Precision AR: 2 stage or single stage trigger

[[email protected]]

Which do you prefer and why?

2stage-guyselle
Single-timney

 

[Howa4AU]

I prefer a single stage trigger. Don't like the take-up in the 2 stage.

 

[ORD]

If you want a safe, reliable, and LIGHT trigger in an AR for precision work, then accept no substitutes for the Geissele two-stage triggers (pick your poison in terms of adjustable vs. non; weight of pull; etc., etc.).

While the Timney isn't a bad trigger by any means and certainly, in my humble opinion, one of the best single-stage options...it is in no manner comparable to the level of precision offered by a high quality two-stage trigger.

If you have not TRIED both of the aforementioned triggers yet or you personally don't have a lot of experience with the differences between a single- and a two-stage trigger, then I suggest that you get some trigger time on both and make the call as to which is the better option for you personally as like most things in life...everybody has their own preference.

 

[Howa4AU]

What's the lightest trigger pull you can get on a Geissele?

 

[ORD]

What's the lightest trigger pull you can get on a Geissele?

That's sort of a loaded question when talking about a two-stage trigger, but if you are operating one properly, then you can get the second stage in the adjustable models safely into the OUNCES range (under 1/2lb) with total weights of pull in both stages at <2lbs (1.8lbs if memory serves). On the non-adjustable models like the SSA-E for example, you get a ~2.3lb first-stage and a 1.2lb second.

 

[jevan126]

I think this is more of a personal matter as stated in the above post. I like the single stage myself as I have a 3.5lb pull but feels like 2.0lbs due to it being a JP Trigger, I think that when it comes to trigger pulls weight isn't as important as is a CLEAN BREAK on a trigger and a QUICK RESET. But some here will swear by the two-stage so depends on what you will be using the rifle for. IMO

 

[mjh30]

Rtc, always used single stage, (25+years) had some good ones, tried a few 2 stage that I didn't care for, decided to try the Geissele ssa-e, well its simply outstanding, buy one, worth every penny, his customer service is also above par.

 

[Shooter0311]

Same here as with ord and mjh30. I have tried chip McCormick, Timney and I just
can't see running anything but geissele. Made to last.

I prefer the SD series so no adjustments to back out if you shoot
a lot and you have choice of 4.5 or 3.5 spring. The SD-E is likely
best IMO for pure precision but I also have the SD3G, which breaks more crisp than most if needed precision and can also be ran very fast/accurately. Any question I have ever had, Bill has answered and I haven't be able to make any of mine puke yet.

 

[[email protected]]

To give you a quick background: I really only shoot bolt guns and all of my bolt guns have timney triggers set to 1.5lbs. I like them a lot but i think i would like a little bit of travel before it breaks. Would a timney in an AR 15 be similiar to my timney in my rem 700's and would it make for good practice?

 

[BLDTYLRY]

I have two Geissele Hi-speed Matches and they are set at 1lb. 1st stage and 8oz 2nd stage. Light, consistent and reliable, You can't get much better.

I also have RRA 2-Stage, Timney, ALG, Spikes NIB, and for precision I prefer the Geissele.

 

[Sterling Shooter]

OP,

I like the GA trigger for its fast lock time. Also, the two stage design allows the GA to meet the 4.5 lb. weight rule of Service Rifle Competition without requiring the shooter to actually press that full weight, as would be the case with a single stage trigger. Additionally, although a light weight single stage would be at home in singe load events such as LR competitions, it is out of place in most anything else due to doubling issues if the finger looses contact with the trigger and then bounces back onto it while the action is cycling. This is why most stock AR's hold about 7pounds or the weight of the rifle.

BTW, what's wrong with your stock trigger? It's real easy to get SMOOTH trigger control from a typical stock trigger group when grip and finger placement is correct/consistent; plus, there's no safety issue. A light trigger may be a substitute for not knowing how to pull the stock trigger without moving the rifle; but, for marksmanship development, you should learn how to pull the stock trigger without disturbing aim. It's not difficult.

 

[NGCSUGrad09]

The Geissele SSA-E has proven to be about perfect for me in the AR platforms.

 

[ORD]

To give you a quick background: I really only shoot bolt guns and all of my bolt guns have timney triggers set to 1.5lbs. I like them a lot but i think i would like a little bit of travel before it breaks. Would a timney in an AR 15 be similiar to my timney in my rem 700's and would it make for good practice?

