As usual, y’all, I’m here to ask questions.

I’ve been thinking on building up an AR, and I want to use something other than the “normal” trigger setup. Mostly because “I haven’t done it before” I want to try a drop-in trigger, and Timney comes to mind first.

I’ve spent a while this afternoon looking at a couple of Timneys at Midway, and what I’ve learned is that I just don’t yet know enough.

Single-stage? Two-stage? I’m sure the answer comes from the question, “how do you intend to use it?” I’d build this one up for standard target use mostly (as in, not for competition), though I’m consdiering joining family on the annual hog hunt next year. So, yes, I might hunt with it.

I spent a while looking at this one, mostly on account of its price. Then I saw this one. That gets my attention because it can be had with either 3-, 4-, or 4.5-lb pull.

I’m pretty sure I don’t want it at 3 pounds. My LGS set a bolt gun trigger down to about 3 pounds for me some years ago, and that gun would scare/surprise me on the first shot every time. It just seems too light. And that drives me to look at the 4-lb version, even though it’s a hundred bucks more expensive.

Looking further, I found this two-stage, for about the same price as the second one I mentioned above. And that’s where my lack of understanding shows again: the features list says, "1st Stage 2 lbs, 2nd Stage 2 lbs.” Are those two-pound pulls each, or is the second stage a [cumulative] 4 pounds? I’m thinking that means, “ease into it, then pull very intentionally when you’re certain that you’re ready to fire.”

Thanks in advance for my next lessons from the SIGforum collective.

My admittedly limited experience with a two-stage trigger in an AR:

In a precision rifle I somewhat prefer a two-stage trigger because taking up the pretravel is a useful part of the process. In the AR, though, because I have much more experience with single stage triggers, the difference in the trigger stroke is a distraction, especially when firing at speed. Sometimes it’s almost a “What? Why didn’t it fire?” speed bump in the sequence. Although I don’t use that particular gun very much, I’ve thought from time to time about changing the trigger back to a single stage.

I have two ARs that I placed a drop in CMC curved single stage trigger. I waited till they went on sale at Midway.

https://cmctriggers.com/ar15-ar10/

I have an R pistol that is still factory two stage and it absolutely sucks donkey balls. Gritty, heavy, just unlikable. I’m waiting to catch them on sale again and I’ll get another one.

I have two timney triggers in Remington 700s but they aren’t the same as the ARs.

Think of two stage as a lot of slack before you get to the part that actually fires it. How one transitions into the other really depends on the weight of both of them. Some are different enough that the fact that it's two stage is something you don't even think about. You just get used to taking up the slack in the trigger. Others, if they're both light, it can take some getting used to.

Installing a trigger in an AR is very straightforward. I think you should open your search to other AR triggers like Geissele. Installation is very easy-Geissele include a dummy pin to allow a "drop in" install.
I have a Geissele Super Dynamic 3 gun trigger which has a very low weight trigger pull with super fast reset. Geissele states its a hybrid--read their description.
AR's have many choices in build options. You shouldn't be intimidated replacing an AR trigger.

I’ve installed a few “standard” triggers before, to I”m not necessarily intimidated by them… I just wanted to try something different. I’ll look into Geissele this afternoon, though, thank you.

There are a lot of ‘drop in’ triggers for the AR platform. I have Jewell, Trimney, Velocity, and a few lesser knowns. For what I do, casual, range, or even prairie dogging, a ‘single-stage’, 3 lb is about right.

There are instructions available, most any of them are a great improvement over stock.

I have a PSA 3.5 pound trigger installed in my PA-15. While the original trigger and hammer that came with the rifle was acceptable the “cassette” trigger is much better, there is no take up, crisp let off, no over-travel and a short, noticeable reset. Very easy to install.

quote:

I’ll look into Geissele this afternoon, though, thank you.

I have several.
DO NOT PAY FULL HIT RETAIL!!
They run specials often enough that it can save big. Memorial Day is coming up, 4th of July, etc.

I have a few Rock River 2-stages, a PSA (not a big fan but it gets the job done), but I really like my LaRue MBT. Every now and again you can pick up a LaRue for around $85-90. They are definitely worth the money.

quote:

Originally posted by clubleaf206:
I have a PSA 3.5 pound trigger installed in my PA-15. While the original trigger and hammer that came with the rifle was acceptable the “cassette” trigger is much better,

Thank you! I didn’t know Palmetto was offering triggers.
This one is very attractive, at 3.5 pounds and just $90.
It looks like their "match-grade" version offers the same pull and price, too.

quote:

Originally posted by bordeth:
I really like my LaRue MBT.

Thank you. It’s not exactly what I was after to begin with, but the MBT-2S looks like a great option.

