What makes a two stage trigger two stage?

B

bastiat

New member
Perhaps this is a question for the smithy, but it mainly concerns rifles...

What is done to the trigger mechanism on a rifle to make it into a two stage trigger? Is there one specific part that is modified, or is a combination of things? Do different manufacturers have different methods for achieving a two stage trigger?
 
bastiat,

A two stage trigger is not something that you can get just by modifying a single stage. There are more parts in a two stage trigger than there are in a single.

Yes, different manufacturers have different ways of acheiving thiers. It can be as simple and elegant as the two piece Mauser style or it can be a bit more complex, such as the M1 Garand & M14 trigger.

If you have a rifle with a single stage trigger and want a two stage, you'll have to see if any aftermarket trigger makers, such as Timney or Canjar makes them for your design.

Best regards,
Swampy
 
Easier to explain a double set before going on to a two stage.

A double set trigger has two trigger levers or "shoes". The front "sets" the trigger and a definite click can be heard. This pull requires more force, usually about 5 pounds. The second, rear shoe is much lighter than the front, usually less than a pound.

A two-stage is much like this except it only has one shoe and the first stage pull weight is added to the second stage. This makes the final pull weight seem lighter than the total.
 
I don't know the book definition of a two stage trigger, but in practical terms it means that there is considerable take up before anything happens then you feel a tightening and just a small further pressure will set off the piece. Seen mostly on military rifles, IIRC. I believe it is looked on as a safety feature, i.e., not too easy to set the piece off accidentally with such a long trigger pull.

Double set triggers - usually you pull the back trigger which sets the front (primary) trigger to go off with a hair's pressure. There is also a single set trigger where the one trigger is pushed forward which sets it, then a hair's pressure will set off the piece. On either of these set trigger types you can also fire using the unset primary trigger but the pull weight is usually considerably higher.
 
Dunno 'bout nowadays, but I grew up on old Springfields, Enfields and Mausers. The two-stage trigger merely had a bit of freeplay or slack, without any force acting on the sear. After you took up this slack, further pressure then made the gun go Bang.

It's similar to the brake or clutch pedals in a car. First you take up the slack, and then stuff starts happening.

Note: I had a Canjar single-set trigger once upon a time. The regular, unset pull was quite usable. Many set-trigger systems aren't worth a hoot unless set; if not rough, the pull is too great.

Art
 
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