Re: Need some help with trigger decisions
The Geissele Hi-Speed NM trigger that I have is fully adjustable and came with three different spring weights:
Service Rifle
1st stage 2nd stage total weight
3.2 - 5lb. 0.5 - 1.5lb. 3.7 - 6.5lb.
DMR
1st stage 2nd stage total weight
2.5 - 3.6lb. 0.5 - 1.5lb. 3.0 - 5.1lb
Match Rifle
1st stage 2nd stage total weight
1.5 - 2.5lb. (6 - 14oz.) 1.9 - 3.4lb
I use the DMR with about a 3.5 or 4lb trigger, I forget. But it is a very smooth trigger, so it doesn't really "feel" like what it is. Also, with the DMR, you have taken up most of the trigger weight in the first stage, so when you get to the second stage, it is basically just a "click" away from BOOM! She'd essentially get a .5-1.5lb trigger once she took up the first stage.
I think in this respect she'd like a two stage. And like was mentioned, it is the only safe way to get light trigger pulls (one other way, I'll get to that). My wife loves 'em, she hates the regular (but stoned and tuned!) AR trigger on the Beowulf that sets at about 4.5lbs. The RRA 2stage NM trigger is a GREAT budget 2 stage, and with just the tiniest bit of polishing, it becomes really, really nice. Almost as good as one of the Geisseles, but you'll notice right away the Geissele needs no polishing to make it better.
Another Geissele I have, the 3GSD, it has a very light trigger pull (2.5 or 3lbs?) and though it is a two stage, it feels just like a one stage. It has a VERY short pull. Double taps are insanely fast, but you have to be careful not to have unintentional doubles or even triples with it --gotta have a strong grip and deliberate trigger pull. I'd recommend against this for her, simply because you are asking these questions, I get the idea this trigger would likely take you by surprise unless you tried it out first.
I have a Jard 2 stage, as was asked above. It is in an FAL though, but the mechanism is identical to the AR triggers they make. The hammer and some other parts are just modified to shape to fit with other FAL parts, it is still an adj. 2 stage trigger. In a nutshell, it lacks the fit and finish that a Geissele has, sort of difficult to adjust, but otherwise well made. I'd go with the Geissele, or RRA if you want to save money and are handy with polishing the engagement surfaces with a small Arkansas stone and/or a Dremel cotton polishing drum.
If you have a place nearby that has triggers you can try, I highly recommend you two doing that. Rainier Arms for instance, has cut up lowers with grips and the triggers installed with a rubber plug that the hammer strikes. They have several that you can dry fire side by side, all parts exposed. Really nice, it helped me decide with no guessing as to which triggers I wanted for what (and like you said, with like 48 triggers, they make one for every occasion!).
But I hope the chart above helps, just remember that once the first few pounds of slack are taken out, it really kind of does feel just like the second stage only. But if you go with this trigger, just follow the instructions like gospel, and try out the different trigger weights and go with the heaviest one that works for you. I think you'll find the Hi-Speed NM (DMR or otherwise) up your alley, particularly if you have to make this purchase untested. Also, it would obviously be good for competitions. Take care.
