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Thread: 2 stage trigger?

  1. #1
    Boolit Master Boolit_Head's Avatar
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    2 stage trigger?

    I've been looking at a new trigger for my AR and ran across this.

    "The new Timney AR Targa 2-Stage Trigger is a self-contained, 100% drop-in unit that is ready to install in your AR-15 for an exceptionally smooth, crisp, two-stage trigger pull. The pull weight is factory calibrated for a three-pound first stage and a two-pound second stage"

    How the heck does that work with a three pound first stage but a two pound break? How the heck could you even feel the break point? Can some one describe to me how 2 stage triggers work?
    On every question of construction let us carry ourselves back to the time when the Constitution was adopted, recollect the spirit manifested in the debates, and instead of trying what meaning may be squeezed out of the text or invented against it, conform to the probable one in which it was passed.

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  2. #2
    Boolit Grand Master



    M-Tecs's Avatar
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    5 pound total. Three pounds on the first stage and two additional pounds for the second stage.

    In AR rifles Geissele, X-Treme or Jewell are my preferred two stage triggers.

    Good info here on types of AR triggers.

    http://www.ammoland.com/2015/03/top-...#axzz42pZEwXtW

    http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/201...stage-trigger/
    Last edited by M-Tecs; 03-18-2016 at 02:48 AM.

  3. #3
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    i think i have a 2 stage trigger on my 1898 springfield armory in 30-40 krag. the first stage is around 11-12 lbs of force and the second goes around 4-5 lbs. i'm pretty sure it is something from the factory.

  4. #4
    Boolit Master Forrest r's Avatar
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    With 2-stage triggers as you squeeze the trigger it's like hitting a wall or taking up the slack. As you softly/slowly squeeze the trigger you will feel when you reach the 2nd stage. There will be a firm resistance (hitting the wall), you're actual trigger pull will start from there. When you get used to the 2 stage trigger you actually break your shot with a 2# trigger pull for that trigger.

    We used to run 3 1/2# 2-stage triggers in our ar's for the service rifle shoots. 2# 1st stage & 1 1/2# 2nd stage.
    http://www.eaglearmory.com/index.php...roducts_id=563

    The savage accutrigger is actually a 2 stage trigger. A 2 stage trigger is nothing more than the sear being held by 2 points instead of 1. Both points have to be released or the sear doesn't move.

    Most kids grow up on 22's, I grew up on 03a3's, belgium assault rifles (30-06) and 1911's. My 1st rifle was a 03a3 and my last rifle is going to be a 03a3. I just love the 2 stage triggers on those rifles & that old beater of a 1911 sure felt like it had a 2 stage trigger in it. Tons of creep/slack to take up and then the loud button actually worked.

    The only 2-stage trigger I own that took some getting used to is the trigger on a rws 75 pellet rifle. It has a 2oz 1st stage and a 1 1/2oz 2nd stage.

    [IMG][/IMG]

  5. #5
    Boolit Grand Master

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    The 2 stage trigger used correctly is a real benifit in offhand and rapid stages and makes accurate shooting easier at times. Te first stage can be held pre loading the trigger with most of the triggers pull weight and wheneverything is right then the last little bit is added to break the shot cleanly. I have jewels in my ARs and Model 70 match rifle all 2 stage. The Garands and M1As have 2 stage as built. ( allows the disconnector more grab time). Some really like the 2 stage triggers some dont its more personal prefrence. On the 2 stage trigger the first stage does little ( on semi autos it may release the disconector from its sear) but allow trigger to be taken up coming to a "stop point where it is now loaded with most of the tension to fire, the 2nd stage is normally very short .010-.015 travel and only another pound or so pressure to actually fire the rifle.

  6. #6
    Boolit Master Boolit_Head's Avatar
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    That is not what I expected, I guess I'll stick with my 3.5 pound single stage. I even have a mill spec trigger running a crisp 4 pounds.
    On every question of construction let us carry ourselves back to the time when the Constitution was adopted, recollect the spirit manifested in the debates, and instead of trying what meaning may be squeezed out of the text or invented against it, conform to the probable one in which it was passed.

    Thomas Jefferson, letter to William Johnson, June 12, 1823

  7. #7
    Boolit Grand Master

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    Not sure on the timney but the Giesele and jewel are easily adjustable first stage second stage and release. or break point.

  8. #8
    Boolit Grand Master Char-Gar's Avatar
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    Every old school military rifle I know, Krag, 03 Springfield, Garand, Mausers etc. etc. have two stage triggers. This is a safety feature that helps the soldier from having accidental discharges. It is untrue that people need single stage triggers for fine match shooting and people have shot for generations with 2 stage triggers.