This one from CMC at Palmetto is getting my attention, too.

quote:

Originally posted by vthoky:

Thank you! I didn’t know Palmetto was offering triggers.
This one is very attractive, at 3.5 pounds and just $90.
It looks like their "match-grade" version offers the same pull and price, too.

That first one that you linked to is the one that I have in my rifle.

I trust you have the explanation for one vs two stage and the amount of pull.

The advantage of a Timney is that the complete trigger is much easier to install.

I always have been an advocate for better triggers and have upgrade all of my rifles.
I have installed a Timney in both a Rem 700 and an AR.
Most now are the Geissele but lately I have been infatuated with TriggerTech both in a Short Action and in the AR.
I prefer two stage for the most part.

quote:

Originally posted by clubleaf206:
That first one that you linked to is the one that I have in my rifle.

Thank you!

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:
I trust you have the explanation for one vs two stage and the amount of pull.

The advantage of a Timney is that the complete trigger is much easier to install.

I always have been an advocate for better triggers and have upgrade all of my rifles.
I have installed a Timney in both a Rem 700 and an AR.
Most now are the Geissele but lately I have been infatuated with TriggerTech both in a Short Action and in the AR.
I prefer two stage for the most part.

I understand (I think) the difference between single-stage and two-stage. I’m perfectly willing to ask a question about it, though: one drop-in I looked at seemed to state a 2-lb takeup and a 2.5-lb pull… does that effectively make a 4.5-lb pull to actually release the hammer? Or is it 2, then 2.5 (not cumulative)?

The drop-in is certainly way easier to install. I haven’t tried one before, and I figure, “why not now?”

What’s got you attracted to the TriggerTech units over others?

quote:

Originally posted by vthoky:

I understand (I think) the difference between single-stage and two-stage. I’m perfectly willing to ask a question about it, though: one drop-in I looked at seemed to state a 2-lb takeup and a 2.5-lb pull… does that effectively make a 4.5-lb pull to actually release the hammer? Or is it 2, then 2.5 (not cumulative)?

The drop-in is certainly way easier to install. I haven’t tried one before, and I figure, “why not now?”

What’s got you attracted to the TriggerTech units over others?

Both stages are cumulative.
How someone reports them an vary but when you put a trigger pull gauge you will find out the first stage then continue on to complete the sear engagement and the total pull weight.

Recently while adjusting a Geissele two-stage Nation Match Trigger ~ it measured two lbs on first pull and 3 lb 3 oz on the last stage >> Total Pull. This is on a Precision AR.
Others like SSA-E (the one I have the most of) is a bit more of a pull and non adjustable.
Also different trigger shapes are available, such as curved, flat or other.
No real opinion of which shape I like better, most of mine are curved but not all.

My Trigger Tech on my 6.5CM short action as I recall was less on the first stage but overall I have it set at just at/under 3 lbs.

Trigger Tech are very easy to install, adjust and feel great as well.

Nothing bad about the others that I use, all good.
In general, I use the upper end of most triggers so results may vary with lesser models.

quote:

Originally posted by vthoky:
I understand (I think) the difference between single-stage and two-stage. I’m perfectly willing to ask a question about it, though: one drop-in I looked at seemed to state a 2-lb takeup and a 2.5-lb pull… does that effectively make a 4.5-lb pull to actually release the hammer? Or is it 2, then 2.5 (not cumulative)?

The drop-in is certainly way easier to install. I haven’t tried one before, and I figure, “why not now?”

I've shot both 1 stage, 2 stage, and sorta-kinda-in-between stage triggers. IMO the 2-stage you discuss feels less than 4.5# for the break, but more than 2.5#. One notices the 2-stages more when shooting slow, controlled fire from a rest than when shooting quickly -- especially shooting quickly from less supported positions. When shooting quickly, I find I just blow through both stages at once.

I prefer 1-stage triggers and currently have drop-in Wilson Combat TTUs on all my ARs. They are great triggers -- no creep before the break, crisp break, limited movement after the break, short & crisp reset with a distinct feel & sound. Some folks have asked why I don't have various brands on various lowers. Yes, there are other brands that are similar to the Wilson, but I want consistency among rifles.

Some say that the lighter second stage of a 2-stage trigger promotes better accuracy during slow & controlled fire. I can't argue against that, as a lighter trigger break generally promotes better accuracy. However, I'll stand with the 3.5 to 4 pound breaks on my Wilsons and the accuracy I've shown in multiple threads, at various distances, over many years.

TriggerTech makes good triggers. I have their 1-stage units in my newer bolt action rifles, and that's the brand I'm standardizing with for bolt guns.

quote:

Originally posted by fritz:
TriggerTech makes good triggers.

I'll look at those some more this evening.