Straight Versus Curved Trigger Faces

[luzyfuerza]

I have dredged up a few old threads that discussed the advantages and disadvantages of straight versus curved rifle trigger faces. Most of these threads were pretty old. They generally included messages like "...all my rifles have curved triggers..." or "...I think straight triggers look cool...". Not too much substance. Examples:

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/flat-or-curved-trigger.802656/

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/target-trigger-curved-or-flat.732265/

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/1911-flat-triggers.733247/#post-9193186

The only advantage of a flat trigger face that I can think of is that a rifle shooter could increase the force required to trip his trigger by moving his finger closer to the pivot point of his trigger mechanism, and could reduce this required force (say for precision shots) by moving his trigger finger closer to the free end of the trigger. This variability is probably a disadvantage if the shooter doesn't get a lot of practice.

Of course, the advantage I've described above only applies to trigger designs that travel in an arc of one form or another (and not to those that travel in a linear motion like on a 1911).

Are there any other concrete advantages or disadvantages of straight triggers that you can tell me about?

 

[cougar1717]

I would lean more toward the personal preference/aesthetics than the performance side of a straight trigger bow. A straight trigger bow allows you to use slightly more leverage and has a little more room inside the trigger guard for gloved hands. Additionally, it could slightly shorten the length of pull if the stock is a little long. If the trigger is adjustable, the straight bow is really just an aesthetic factor since you can adjust the trigger to a low, but safe trigger weight, regardless of the shape of the bow.
In a non-adjustable, two stage (ie geissle super dynamic), the trigger is flat and wide, allowing more surface area for your finger than the curved bow. It is contacted at a similar point as a curved bow due to the ergonomics of the AR15 grip. I suppose this could be changed by grips with different angles, no finger grooves, etc. I have no idea why anyone would want to contact the trigger higher and increase the weight. If you contact it lower on an AR15, the increased leverage is negated IMO by the increased angle that the finger has to move - - unless your grip is really low, but most people prefer the web of their hand near the top of the grip. However, this doesn't matter that much on a two stage since the second stage feels relatively light anyway.

 

[Varminterror]

What I didn't like at first about straight triggers is the sensation of declination as I pull through the stroke. For a single stage, target trigger, I can't say i feel much difference at all, simply because I tune my single stage triggers so I don't feel the movement, but for a two stage where I will fee the travel, that ever-so-slight angulation in the stroke 'weirded me out' at first.

On the other hand, once I got over that weird sensation, I started to appreciate the LACK of sensation pressing upward against the meat of my finger.

If I had started with a straight trigger, I probably would never accept a curved trigger. But having started with curved triggers and especially since I spend so much time shooting revolvers with super curves, I'm kinda stuck with curves.

 

[MistWolf]

At the end of the day, it's really about what works for you and the only way to find out what works for you is to shoot the rifle

 

[1KPerDay]

A straight trigger bow allows you to use slightly more leverage and has a little more room inside the trigger guard for gloved hands.

this seems counterintuitive to me. A curved trigger would leave more room for a gloved finger, wouldn't it? It curves back and allows more room, right?

 

[cfullgraf]

One of the things I like about AR-15s is when I build a new one, I can try some of the different stuff that is available for them. My last build, a long, heavy barrel AR-15 in 22x6.8, I installed a flat bow trigger to try.

It feels different than a curved trigger but it works just as well. I have not made any decision on the trigger yet.

Here is a discussion on flat vs curved triggers over at the M4carbine forum.

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?128938-Opinions-on-Flat-vs-Curved-Triggers

There are opinions from both sides of the trigger fence.

I'm sure more discussions can be found with an internet search.

 

[Art Eatman]

Just offhand, seems to me that the curved trigger sorta "incentivizes" your finger toward the same location, shot to shot. That would make for better consistency in a string of fire. One less thing to think about.

 

[PowerG]

Just offhand, seems to me that the curved trigger sorta "incentivizes" your finger toward the same location, shot to shot. That would make for better consistency in a string of fire. One less thing to think about.

Which is exactly why I prefer some curve to the trigger, and I think most people do. Some older revolvers, however, seem to have too much curve to them for me. A very subjective thing.

 

[Slamfire]

I have been using a straight trigger on this M1413 Anschutz 22LR smallbore prone rifle. The trigger on this rifle is out of production but it is a neat mechanism. The trigger has a set trigger. The primary trigger is set up for a less than 8 ounce two stage pull, but the set trigger, once set, is just at my finger's perception for sensitivity. Must be around an ounce.

I like the straight trigger when using the set because my round finger is not going to bump any curved surfaces as I approach the trigger face. I shoot my best scores with this rifle, having one 1600 to my credit, I think the set trigger helps, but I cannot say the straight trigger makes any real difference to my score. I have shot outstanding scores with the standard curved trigger on my other small bore prone rifles.