    In use, a shooter gets in position, takes and holds a breath, takes up the slack in the 1st stage and when the sights are exactly correct, apply the last bit of pressure on the second stage to fire the shot. This has worked for generations and still works today. A 2 stage trigger require a different approach than a single stage, but is in no way inferior.
    Disclaimer: The above is not holy writ. It is just my opinion based on my experience and knowledge. Your mileage may vary.

  9. #9
    Boolit Master
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    2 stage triggers are my favorite. The Mauser design is ( IMHO) the best of these. The first stage allows for a lot of sear engagement for safety. When you pull thru the 1st stage and are at the second stage, you are 'ready' for a shot.

    It's hard to describe, but 2 stage triggers allow me more control offhand....

  10. #10
    Boolit Buddy TenTea's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Char-Gar View Post
    Every old school military rifle I know, Krag, 03 Springfield, Garand, Mausers etc. etc. have two stage triggers. This is a safety feature that helps the soldier from having accidental discharges. It is untrue that people need single stage triggers for fine match shooting and people have shot for generations with 2 stage triggers.

    In use, a shooter gets in position, takes and holds a breath, takes up the slack in the 1st stage and when the sights are exactly correct, apply the last bit of pressure on the second stage to fire the shot. This has worked for generations and still works today. A 2 stage trigger require a different approach than a single stage, but is in no way inferior.
    Absolutely.
    US milsurps of yesteryear are what I cut my teeth on and a single stage trigger doesn't do it for me (personal preference).
    The AR10 and AR15 rifles I now shoot have Wilson TTU's installed, which are fantastic 2-stage.
    Several other manufacturers to choose from with 2-stage AR triggers: LaRue Tactical - ArmaLite - AR Gold - Timney - Rock River Arms - Geissele, etc.
    I like the unitized, drop in, one piece units for less muss and fuss.
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  11. #11
    Boolit Buddy
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    I have had a Gissile 2 stage for some time. It's a great trigger, but at this point I wish I had gotten an equivalent quality single stage.

  12. #12
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    kids that hunt and fish dont mug old ladies

  13. #13
    Boolit Master Boolit_Head's Avatar
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    Thanks that was helpful to see how the 2 stage trigger worked.
    On every question of construction let us carry ourselves back to the time when the Constitution was adopted, recollect the spirit manifested in the debates, and instead of trying what meaning may be squeezed out of the text or invented against it, conform to the probable one in which it was passed.

    Thomas Jefferson, letter to William Johnson, June 12, 1823

  14. #14
    Boolit Buddy fa38's Avatar
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    Olympic match rifles (.22 and .177 air rifles), Anschutz, Feinwerkbau, etc have two stage triggers.

    You can adjust the first stage out of the trigger action but I think most people do not do that. My Anschutz 8002 air rifle probably has a 2 ounce first stage and slightly less in the second stage.

    I found that it was very easy to get used to the trigger feel.

  15. #15
    Boolit Master trapper9260's Avatar
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    How about the trigger on the Moss. MVP 308 bolt dose that work about the same way?
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  16. #16
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    A properly done two stage trigger insures plenty of sear engagement to prevent an accidental discharge if the rifle is bumped, dropped, or the trigger brushed against something while allowing a very crisp final pull. The two stage mechanism in the video is based on the Garand/ M14 trigger. The military single stage uses a rather large trigger engagement with angles on the sear surface to require camming the hammer back to achieve a similar level of safety and a really lousy trigger pull.

  17. #17
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    What they are telling you in the advertising, is that their triggers have built in creep!
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  18. #18
    Boolit Master wrench man's Avatar
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    I have the Ruger "AR 452" two stage trigger in my target AR, I would describe the first stage as "take up", not creep?, it's VERY smooth!, I would call "creep" as what the PSA single stage triggers have!, you can FEEL it dragging!, the second stage breaks like glass!, and at a measured 3.1# average on a Lyman digital gauge it sure is SWEET! it feels as good as the Rifle BASIX "SAV1" in my model 12 22-250 that's set at about 1 1/2#.
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  19. #19
    Boolit Grand Master In Remembrance
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    Don't leave out the Swiss K-31 ... 2 stage to 4#6oz
    Regards
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  20. #20
    Boolit Buddy
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    I have a Timney single stage on my everyday AR, very nice trigger, I competition shoot with a Jewell 2 stage, also a nice trigger but for a drop in comp/everyday gun I really like the RockRiver, not that expensive and works great.
    "People in Arizona carry guns," said Detective David Ramer, a Chandler police spokesman. You better be careful about who you are picking on...

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check