Have you ever used a two stage trigger?

I just put one in one of my rifles. A Geissele to be specific. A single stage wasn't available so, I took the plunge sight unseen.

The concept of the two stage is that there is a little more trigger movement in the first stage for fast, up close shooting, when precision isn't critical. The second stage is still a short press for longer shots where precision is critical.

The Geissele doesn't disappoint. It has an adjustment to remove slack. The stock trigger had a lot of slack. The Geissele has none when adjusted properly. The first stage is adjustable and I found setting it at about 2.5lbs seemed OK for me. The second stage is really amazing. Very crisp with almost no detectable creep. It's not as consistent as some triggers I've tried, but very nice. The pull weight averaged out to 4lbs 7oz. The stock trigger was 6lbs.

It's the first stage feel that has me wondering. I was expecting two distinct clicks, one on each stage. The first stage feels like a little heavy slack. Is this how a two stage trigger normally works?

__________________
Freedom isn't free.

You really should try a Timney sometime. Single stage with about as much creep as a S&W revolver in single action. I have the 3 lbs. Timney in all 3 of my AR's and per my Lyman digital trigger gage the actual break is between 3 lbs. 6 ounces and 3 lbs. 8 ounces, a bit heavier than advertised but very easy to shoot well with.

I have shot Timney triggers along with several other marvelous single stage triggers. But, the question was about two stage triggers. Have you owned one?

__________________
Freedom isn't free.

Yes it's normal, the first stage feels like heavy but smooth take-up.

Still haven't decided which type of trigger I like best myself, despite having a bunch of both types. I think personally two stage is best for precision shooting but I prefer a single stage with zero take up for general purpose use.

The first stage is nothing more than take up, then you should hit a distinct wall which is the second stage. when you are holding pressure against that wall, treat it as you would a single stage trigger.

__________________
Straight shootin'
SWCA#2439

I prefer two-stage triggers. Yours is normal. "Two clicks" is in set triggers, not two stage triggers.
With a little training, a two stage trigger facilitates more precision shooting when needed without sacrificing any of the speed which seems so highly valued now. If you're a revolver shooter, it takes about one lesson to master a two-stage trigger.

__________________
Science plus Art

The Corps taught me how to use a 2-stage. i put them in my LR-type Semis. Take up the slack, then squeeze.
BRASS. Breathe, Relax, Aim, Slack, Squeeze.

I prefer two stage triggers for use everywhere but at the bench. Have had some really nice light triggers that were great punching holes in paper but were almost dangerous in actual field use. Once you get used to it I think you will really like it.

__________________
Hue 68 noli me tangere

Yup, that's the way they are supposed to feel. Like @arnoob and @dusty3030 said the first stage is just take-up so it feels like nothing is happening, then you hit the distinct wall that requires very little movement to push through.

I have 2 stage triggers in most my ARs, especially those that I bench and absolutely love them. Once you start shooting a 2 stage, it's a little strange to shoot a single stage especially when your brain has enough time to process the pull. I've always felt in a defensive or HD scenario you don't need that takeup so a single is just fine. Pull and bang with no thought needed is what you want.

__________________
Still carrying my S&W 642

That is the way our Rock River 2 stages feel. Similar to the SA trigger in our Beretta 92s.

I first started shooting high power competitions with M1 Garands and their two stage trigger. Turns out most military rifles, including bolt guns, before the M16 have two stage trigger. It's used to cut down on AD's, the very reason AR15 mil-spec triggers have heavy pulls with lots of creep.

I have RRA triggers in all my AR's. You can shoot fast by staging the trigger just past the reset, or shoot precisely by using the second stage with care. Those shooters of the M&P pistol line spend a lot of time complaining about lack of a tactile and audio reset when they wish to shoot fast.

Weatherby now puts a two stage trigger on their Vanguard line.

Thanks for the replies gents. This really is an amazing trigger.

Now I just need to put a bunch of rounds down range!

__________________
Freedom isn't free.