Single vs. two stage trigger

What are the pros and cons of a single vs.Two stage trigger in a precision/long range AR?

I really like a 2 stage for a precision rifle. It creates a nice dual purpose gun. I have a cmc 2 stage that is 4# total, but it’s 2#/2# on each stage. Makes a great light trigger for precision shooting, but a nice safe 4# trigger for other things like 3 gun.

X2

Except I'm not running CMC's. They didn't exist back in the day.
I wouldn't mind test driving one.

But keep in mind...
If one of the Super Cool Kids tells you 2 Stage Triggers are junk and to only use what they use, you should probably do what they say.

I think its really personal preference and what you get used to. Most target shooters I know prefer a 2 stage. I prefer a single stage with little or no creep and over travel especially on hunting guns. But I've always coached shooters to shoot a 2 stage, mostly because that is the way our clubs guns are set up.



I get a chuckle when I hear someone talk about a 4lb trigger being light (I know it is for an AR, most handguns and hunting rifles). I coach precision air rifle and smallbore. The guns are set up with a 100 gram trigger, which is about 3 1/2 ounces.

I would recommend single stage if hunting will be the primary use of the rifle.

I use single stage on ARs, and bolt actions. ARs are the heaviest at 3-4 pounds. Bolt actions are 2 pounds or less.

A trigger squeeze was described very well in another thread as "finding the wall" or the point just before a trigger breaks and releases the firing pin or hammer. IMO, it's a technique where the the finger muscles are tightened against the trigger and held steady before a final squeeze is made to release the hammer at a more precise time. I can see where this approach could be seen as better than simply squeezing the trigger in one, linear squeeze where the exact time the trigger breaks is not as precise or expected. When you think about, the two stage trigger creates a more obvious wall for the shooter to find before the shot.

However, it would seem a single, linear squeeze of a single stage trigger would be best for those who have a problem with flinching. Flinching happens when the shooter anticipates the exact time the gun fires and recoil is experienced, correct? If so, it would also seem that any trigger or trigger squeeze method that encourages the shooter to anticipate the shot would make flinching worse. However, I could see where the two-stage trigger is best for those who don't have a problem with flinching because it gives them better control of when the gun fires the shot.

The two stage is a disadvantage on a moving target IMO.

One trigger one movement
Mentally jacking with a mind with a trigger while hunting and not on the bench is just a bad idea. Light and crisp and one touch. Anything else is bs in my mind.

He’s not hunting with this rifle. It’s a long range precision AR. He made no mention whatsoever about hunting.

I love my Geissele 2 stage triggers in my ARs and have a Timney single stage in my bolt gun. I've also tried a Huber 2 stage in a bolt gun and really liked it. IMO it is just personal preference.

For the OP’s application I would pick two stage without question. I use two stage for hunting as well but mainly on target rifles.

Do guys actually buy the AR for target shooting? I understand using it for both like I do but it seems a bolt gun would be more ideal for strictly shooting with stock options for that application.

Absolutely they do. I only take my AR to the range and would feel awkward taking it to the woods to hunt wild game. But I'm definitely one more akin to traditional hunting methods.

The rifle that I consider as most traditional for hunting wild game is an open-sighted 30-30. My AR is just something to shoot for sheer pleasure at the range. Put 20 or so rounds in the mag and see how many holes I can put in the smallest group possible.

I should have been more specific when I said AR. I’m talking about a 6.5 Creedmoor or 7mm-08 for long range shooting. I might shoot some hogs with it on occasion.

I love the Giessele SSA-E on my AR...

definitely the geiselle 2 stage for your AR.

It is expensive but beautifully crisp and repeatable.