lbs, once you get used to two stage triggers, that it all you will want to shoot.

Edit to add info. In an effort to help people not familar with two stage triggers I need to remind them that when the use them they will apply pressure to take up the first stage and hold it until they are ready to break the shot, then it is just a small amount of additional pressure. DO NOT pull through the first stage and immediately hit the second stage and break the shot, because you will feel like the first stage is useless.
I hope I explained this well enough.
Enjoy, SScott

 

[seanh]

Re: 2 Stage Trigger Explanation

I prefer a 2 stage trigger. It lets you have your finger on the trigger "holding" as you acquire your target. As, mentioned, there is the added degree of safety...I believe this is why the military uses them.

They take a bit to get used to but when setup properly they're great.

I don't know all 2 stage triggers but match ones can be adjusted for takeup and weight. If 1st stage weight isn't adjustable then you can probably replace the spring with one that is less stiff. It may void your warranty so do this at your own risk. If you need to go this route, have a gunsmith do it.

 

[Taken Out Slak]

Re: 2 Stage Trigger Explanation

I have to agree with Sunnyside once you get it set where you like it to break and see the advantages of knowing exactly when yor shot will break which is quite usefull in some of the more aggressive tactical type challenges you'll never go back. But as mentioned personal preference always rules.

 

[TOPO-sniper]

Re: 2 Stage Trigger Explanation

"I believe this is why the military uses them"

I've been out a while, do any military weapons now have a two stage trigger other than long guns?

 

[Bruiser_Joe]

Re: 2 Stage Trigger Explanation

mk12, mk11/m110, Mk20 all have 2 stage

 

[scotharr]

Re: 2 Stage Trigger Explanation

Not sure of all the acronyms, but many of the AR-10/M16-based precision rifles are using Geissele two-stage triggers