NO...it will NOT be about the same. The LIGHTEST Timney for an AR will roughly double your current weight of pull from 1.5lbs in your bolt action to 3lbs in the AR. A single-stage trigger really shouldn't get much lower than the 3lb range as it can cause "safety" issues with doubling, etc. as mentioned by others in this thread.

From the sound of your description above of what you'd like (wanting a little "travel" for your trigger breaks)...the two-stage trigger is probably the way to go as long as you learn to run it properly. In case you are familiar with how a two-stage operates...here is a brief run-down I have posted various times in the past:

In terms of the operation of a 2-stage trigger...obviously, it has two portions that can be felt during trigger pull. The first stage has a much longer, generally heavier pull than the second stage. The first stage is normally called take-up (and some other synonyms) but should not be confused with creep or other slop in the trigger. At the end of the first stage, you'll experience a definite stop. This is the beginning of the second stage. At this point, you have "staged" the trigger and are ready to engage the second stage and fire. The trigger essentially works like a single stage trigger at this point. You should have a crisp, clean break with around 2.0lbs (give or take) of pressure. The SSA-E for example...has roughly a 2.3lb first stage and then a light, crisp, clean break at only 1.2lbs in the second stage. Again...if you run the trigger right and your follow-through/technique is solid, you don't have to worry about the first stage or "staging" the trigger after every single time the rifle fires.

 

[KillShot]

if you want a safe, reliable, and light trigger in an ar for precision work, then accept no substitutes for the geissele two-stage triggers (pick your poison in terms of adjustable vs. Non; weight of pull; etc., etc.).

While the timney isn't a bad trigger by any means and certainly, in my humble opinion, one of the best single-stage options...it is in no manner comparable to the level of precision offered by a high quality two-stage trigger.

If you have not tried both of the aforementioned triggers yet or you personally don't have a lot of experience with the differences between a single- and a two-stage trigger, then i suggest that you get some trigger time on both and make the call as to which is the better option for you personally as like most things in life...everybody has their own preference.

^^^this^^^

I've used the POF trigger, Timney, Geissele SSA, Geissele SSA-E, and I now have the Geissele SD-E which in my (unprofessional) opinion, is the best non-adjustable trigger available; at least from those I've tried personally.

 

[bombadillo]

2 stage ARgold trigger. By FAR the best trigger I've felt and yes it is comparing it to a geiselle trigger too. I've owned 2 geiselle triggers and the ARgold surpassed both in every way.

 

[Tact999]

I am of the philosophy that one should use single adjustable triggers for precision and non adjustable two stage on battle rifles. I have used on the 2 stage drop ins and the majority all perform pretty well. CMC and Gieselle are nice and recently I have taken a liking to the Wilson TTU......pricey but you get what you pay for.


Tapatalk2

 

[Kiba]

I run Geissele SSA-E's in my carbines where I don't want any setscrews that might move and I run DMR's on the precision oriented builds. The Geissele's are the best 2 stage AR triggers I've used.

However, my new JP SCR11s were delivered with JP 3.5# single stage triggers. I was planning on immediately swapping in Geisseles but after trying the JP single stage trigger I have to admit they are really nice triggers. I need to use them some more to make up my mind but I may keep the single stage JP trigger in the carbines as for rapid firing they have a really short and sweet reset.

For precision ARs though I still prefer the 2 stage triggers-- maybe it's a mental thing.

 

[RED]

+1 for two stage and +1 for geiselle. I run a dmr in my mega and I've run a few other high end triggers, the only other one I'd consider is AR GOLD

 

[BC 6.8]

Geiselle SSA-E is what I use. It was the best balance of accuracy and dependability for me without spending $300 on the Hi-Speed Match.

 

[jevan126]

JP triggers are equal to geiselle SSA-E triggers IMO. I have shot them both and I see no difference and I also think that the JP trigger has a quicker reset than geiselle.

 

[Dracozny]

I am of the philosophy that one should use single adjustable triggers for precision and non adjustable two stage on battle rifles. I have used on the 2 stage drop ins and the majority all perform pretty well. CMC and Gieselle are nice and recently I have taken a liking to the Wilson TTU......pricey but you get what you pay for.


Tapatalk2

+1^ if its a range queen then go for the single, doing CQB training or the like go for the 2 stage. I suppose in a hunting scenario a 2 stage could be valid as well.