Different Triggers On Different ARs in Safe.

[troglodyte]

I have several ARs that I have put together. They all have mil-spec triggers of varying refinement. One is hard, gritty, and long while I have a couple that are tolerable and a couple somewhere in between. I am looking to start upgrading triggers. I think I would like to put a two-stage on my coyote rifle and (maybe) the house gun. For my truck guns I think I'll stay with a upgraded single-stage. For y'all that run both single-stage and two-stage, do you find it confusing to switch between rifles? Am I over complicating it?

[MadMonkey]

I actually prefer 2-stage triggers for my combat rifles, and all of mine have a LaRue MBT-2S. My precision AR has a Hiperfire HPTE, so I'm kind of backwards from everyone else since it's a single stage

To answer your question, yeah, it can be confusing dealing with multiple different setups. All of my ARs, aside from the precision rifle, have the same grips, triggers and selectors so it's one less thing to think about. Personally I think consistency between fighting rifles is important, but hunting rifles have more leeway since you'll have more time to concentrate on what you're doing.

[The Annoyed Man]

I have one AR lower with a Timney 3 lb single stage trigger. Another has a "tuned" milspec, and the rest are all milspec. I do not have trouble switching from one to the other, because I already know what to expect whenever I pick up that particular rifle. I also have a 3.5 lb Timney in my SCAR 17. In the past, I have owned a varmint rifle AR that had a 2 stage trigger with a 1.5 lb break. It never gave me any problems. That said, it do feel like it was too light for a fighting rifle.

I have two bolt guns in .308, one of which is a precision rifle with a 2.25 lb Timney in it. Both rifles are so different one from the other that, again, I have no trouble switching between triggers. My SCAR came from the factory with an atrocious 8.5 lb trigger, rendering it unsuitable in my option as a combat weapon…which is strange given how much FN charges for the darn things, and which is why I dropped in a Timney.

The question for me isn’t so much whether I can switch between rifles without confusing triggers. The question is whether or not the trigger weight is safe for combat use. Other than in a sniper role from standoff distances, I think that 3 lb is an absolute minimum safe pull in a combat rifle, at least with a single stage, and 4-5 lbs is probably better. My old M1A had a double stage trigger with a 4.5 lb break that was about perfect. Generations of Americans have defended this nation's interests, including in a LOT of combat, with M16/M4 variants that averaged 6-7 lbs trigger pull weights.

As for the difference between single and double stage triggers, I think it is largely a matter of personal preference. Having owned both, neither is "better" than the other. I just have a preference for single stage triggers. Even so, I have owned 2-stage triggers and got along just fine with them. A bigger issue for single stage triggers is how much take up there is before the break, and the quality of it. It should be minimal, and without grittiness.

Am I over complicating it?

A little bit. Whatever your setup is, train with it. You’ll be fine.

[Iunnrais]

My hunting AR has a Rock River 2 Stage Natl Match trigger which I thought was quite nice. It has a light long take up before the second stage which is very crisp.

I installed a CMC trigger into my range lower when I built it. Single stage with virtually no take up and a clean break.

I sometimes waffle about getting another one for the hunting lower, but then I think that I don't want to mess with that rifle's setup as it shoots so well at medium ranges (under 400yds). It was put together with the intention of use on hogs & deer out in NW Texas. I don't really have too much trouble switching between them. Once you are past the take up on the hunting rifle, it feels very similar to the other one. The CMC probably has a theoretical advantage on follow up shots though with its shorter travel & reset.

[The Annoyed Man]

The CMC probably has a theoretical advantage on follow up shots though with its shorter travel & reset.

I’ve bought Timneys instead of CMMGs, but the point is still true. A good aftermarket single stage trigger breaks like a glass rod, with no creep, and has a short—and more importantly positive—and clearly audible reset. They are magical. I’ve owned the 2-stage competition trigger that Bushmaster used to put in its varmint rifles, and it was very good. My son has a Rock River lower with their 2-stage trigger from their 24” varmint rifle which I have fired a number of times, and it is also very good.

In my own opinion, If you’re building a hunting or precision rifle, then a 2-stage is probably the way to go. But if you’re building a "fighting rifle", then I believe a single stage is the way to go because it simply feels like a very improved milspec trigger.

[troglodyte]

I went with the LaRue MBT. Admittablely I don’t have anything to compare it to other than milspec but it is really nice, especially for the price point. Very natural feeling. I don’t have very many rounds with it but the first impressions are good.

I think will stick with single stage triggers for my truck guns.