Single Stage vs Two-Stage Triggers
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to compare single stage and two-stage triggers today. Triggers of both types are widely employed among shooters of all types currently. These triggers are often available as aftermarket upgrades or even included along with premium firearm offerings. We are going to explore their pros and cons while covering other considerations. Without further ado, lets go over single stage and two-stage triggers.
What is a Single Stage Trigger?
Like the name suggests, a single stage trigger features just one stage. Triggers of this type only feature a single stage prior to breaking. This is to say that shooters simply pull these triggers until their breaking point. These types of triggers are incredibly common the market and can be seen as everything from milspec AR triggers to those found in designs like lever action or bolt action rifles. These types of triggers can be found in proprietary forms, common forms, and in the form of self-contained drop-in triggers.
What is a Two-Stage Trigger?
Also aptly named, two-stage triggers notably feature two distinct stages in their trigger pull. The first stage is characterized by rearward movement up to a distinct wall. This wall represents the end of the first stage and the beginning of the second stage. From this wall, a bit more rearward pressure and travel is required to break a shot. These two distinct stages set triggers of this type apart from traditional single stage triggers. Triggers of this type are present in everything from AR pattern rifles to precision-oriented bolt action and semi-automatic designs. Like single stage triggers, these types of triggers can be had in a variety of forms, with traditional and drop-in styles being widely available.
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Pros & Cons: Single Stage Triggers
Pros:
- There are a wide variety of single stage trigger offerings on the market. These offerings eclipse the number of two-stage trigger offerings shooters can consider for their builds. In short, there are far more single stage offerings and triggers in general on the market than their two-stage counterparts.
- Due to their single stage nature, triggers of this type are easier to shoot fast than their two-stage counterparts. Single stage triggers simply break when their first stage is defeated and promptly reset when released. This efficient cycle of firing and resetting allows these triggers to be fired rapidly and consistently.
- Single stage triggers tend to be more affordable than their two-stage counterparts. Of course, there are many premium single stage offerings which can rival or even surpass prices of some two-stage triggers. This does not undermine the fact that these triggers can often be found cheaper than their two-stage counterparts.
Cons:
- Not all single stage offerings are built equally. While two-stage offerings tend to be offered as aftermarket or premium upgrades, there are many single stage offerings which leave much to be desired. Of course, there are high value and performance-oriented triggers in the single stage category, but we also must remember that gritty milspec type triggers also fall into this category.
- While a practiced shooter can certainly become proficient with a single stage trigger, they are simply not as conducive to precision shooting as two-stage triggers are. An improper trigger pull can disrupt one’s accuracy potential worse with a single stage trigger than with a two-stage trigger.
- It is easier for one to unintentionally discharge a single stage trigger than it is to unintentionally fire a two-stage trigger. This is not to say that this is inherent to the design or style of these triggers, more so that uninitiated shooters are more likely to make a mistake of this type with a single stage trigger.
Pros & Cons: Two-Stage Triggers
Pros:
- Triggers of this type are usually represented by higher end, premium offerings. This is to say that two-stage triggers generally have cleaner and crisper breaks and overall feel than many single stage triggers.
- Due to their nature, two-stage triggers are well suited for precision-oriented shooting. The first stage effectively allows an end user to get past the slack and take up of the trigger pull prior to breaking their shot. After the first stage, one must simply apply a bit more rearward pressure to fire. This allows for a more precise and consistent trigger pull which is uninterrupted by grit and travel. The result is a cleaner trigger pull which is conducive to accurate shooting. Shooters can also effectively stage their shots by getting past the first stage and breaking the second when ready.
- The extra effort required to fire a two-stage trigger makes them well-suited for duty use and judicious marksmanship. Single stage triggers can easily be double tapped or unintentionally discharged by an unprepared shooter. The additional stage found on two-stage triggers essentially acts as a barrier for some potential accidental discharges and overly eager trigger fingers.
Cons:
- There are simply fewer two-stage trigger offerings available on the market than there are for single stage triggers. This is to say that one will encounter far more single stage offerings than they will encounter two-stage triggers.
- Two-stage triggers tend to be slower than their single stage counterparts. This is to say that one can shoot a single stage trigger faster than they can shoot a two-stage trigger in most cases. The two-stages of a two-stage trigger may slow down a lot of shooters and potentially lead to the feeling of a false reset in some cases. Put plainly, one must defeat two stages to fire a two-stage trigger rather than the one needed with a single stage trigger, making for a slower process.
- Two-stage triggers are generally going to be more expensive than many single stage offerings. This cost is typically reflective of premium manufacturing processes and departures from standard design practices. Of course, some offerings can potentially be cheaper than or priced similarly to budget-oriented single stage triggers. Two-stage triggers tend to have a higher cost.
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Who Makes Single Stage Triggers?
Blackout Defense,
Elftmann Tactical, Timney, CMC Triggers, and
Rise Armament are among the producers of single stage triggers. These companies and more produce a wide range of triggers of this type. Single stage triggers can be had in various pull weights, often ranging from 3 lbs to 5 lbs. Other offerings allow an end user to tune and adjust their trigger weights on at the user level. Additionally, these types of triggers can be had with various trigger profiles or shoes which cater to different types of shooters and preferences. Single stage triggers can be found at various price points, catering to those looking for budget-conscious or premium offerings alike.
Who Makes Two-Stage Triggers?
Geissele, Timney, LaRue Tactical, CMC Triggers, and TriggerTech are among the manufacturers of two-stage triggers. These companies and others offer multiple two-stage triggers in various styles and configurations. One can browse many two-stage trigger offerings with distinct characteristics such as trigger weights, profiles, materials, and styles. Triggers of this type, like single stage triggers, can be found in various forms which cater to the needs and preferences of shooters. These types of triggers can generally be found at various price points, with budget-conscious offerings and premium offerings being common. Of course, these triggers tend to be more costly than their single stage counterparts.
Conclusion
All in all, single stage and two-stage triggers are popular among shooters of all types. Everyone from recreational shooters to hunters and professional end users employ triggers of either type. We here at True Shot Ammo currently carry several
triggers for sale in addition to our wide range of
ammunition for sale. Our
ammo offerings encompass popular calibers and gauges such as
9mm,
.223,
12 gauge, and
.22 LR to name a few. Whether you are after an aftermarket trigger or want to
buy bulk ammo, we have you covered. As always, happy shooting.
