Triggers, single stage VS two stage

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Workin Man

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I recently bought a WK180C and had heard that the factory triggers were terrible. The one on mine is comparable to the one on my Chinese SKS. I am looking to upgrade it to something lighter as well as smoother. This will be used as a plinker/varmint rifle. I don't really understand the difference between single stage and 2 stage triggers. If someone could explain the difference and the advantages of one vs the other, it would be appreciated.

Thanks, Jim
 
The nitty gritt of it...

Two stage triggers have a bit of what feels like take-up/slack until you feel the wall of the second stage before the trigger breaks. Usually the first stage is heavier eg 3lbs and the second stage is lighter eg 2lbs.

Single stage triggers have very minimal or zero take up before the trigger breaks ie, you're at the wall right from the start.

Some folks prefer 2 stage triggers as they like the feel of "prepping" the trigger and knowing when the trigger will break.
 
Trinimon summed it up pretty well.

My first upgrade was an ALG Combat Trigger (single stage) with JP 3.5 lbs. springs. That was actually pretty nice for the cost, BUT ignition was pretty spotty with factory ammo with harder primers (NATO Ball, AE 223, etc.). If you're going to strictly roll your own and want to cheap out this is a nice inexpensive upgrade. If you plan on shooting bulk surplus or similar a Geissele G2S (two stage) is pretty nice and not too expensive. I just installed a G2S, surprisingly not that much better than my ALG/JP trigger, but it is better. I can't comment on any of the others, but I'm pretty happy with the G2S at this point.
 
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Target trigger = 2 stage. Prep your trigger, you feel the "wall" then a smooth easy release.

Quick doubles = single stage. Shorter pull, trigger is immediately firm, pull past the "wall", trigger releases, short reset and ready to go again.

Its not that black and white obviously. Either type of trigger can be good for either type of shooting if you choose right but it's a simplified explanation I was given when I asked the same thing.
 
I have a single stage on my R700 (1lb pull) made but jewel. and I have a Geiselle 2 stage on my AR15. Love both. Any trigger over stock will be an improvement.
 
redshooter said:
Trinimon summed it up pretty well.

My first upgrade was an ALG Combat Trigger (single stage) with JP 3.5 lbs. springs. That was actually pretty nice for the cost, BUT ignition was pretty spotty with factory ammo with harder primers (NATO Ball, AE 223, etc.). If you're going to strictly roll your own and want to cheap out this is a nice inexpensive upgrade. If you plan on shooting bulk surplus or similar a Geissele G2S (two stage) is pretty nice and not too expensive. I just installed a G2S, surprisingly not that much better than my ALG/JP trigger, but it is better. I can't comment on any of the others, but I'm pretty happy with the G2S at this point.
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hi, may i ask where you bought the JP springs? can’t seem to find a source in canada...
 
Arms East was out of stock on the ALG. I ended up ordering a Hiperfire heavy gunner from TNA. I plan on installing it today. I'll let you guys know what I think of it.

Thanks, Jim
 
I got the Hiperfire installed. Install was easy enough. They include a tapered drift pin in the kit that makes it easy getting the hammer and trigger lined up with the holes in the receiver. I had to remove the safety selector to get the old trigger out and the new one in. It took me 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish (my first time doing this). After testing that the trigger and safety were functioning correctly and dry firing it a few times, I loaded up a mag, took it out in the backyard and let some lead fly. It still has a bit of creep, but it is a huge improvement over the trigger it came with.

Jim
 
Workin Man said:
I got the Hiperfire installed. Install was easy enough. They include a tapered drift pin in the kit that makes it easy getting the hammer and trigger lined up with the holes in the receiver. I had to remove the safety selector to get the old trigger out and the new one in. It took me 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish (my first time doing this). After testing that the trigger and safety were functioning correctly and dry firing it a few times, I loaded up a mag, took it out in the backyard and let some lead fly. It still has a bit of creep, but it is a huge improvement over the trigger it came with.

Jim
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I just got back from testing out my new Hiperfire designated marksman. mine has no creep... just a nice short pull with a clean break! very impressed! and talk about tightening up the groups, WOW. super pleased... cheers
 
I've got an ALG ACT in a couple of my rifles and a BCM enhanced or something like that in another rifle, good triggers for just over $100. Both brands are nickel boron coated which is nice.
Unless it's just going to be for sitting at a bench doing target shooting I would suggest staying away from any trigger with less than 4 pounds pull. They get too sensitive for field use with gloves or when you get excited after sitting for a while and a yote pops out of the bush line. It's nice to actually feel the trigger before the rifle goes off when your in the field.
Plus, as long as it breaks crisply and cleanly a lighter trigger won't make your rifle any more accurate. You don't need a 2 pound trigger to shoot nice small groups.
 
Been using the Geissele SD-Enhance trigger for all my rifles, two stage 2.3 lbs fist stage, 1.3lbs second, it gives more flexibility and ability to from hosing targets at cqb distance and precise hits at 200 yards or more. Personally I don’t feel the second stage when engaging close targets. Was tempted to try the Hiperfires, but have some reservations with regards to the design with all the parts and springs involved .
 
cr5 said:
I've got an ALG ACT in a couple of my rifles and a BCM enhanced or something like that in another rifle, good triggers for just over $100. Both brands are nickel boron coated which is nice.
Unless it's just going to be for sitting at a bench doing target shooting I would suggest staying away from any trigger with less than 4 pounds pull. They get too sensitive for field use with gloves or when you get excited after sitting for a while and a yote pops out of the bush line. It's nice to actually feel the trigger before the rifle goes off when your in the field.
Plus, as long as it breaks crisply and cleanly a lighter trigger won't make your rifle any more accurate. You don't need a 2 pound trigger to shoot nice small groups.
Click to expand...

I agree. The original trigger in my WK was very heavy. I don't have a trigger scale, so I can't say exactly how heavy. It also had a ridiculous amount of creep. The Hyperfire I installed came with 2 hammer springs that are supposed to give a 5.5lb or 4.5lb pull, depending on which one you use. I went with the lighter one. There is a lot less creep with this trigger, but with the upper off you can still visibly see the hammer move slightly back before releasing.

Like FFGats I was a bit intimidated by all the parts and I was considering a drop in style trigger. I watched a you tube video on installing a trigger in an AR15 and it looked easy enough. The Hiperfire came with a short pin installed holding the disconnector in place in the trigger. It gets pushed out as you slide their tapered pin in. You then slide in the trigger pin, which pushes out the tapered pin. The tapered pin also made an easy job of getting the hammer lined up.

Jim
 
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I like the geisele ssa e and put that in most of my rifles. Just installed a trigger tech adjustable and it seems decent so far. Traditional triggers maybe take a few more minutes than a drop in to install.
 
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