Single or Two Stage AR Trigger?

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GuysModel94

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Looking at the Spikes (Enhanced) Battle trigger kit or maybe the RRA two stage trigger. Any other recommendations taken..
 
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The RRA two stage is a good trigger system, it does have a fairly narrow disconnector that can wear prematurely. ArmaLite has a two stage with a wide disconnector without the wear issue. It also has an adjustable disco spring with three positions for changing trigger pull weight. It's the superior budget two stage, $120 as part of a complete LPK.

NMTRIGGERSETlarge.jpg

Geissele has some great single and two stage FCG's, they have great reset and minimum trigger movement. You do pay for this quality.

I've seen a couple of Spikes enhanced battle triggers that the coating has flaked off. That has stopped me from trying one. Mega has a drop it single stage trigger only kit that looks interesting, but for $80+ I'm staying with the ArmaLite two stage.
 
I may have gotten a lemon but my RRA no longer resides in my AR. Went back to the stock trigger (polished up) until I can save up for something else. The stock trigger is a bit heavier pull but doesn't grind on the takeup like the RRA. Was disappointing since I heard so many good things about it. :eek:
 
Thanks for their post on the ArmaLite 2 stage have not looked at those before.
 
What type of shooting will you be doing?

I prefer a single stage. I shoot 3 gun where every split second matters. My 3 gun AR has a Timney 3-1/2 lb single stage. Very smooth, no pre-travel, very short reset and breaks clean.

I am building a Service Rifle match AR and it will have a stock single stage with JP yellow springs. For me i prefer single stage shooting precision. Eventually a Geissele single stage.

If this rifle will be a duty rifle go Spikes, Daniel Defense, etc. For competition, i would get a lighter/better trigger, single or 2 stage, Geissele, Timney, etc. For plinking stay stock with JP springs.

I like the way the Timney shoots, but i don't like the way it installs. I would prefer the Geissele style that installs just like a stock trigger.
 
I went with the Spike's myself. It is nothing more than a good OE type trigger assembly that has been nickle boron coated. My rationale: I like a single stage, I don't mind a firm trigger press as long as it is smooth and repeatable, the parts are standard to any AR and replacements can be easily found if needed. So far, so good.
 
I've shot both types of trigger. Don't really see all that much difference for target shooting. Maybe a single-stage would be better for hunting. Overall, seems to me, personal preference is what counts the most, after a fella has tried both.
 
Geissele has released their S2S trigger.....for the same price as the RRA:

http://www.adcofirearms.com/itemdetails_.cfm?inventorynumber=4655

The Spikes Battle Trigger....problem with that is the underlying components. I got one, but it wasn't a great trigger at all - very mediocre. If going the single stage coated trigger I would recommend LWRC's version of it - you can see the underlying components are quality and their QC and process ensure that you won't get a bad one.

However, the Geissele S2S seriously gets my vote - I have one, it feels exactly like an SSA for less money.
 
just my opinion, but i strongly prefer 2-stage for precision (practical or NRA HP) and single stage for 3-gun and HD style shooting and benchrest.


just to be clear, if you were shooting benchrest style, an 8 ounce 'hair' single-stage trigger is great for accuracy AND it's not a safety issue because the gun is solidly positioned on target before you get near the trigger.

for 3gun style, a 3.5-4.5 lb single stage trigger is great because you're not worried about extreme accuracy and you want the short reset

the advantage of a 2-stage trigger is that it is a compromise. it allows you the 'hair' trigger feel, without the safety issue of running around or trying to shoot offhand with a super-light trigger. essentially, you can set the trigger so that you have a 4lb first stage and a .5 lb second stage, so the total weight is a fairly safe 4.5 lbs.
 
RRA triggers tend to wear fast. As to whether you should use a single or two stage trigger depends entirely on which you shoot better. If you don't have an AR, find a friend who has one you can try and see how you like it
 
my RRA trigger has >15k rounds on it with no problems at all. great trigger. however, i know lots of people who have had problems so i consider myself lucky and don't really recommend them.
 
I think most of the "RRA trigger will fail early" posts are just repeating rumornet posts without actual experience. I've had no problems with 2 units that are upward of 3k rounds each. For the price, excellent ... not an Extreme or Geiselle but then there's the $$ to condier!
/Bryan
 
If you are considering the RRA NM trigger, I'd look at the new Geissele that just came out near the RRA's price point. Not that there is much wrong with the RRA, but Geissele has amazing CS and I don't honestly know a person unhappy with one of their triggers.

As for single stage vs two stage. I suggest two stage for anything other than bench rest that requires good accuracy. For tactical style shooting, position based matches, or hunting I like the light weight feel of a good two stage while still being plenty heavy to be safe. For bench rest or anything where absolute trigger speed is more important that absolute accuracy, an appropriate weight on a single stage is better. All of this is my opinion and what works for me. If you feel a good two stage trigger in the field/competition you will see how it is a benefit in many situations, though it certainly isn't a be all end all.
 
I run a chip mccormik 3.5 tactical trigger in my defensive carbine. It is non-adjustable (exactly what I was looking for) and crisp. Also understand wilson makes a good one. Almost went that direction, but am a fan of chip.
 
Thanks for the info guys, FYI the AR build is a spikes stripped lower, Mako stock and grip, (gun show purchase) upper is JD with a 24inch fluted stainless barrel and quad rails. Wanted an accurate plinker and a home defense AR.
 
IMHO, any 5.56/.223 AR barrel length over 20" is a waste. I guess it will be fine for target. You can alwasy start with a stock/milspec FCG then change it later. It is an easy change. If you go to a match, ask to try some other shooter's rifles. A stock FCG with JP yellow springs is an ok trigger.
 
I think most of the "RRA trigger will fail early" posts are just repeating rumornet posts without actual experience. I've had no problems with 2 units that are upward of 3k rounds each. For the price, excellent ... not an Extreme or Geiselle but then there's the $$ to condier!
/Bryan
I'm sure some are just internet echo's. There are a lot of shooters with thousands of rounds on their RRA, but I have first hand seen a dozen or more that have had the disco wear excessively at 1-2k rounds and 1 with a broken hammer. I think it's from inconsistent heat treating. I wouldn't be surprised if the RRA disco is from a vender(s) causing this consistency problem.

My RRA has about 3k on it and no signs of abnormal wear.
 
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