• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

Two-stage trigger weights

memilanuk

F'ing nuke
Full Member
Minuteman
  • Mar 23, 2002
    2,484
    774
    East Wenatchee WA
    Hello there,

    I'm possibly in the market for a new trigger. I've put a lot of rounds down range using triggers that were either true two-stage, or at least felt like it even if they didn't maybe meet the technical definition. But almost all of those were set up with most of the weight on the first stage, and a very light second stage. Various old Mauser bolt gun triggers. Geiselle AR service rifle triggers, set to 3.5 and 1.25 lb respectively, Geisselle match AR triggers set a bit lighter. Savage target AccuTriggers (I know, I know ;)) which 'feel' like about a 1.5 lb first stage and an 8-10 oz second stage.

    My one encounter with a two-stage trigger set up the 'other way' i.e. light first stage and heavy second stage was an RPA QuadLock with either a Blue or a Gold trigger on it - I don't recall which. It was something like 1 lb first stage and 2.5+ lb on the second stage (set up to meet an international trigger weight restriction of 1.5 kilo minimum) which absolutely sucked out loud. The first stage felt almost 'normal' to my finger (used to an AT) but that second stage... felt like the freaking safety was on! Obviously, not a setup of that I'm a fan of :cautious:

    So now that I'm looking for a Remington pattern 2-stage trigger, the ones I've came across so far all seem to feature a lighter first stage and a heavier second stage - like the Timney CE for example. I'm trying to wrap my mind around how/why that seems to be the more common setup for bolt guns, but not for ARs? Are the AR triggers the way they are for some reason specific to semi-autos? Keep in mine I'm not talking absolute weight, but the first stage relative to the second.

    TIA!
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Rover31
    In my opinion the reason 2 stage hasn’t been popular in bolt guns is there hasn’t been a real good option until last year when the Bix’nAndy TacSport came out. The Calvin Elite is a good trigger, feels nice, but over time pull weights become less consistent and the “wall” becomes less of a Wall and more of a Hill(a little mushy)

    Check out the Bix’nAndy TacSport 2 stage.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: kthomas
    My Bix Tac-Sport is set up as light/lighter 1st/2nd. First stage is light, but heavy enough to be perceptible, with the second stage a very crisp, light pull. IIRC, I'm at about 1.5 lbs total (1# 1st, and 8 oz 2nd).
     
    • Like
    Reactions: memilanuk
    I agree on needing a “wall” to benifit from a two stage trigger.
    Never used a Bix’Andy. Just sounds so GAY. ?
     
    I have Geissele SSA-E triggers in a few of my AR's and I've been looking for the same feel for my Rem 700. I'm hoping the Geissele Super 700 does the trick (when you can finally get it). Coming from Geissele, I'm pretty sure it will.
     
    Last edited:
    I luv my Timney Calvin Elites , have them on 5 different rifles . 2 260s, 1 308 ,1 300wm, an a 338 lap.
    The 260s an the 308 have thousands of pulls on them an are just as good as day one, the barrels not so much lol.
    I haven't used a single stage on my precision rigs in years.
    I say go with what feels the best to ya.
     
    I have Geissele SSA-E triggers in a few of my AR's and I've been looking for the same feel for my Rem 700. I'm hoping the Geissele Super 700 does the trick (when you can finally get it). Coming from Geissele, I'm pretty sure it will.
    My super 700 is like the ssa-e for a bolt gun. It's nice.
     
    Ive got a CE 2 stage in 1 rifle. Its pretty nice. Ive got a T7T coming right now for my 6br. Cant wait to try it out
     
    In my opinion the reason 2 stage hasn’t been popular in bolt guns is there hasn’t been a real good option until last year when the Bix’nAndy TacSport came out. The Calvin Elite is a good trigger, feels nice, but over time pull weights become less consistent and the “wall” becomes less of a Wall and more of a Hill(a little mushy)

    Check out the Bix’nAndy TacSport 2 stage.
    Hasn't the Mod22 been out for awhile? Lots of people seem to like that and if I'm not mistaken its a true two stage as well.
     
    @milanuk I do hear great things about the Geissele. I have heard that it cannot get dirty at all! That is not something I want to worry about.

    I did read something somewhere that the Huber is not really a two stage... my tiny brain cannot remember the why's about that...
     
    I would be surprised if a trigger designed for and accepted by SOCOM couldn’t get dirty.
     
    The best setting for a two stage trigger is to copy the setting on Anschutz biathlon rifles.
    The total trigger pull is 550g, app one pound.
    This trigger is used for offhand shooting in sub zero temperetures with puls reaching 180.
    If this light trigger can be managed by biathletes for best results it should be no problem for all less stressful shooting events. Only problem I can think of is finding a two stage trigger with the same quality trigger feel for big bore rifles. I have not succeded finding one and I've been looking for 30+ years..
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Rover31
    @TorF which is exactly what I am trying to duplicate!
    I am building two rifles for my daughter. Her #1 thing is Biathlon. She is very much used to and prefers the two stage, so do I.

    @RyanScott unfortunatly I have seen and heard of the G triggers failing in matches. You think SOCOM gets the same stuff as the joe blow consumer?
     
    I tend to like the stages equal or slightly less on the first stage, it seems backwards to have to pull harder first then lighter after the wall
    I have Bix,Huber,Kidd,Timney
    For Hunting I like the Huber It is at 1.75 #
    1 then .75
    For match rifle the B&A Tacsport at 1# equal weights. But in PRS match setting I prefer single stage Triggers.
     
    I have several different two stages triggers that I run. I have them all set around 2lbs for the second stage, except the Anschutz.

    I have no idea how someone could say they have been mushy unless they are buying inexpensive items.

    I can tell you I have tried just about every trigger on the market. My Sako TRG-42 is still my favorite by far. That trigger has been out since the 90's.

    My Anshutz trigger is amazing at around 9oz,

    My Tikka TacA1 has a two stage trigger that is pretty decent.

    I hope that Tikka releases those two stage triggers for sale. They would be awesome in a the T1 line.


    To answer the OP question is 1.75 to 2lbs I would think.
     
    Alright... still looking for some insight on the trigger pull weights, light/heavy first & second vs. heavy/light.
    Hasn't the Mod22 been out for awhile? Lots of people seem to like that and if I'm not mistaken its a true two stage as well.
    Yes: Chombard-CG Jackson-Mod 22-now Geissele taking it on. The Mod 22 is just about perfect to me
     
    • Like
    Reactions: gebhardt02
    Yes: Chombard-CG Jackson-Mod 22-now Geissele taking it on. The Mod 22 is just about perfect to me

    Hoping the Mod.22 is everything I've heard it is. Just bought one used that should be here in a couple days for my action. My first venture into the two-stage world and I think I'm going to like it.