Re: Trigger Questions for AR-10s
Lot of questions, and I'll try to answer some for you. Do some searches too and you can find out a lot more information as this subject has been worked over pretty hard in the past.
Single stage vs. 2 stage is like Ford vs. Chevy. Some shooters prefer one crisp pull and release, some prefer the second stage to have a level of take-up, hold it there during aiming refinement or when using interrupted trigger control, and then take up the last pound or two for the shot. Others say a 2 stage is safer (I'm not one of them, but I'm not a pro gunsmith either) because there is an additional sear to catch the hammer, but that does not mean a single stage is dangerous in any way either. Neither really has a leg up on the other when it comes to durability. Find some friends with the triggers already installed and try them out to see which one suits you best.
A high grade trigger can have a dramatic effect on your accuracy if trigger control is not one of your stronger points. It can reduce lockup time, but this is measured in milliseconds. The biggest advantage it can give you is breaking at a lighter weight with less travel hence requiring less of a muscular motion and pressure to cause it to fire.
Reliability? Biggest school of thought is full strength springs and fewer parts/screws for increased reliability. Adjustable triggers have screws, and while I haven't heard of them coming loose on a Geiselle, they are still screws that have that potential. They're all reliable unless you start chopping your springs to lighten it up. Then you may have misfires on hard primers like military grade ammunition.
Drop in units are just simpler to install, some self contained, and also require less/no tuning. OEM triggers are functional but heavy and sloppy, and require tuning if you want them for a precision rifle.
I won't bad mouth any trigger brand or type. I will say that I recommend buying the best trigger you can afford, but stay away from adjustable triggers unless you know what you're doing with them. They can be adjusted to an unsafe level if you aren't careful. When in doubt, see a pro.
