Single or 2 stage trigger for you?

Schmo

Schmo

Hammer Time Executive member
Just having fun and making conversation here. Curious who prefers single stage triggers, and who prefers two stage triggers? If it’s easy to explain, why do you prefer whatever option? I have most experience with single stage, but have a couple two stage triggers, and am considering switching some of my others over to a two stage.
 
I’ve got both and don’t notice a difference cause of muscle memory. Each rifle has a different feel, so the trigger is a secondary input.
 
Single stage. I've owned, and still own three CZ,s with the single set trigger. It can be lowered to less than half pound. The one on my 453 V 22LR is three oz,s. On my 527 Grendel it one pound.
 
Singles at 13-14oz. I still don't understand the benefit of a 2 stage since the second stage acts like a single stage. Maybe for safety if one can't keep their finger off the trigger until they intend to fire? Or it "sets them up" for the single stage in their firing sequence? Regardless, I went away from 2 stage triggers.
 
On my hunting rifle, a single stage only, with little to no creep and as light as is practical on a firearm to be used from below zero F temps to 100 F. As shots can come in ways ranging from a “snap” shot at close range to a very deliberate shot at distance……I want everything to be as consistent as possible.

I guess that is the driving reason behind my using one rifle exclusively for all of my big game hunting. I want my rifle to be boringly familiar! memtb
 
BFD said:
Wowzers, are those CZ triggers with set triggers CRISP and telepathic light! :cool:
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When set up properly they are magnificent. No travel, or over travel. But can be difficult to adjust the first time out. Set trigger is very simple, single slotted screw in front of the trigger. Just push the trigger forward until you hear/feel it click,then it's like the old duel set triggers on sharps/ cap lock rifles. As good as any aftermarket trigger made. But sadly they are not available any longer. All discontinued because of the cost to manufacture. Only if you buy their express rifles at used car prices can you get them on a new rifle. CZ,s pretty much doubled in price over night when single set trigger rifles were stopped. I've had many new young hunters take their first deer with my Grendel. I know they are nervous, very excited. I'd tell them to place the cross hairs on the deers shoulder, ask them to push the trigger forward, now is the crosshair on the shoulder, answers yes, ok, keep the cross hairs on it and put your finger on the trigger. BOOM. Deer on the ground kicking! Seen it many times.
 
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All my hunting rifles are single stage, but the rifle that sees the most amount of rounds through it is my Russian biathlon rifle, an Izhmash BI-4. When I'm practicing biathlon regularly, I'll shoot 200 rounds a week. I'd like to change at least one of my rifles to a two stage to mimic the biathlon rifle. Just haven't forked out the $$ to get a Tikka two stage.
 
Single stage with a bit of over-travel is my preference.

I get the zero creep / zero overtravel thing, and it works great for triggers that break in the 'ounces', but I tend to use a heavier pull than a lot of guys. I like a +/-2.5lb pull on hunting rifles in case my fingers are really cold or i am wearing gloves.

It might just be my poor technique, but with heavier triggers and lighter rifles, I can see trigger input affecting my sight picture - even after it breaks.

I seem to get the most consistent follow through when I break the trigger without hitting the overtravel stop.

...full disclosure, It's entirely possible that I am living in a fantasy world, but I like to think there is no such thing as *too much* dry-fire 🤣
 
I think to Brad’s point, I may like the 2 stage because I feel like the first stage has me prepping the trigger to the wall, then a clean break when I’m ready. I feel like I know better as to when the rifle will fire. But maybe this is all because I’m inexperienced at precision shooting and need much help!!! 🤔
 
Schmo said:
Just having fun and making conversation here. Curious who prefers single stage triggers, and who prefers two stage triggers? If it’s easy to explain, why do you prefer whatever option? I have most experience with single stage, but have a couple two stage triggers, and am considering switching some of my others over to a two stage.
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I like the single stage triggers the best.
 
memtb said:
On my hunting rifle, a single stage only, with little to no creep and as light as is practical on a firearm to be used from below zero F temps to 100 F. As shots can come in ways ranging from a “snap” shot at close range to a very deliberate shot at distance……I want everything to be as consistent as possible.

I guess that is the driving reason behind my using one rifle exclusively for all of my big game hunting. I want my rifle to be boringly familiar! memtb
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Yep. mtmuley
 
LightTheTower said:
My A-bolt has so much creep I use it like a two stage… first I apply pressure, then I apply more pressure when ready!😂
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Mine are all single stage and I no longer have any factory triggers in my rifles. I really like light triggers. I shoot way better when I don't tug!

Browning triggers are just too heavy for me, so I've switched mine out for lighter pull weight Timneys.
 
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