Opinions wanted on this for precision bolt gun(s).
I’ve been a single stage guy for years.
Discovered that a properly adjusted two stage (20 oz./20 oz.) gives me better results.
My thinking is with a two stage I stay with the scope and focus on sight picture/trigger control, without the single stage “wall”- and knowing when it will break.
My tendency is to “stab” a single stage when sight alignment is ON, of course resulting in a blown shot.
I messed around with the Geisselle bolt gun two stage trigger at SHOT. I was impressed. I’d look at that.
I run a Huber in my custom creedmoor and I really enjoy it.
It’s not the lightest by any means but I like being able to take up the first stage and then getting to the hard wall. Then I focus on all the other stuff that goes into breaking the shot and pull past the wall when I’m ready.
I have shot just both extremely light single stage and two stage triggers that were highly tuned. The single stages are not for me as they usually set so light that you just put your finger on the trigger and it breaks.
If your truly going for the “when the shot breaks it should be a surprise” approach then a light single stage is for you.
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Having only used single stage triggers for many years I felt they were the only way to go. Enter an AIAT and the two stage trigger of an AI has convinced me that the only rifle, bolt or gas, that should have a single stage trigger is a bench gun.
The take up and subsequent wall before second stage breaking gives me the opportunity to get out of the trigger and the way the trigger breaks is phenomenal.
G, I have run nothing but 2 stage G SSA triggers on my AR’s. And nothing but single stage 2.5 to 3.0lb Timneys on my Bolt guns. Its interesting to hear others people experiences. Tagged for info.
PB
I’m curious as well PB.
Having shot tuned 1911s for a lifetime I’ve always run single stage on my long guns, including ARs.
My recent experience with a good two stage on a bolt gun has me reconsidering.
I am equally accurate with either to a point, but more consistent with the two stage.
I seem to have less called fliers with the two stage.
Trigger break should never be a surprise in my opinion, whether single stage or 2 stage. I run a Huber 2 Stage in my 700 action. Run Geissele 2 stages in AR’s and other firearms they make them for. The best two stage I’ve ever had was on my SAKO TRG22 and TRG42. The adjustability of the position, and reach of the trigger shoe was nice and slightly edged out the AI 2 stage trigger IMO - although they are nice as well.
Jethro,
I agree, I’v Never understand the concept of “surprise”. Engaging the trigger and pressing until the sear releases is and should be a deliberate action. I don’t want “surprises”, I want to know exactly when the round is fired.
If any of you are looking for a two stage you owe yourself to try a Huber.
They are damn. Ice and have a very defined wall before the break.
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I’m a solid two stage guy. Took me awhile to figure it out, as I was a 1911 guy for years (still have and enjoy them, but now carry a Glock), and my first precision rifle was an R700 PSS with a VERY nice single stage trigger. I waffled back and forth a few times on ARs and then on another boltgun before I settled on a two stage. My thinking is that I’m afforded a small measure of safety during the first stage where I can be SURE I’m ready to break the shot. I also feel I have much better control of the break.
I seem to have gone in the opposite direction of many in this thread in terms of triggers.
I still love Geissele triggers in my AR platforms, but for bolt guns, all single stage Bix 'n Andy triggers at this point.
If you have the opportunity to try a Bix 'n Andy trigger, go for it, worth every penny.
My only bolt gun is a Tikka TacA1, it has a two stage trigger. My precision has guns have two stage triggers as well, G-SSAEs and LaRue MBT. All have the same grip as well (BCM) this makes going from gun to gun really easy. Same hand placement, same style of trigger. Little adjustment needed. I find that keeping everything similar helps me be more consistent. Being more consistent helps me be more accurate.
I have been a small bore freerifle (International/Olympic type) and NRA Service Rifle competition NRA smallbore prone and position shooter for years and I do my best shooting with a two stage trigger.
I have a smallbore target rifle that has a very good single stage trigger, but I can’t shoot it as well as my smallbore rifle that is equipped with a two stage trigger.
I can shoot my two stage trigger equipped AR-15 faster and more accurately than my single stage trigger AR-15.
My first NRA Service Rifle I built had/has a single stage trigger. I’m no where as fast or accurate in the rapid fire stages with it.
I have three NRA Service Rifles, two with two stage triggers, one (my original built in the mid 90’s that I use for practice now since it’s trigger is harder to use) with a single stage trigger.
I’m a two stage trigger all the way. I have some good single stage triggers, but I’m just more accurate and faster with a two stage trigger.
I own both, I shoot both, I like both. Overall quality of the trigger and smoothness matter more than style.
Quality of the individual woman matter more than the color of her hair (blonde vs brunette)
As mentioned before, single stage triggers are at their best with a low pull weight.
Two stage triggers allow for a higher total pull weight while still not resulting in pulled shots.
I’m not as happy with a two stage with a low total pull weight.
For a serious tool, I’d go heavy two stage.
For benchrest or target shooting, either is fine for me.
Since my bolt gun is an A.I. I am very used to, and much prefer 2stage triggers. I like to get all set, load my bi-pod, touch the trigger and take the slack of the first stage out. Then I can “sit on the wall” of the second stage. When everything is right, back bag is squeezed, reticle lines up, super easy, smooth pull through the second stage. That’s how I use my two stages in both my bolt guns and my gassers. All my gassers run Geiselle triggers, and then, my A.I. Two stages are all I use.
I use to be a fan of two stage triggers and have owned nearly every flavor of the Geissele AR-15 trigger line and a few other outliers. However, when I installed a Wilson Combat TTU-MIL single stage, I got rid of all my two stage triggers.
I get the logic behind staging the trigger, the initial uptake before making final corrections to things like breathing etc. IMO, in practice it just isn’t a good idea. I prefer the TTU with its lack of creep/pre-travel. When I touch the trigger and apply pressure, the gun discharges. Applying pressure to the trigger before you intend on the gun discharging is asking for trouble.
I also tried the TTU with the lighter pull, but found the reset to be lacking compared to the TTU-MIL version.
Very light & short pull triggers present problems in having the potential to not be drop safe, but the TTU uses a half cock hammer to function as a drop safety device should the gen be dropped with the safety off.
I can’t see with a bolt gun wanting anything other than a single action.
This is exactly how I use my Huber. I like knowing exactly when I’ll break the shot.
Everyone who shoots my gun compliments the trigger.
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I recently swapped over to two stage triggers, after using single stage triggers for a long time on my precision rifles. I like two stage triggers hands down over single stage triggers. It allows you to have much more trigger control than a single stage.