Posted by Bill Courington on September 08, 1999 at 14:22:28:
I just bought my first pistol with a two-stage trigger, a Pardini K58.
I don't understand the point of the first stage, which I could uncharitably
call "creep". What do people who like two-stage triggers like about the
first stage? I'd be glad to learn to appreciate it; for the present, I've
adjusted the first stage to near-zero travel.
Posted by Warren Potter on September 08, 1999 at 18:32:59:
I guess there are different reasons for using a two-stage trigger. Preloading some weight to it would be the most common
excuse to make the second stage (and therefore the felt release weight) lighter.
But I have a different tactic. I have a shortish first stage that I use to bounce my finger on as I hold above the target preparing to
move the pistol into the aiming area. Bounce may be a bad word for it, more like a constant back and forth movement that
allows me to fine-tune exact finger placement on the trigger shoe and exact direction of pull. If you watch the sights while
"bouncing" and see a slight dipping of the front sight to one side or the other you have the direction of pull incorrect. When you
can "bounce" and have no discernible movement you've got everything just right and it's time to drop into the aiming area, get
serious about holding sight alignment and squeeze straight through.
Single stage triggers don't allow this; I'd be putting shots into the backing board on a regular basis.
Anybody else have another use for two stages?
Warren
Posted by Steve Ramirez on September 11, 1999 at 00:47:57:
With target firearms the two-stage trigger serves the very practical purpose of maintaining full sear engagement before the trigger
is pulled, together with a low additional weight of pull for the final stage. This is the only way to build a light-feeling target trigger
with a high degree of safety from accidental discharge.
With a target air arm the safety issue is not so critical but the first stage does enable a shooter who is unfamiliar with a particular
piece to pull the trigger with less chance of an accidental release. This may not be any advantage once you are thoroughly
familiar with the feel of your single-stage trigger, but maybe that is why the good triggers allow you to adjust away that
first-stage slack if you choose.
Posted by C. Brown on September 15, 1999 at 00:40:59:
Really thats a good question. There seems to be many reasons for the use of a two stage trigger and even the definition of one. I
have always thought that a real two stage trigger would divide the total trigger release weight into two distinct movements. The
first stage should take up most of the weight and the second stage release the sear with little pressure. Similiar in principal to
double set triggers, one trigger to " cock " ( stage ) the trigger and another to release it. I beleive that some manufacturers used
to use it, and call it a safety feature. The first stage requireing the most pressure acting as kind of a buffer to the guns actual
firing. But in a lot of those guns, the first stage just collapses, leaving the whole weight of the trigger on the second stage. Some
match shooters have told me that they prefer a collapsed first stage, I can only relate to that as kinda like a " get ready " zone. I
would prefer dividing the weight between the two,then I could concentrate not so much as to the weight of the pull, but on the
follow through cycle. But, hey, I'm still looking for that perfect trigger and just when I think I've found it, another wrench gets
thrown into the works. I think the main thing is just finding a gun that fits and just practicing till you know THAT particular
trigger inside out. But then you wouldn't be able to use " this damn trigger!" as an excuse for poor shootin'. Oh
well,...........................More comments and info anybody?
Posted by Dave Suitor on September 15, 1999 at 09:52:02:
I really like a 2-stage trigger for precision shooting.
I have found that the 2-stage triggers help me be a
little more aggressive on the trigger; less "chicken finger".
It gets your finger and trigger "going".
The first time I used a 2-stage trigger (on a FWB M2), I
found that I needed to move the trigger forward so that I
have to reach a little to pickup the trigger. I have since
setup all my pistols this way, even if they don't have a
2-stage trigger. Having to reach a little puts the release
point nearer the "neutral/relaxed" position of the finger.
regards,
dms
Posted by Mark Shuman on September 15, 1999 at 21:15:49:
Dear Sirs:
I have an old Anshutz 1413 match rifle with a double set trigger. I don't know
the pull weight on the rear trigger when it is set because the guage I had it on
only goes down to 25 grams. It is less than that. I find that the double set is not
as nice as a two stage even as light as this one is. With the preload of a two stage
the gun is settled and I find it more accurate because hand shift applying the trigger is
mostly gone I find this to be especially so with a pistol. With grip pressure and consistancy
so important I find a two stage easier to shoot accuratly and repeatably. My own two cents worth.
Mark Shuman
Shamokin PA
Sponsored by Pilkington Competition Equipment