Pros and cons of single and double stage triggers?

[Targetbanger]

I haven't been shooting long. I know the differences between the two actions, but what are the pro and cons?

 

[jsof]

This ought to be a good topic, and I look forward to the answers, but despite the pros and cons, for me it came down to what I liked better personally not what someone told me was the better way to go. I shot both extensively first before deciding. You should too.

 

[Targetbanger]

This ought to be a good topic, and I look forward to the answers, but despite the pros and cons, for me it came down to what I liked better personally not what someone told me was the better way to go. I shot both extensively first before deciding. You should too.

I've only shot double stage. but my friend says single is the way to go if you're going to upgrade a trigger. I'm just curious why?

I want to order a vudoo and just want to make sure I put the right trigger in.

 

[joe139]

If you shoot benchrest a light single stage is the way to go. Other than that you probably want to use a two stage. Just my opinion everyone has there own opinion.

 

[Targetbanger]

If you shoot benchrest a light single stage is the way to go. Other than that you probably want to use a two stage. Just my opinion everyone has there own opinion.

Yeah, I pretty much only shoot bench rest, well prone.

 

[natdscott]

Yeah, I pretty much only shoot bench rest, well prone.

What?

You mean you’re an F’r?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Offhand id use a 2stage. Off a rest or bipod a single stage is my recommendation

 

[Travelor]

I haven't been shooting long. I know the differences between the two actions, but what are the pro and cons?

This is my perceptions and yours may not agree.

Single stage trigger
Pros: usually have a lighter "crisper" trigger pull and best for benchrest/prone (supported)shooting
Cons: Not good in my opinion for standing or kneeling (unsupported) due to no trigger staging that can causing a undesired trigger let off before you are ready when not prone or bench rest (supported)shooting

Two stage trigger
Pros: allows you to stage the trigger before trigger let off
kneeling. Gives a more "controlled" trigger pull in stressed positions
Cons: Some people have difficulty getting an undisturbed trigger let off. Can contribute to flinching.

The above is my thoughts and I'm sure some will disagree. it is just my observations over the last 60 years of shooting. Some people like two stage triggers ad some do not. Most varmint CF guns are single stage and most semi-auto CF guns are two stage (has to do with the mechanics of eliminating the chance of "uncontrolled" automatic firing).

I love two stage triggers for standing and single stage triggers for supported shooting.

 

[500yards]

I have a Dan Def V7 Pro that has the Geissele single stage trigger that 3 gun folks use. It is very crisp and quite light on pull with the lighter spring in place. It is not anywhere near the 2 oz. Anschutz triggers I shot in small bore but it is pretty good. Be aware though with the semiauto rifles that it can be easy to get a double as the bolt inertia does move the gun in both directions during recoil. Good control of the hand on the grip is required. You might take a look at the Geissele site and see if it is close to your needs. I like it.

 

[Targetbanger]

I appreciate everyone answers. Sounds like I need to switch to single stages cause of the way I shoot.

 

[garandman]

Personal prefernce. "Combat" type rifles / handguns I like a 2 stage. Precision guns, single stage.

No real reason. Just my preference.

 

[Rob01]

Personal preference. I use single stage on everything as I like the feel. ARs, precision long range, .22s. Doesn't matter.

 

[Downhill]

As a former long time across the course shooter, I love a 2 stage. Extremely useful in breaking the shot while trying to tame front sight movement. For benchrest a light single stage is the way to go.

 

[243Lapua]

Single stage for me on my Benchrest Jewell. And when I shoot prone on a sling it's double stage to control breathing and sight movement when breaking the shot.

 

[searcher]

On my bench rest rifles - I prefer single stage. On any trigger that requires a pull over 1 1/2 or 2lb, I prefer two-stage. I went through a lot of triggers swaps in my A/R's. After reading so much hype several years back about the Geissele triggers - I put them in several of my match rifles. Wasn't long before they were yanked out and sold on this site. I'd try someone else's rifle with the trigger you are thinking about and compare it with yours if you have the opportunity. Might save you some dough.

 

[1shot]

I'm a sling/coat shooter and all of my rifles have two stage triggers. I like the ability to go into the first stage then back out if there is a sudden condition change or there is something with the sight picture I don't like.
Just my .02c

Lloyd

 

[Sagittarius]

Really surprised to see everyone here, so far, prefers a single stage for benchrest.

 

[velocette]

I have both types of triggers in my match rifles. I do not shoot bench rest or F class.
My Anschutz .22 Rf rifle has a 2 stage trigger, 1 oz, + 1 oz. I find I can control it nicely when the wind changes or my eyes change etc. My HP across the course rifle has a Geissele 2 stage hi speed match trigger. Not as light as the Annie, but under 2# net. Another hi power match rifle has a single stage 2 1/2 lb trigger. I consider this my do it all rifle.
My LR 308 has a single stage at about 3 lb.
Overall, for serious non supported shooting, I prefer the 2 stage. Using a rest, bags, or a more powerful cartridge, I want a single stage.