Dual-stage triggers revolutionized trigger technology and the way weapons are fired. With a lot of buzz going around about these trigger types, we decided to create this article on what these dual-stage triggers are and why are they so desirable. We’ll also discuss the best dual-stage triggers for an AR-15 available in the market.
So let’s begin!
Comparison of the Best AR-15 Dual-Stage Triggers
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What is a Two-Stage Trigger?
A two-stage trigger, as the name suggests, operates in two parts. The first stage is meant to overcome the initial pull weight of the trigger. This is called “take-up”, and after this there is no spring pressure. This intermediate step is termed “slack”.
The second stage then requires a light pull to fire the bullet. “Creep” or “travel” is the distance the trigger moves between the end of take-up and when the trigger breaks to fire the bullet. “Overtravel” refers to the movement of the trigger after a shot has been fired.
This doesn’t mean you are making separate pulls or motions to fire. But there is a definite difference in how squeezing the trigger feels as it passes from the first to the second stage.
Two-stage triggers are preferred by many shooters because of the “prepping-time” they provide. While a shooter is aiming at a target, he can overcome the pull weight of the trigger and then adjust the final sight picture before applying a featherlight weight to the trigger to achieve a precise shot.
This dual-stage mechanism is helpful in taking precise shots at long distances. These triggers ensure that the pull weight does not distort the sight picture or flicker your scope, which would make you adjust it again.
How to Choose a Dual Stage Trigger
There are some characteristics and features that will make a dual-stage trigger stand out among the rest. It’s important to know what they are so you can distinguish a great dual-stage trigger from those that are considered low-quality and unreliable. Here’s what you’ll need to look for:
Price
As a budget shopper, there’s a good chance that you’ll be looking at the price tag first. Don’t let the price be the sole reason why you chose a dual-stage trigger. You should pay attention to some of the other things that matter like the quality and features of the trigger itself. All you have to do is find a trigger that is the best in quality and within your budget range.
Materials
If you want a trigger that will work for a long time, you’ll need to find one that is made from high-quality materials. For example, you’ll need to look for materials like steel. These materials are proven to be a lot sturdier than most other materials.
An Easy Pull Weight
Some trigger pull weights will be a little heavier than others. And there will be some that will be lighter. You’ll need to consider which trigger pull weight will work best for you. If you want a trigger that allows you to shoot quickly, then a trigger weight on the light end of the scale will be sufficient.
Review of the Best AR-15 Dual-Stage Triggers
The following is a list of the best dual-stage triggers that are currently on the market. One of these triggers will be a great fit for your AR-15 rifle. Be sure to choose one based on the characteristics and features that will best fit your personal preferences and needs.
Triggers are available as drop-in assemblies or standard triggers which need to be assembled. There are a couple of basic differences between them.
First, the drop-in triggers are a bit easier to install. You just have to slide it down the receiver and you’re ready to go. They are already tuned and packed inside a housing, so they perform exactly the same in different receivers. On the other hand, standard AR-15 triggers need to be tuned and can rather perform differently in different receivers.
Triggers are available as either single stage AR-15 triggers or dual-stage triggers. We’ve found some of the best AR-15 dual-stage triggers in the market for you to choose from. Now, let’s begin looking at our list:
Best Overall:
Geissele Automatic AR-15 Super Dynamic Triggers
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of buyers were happy with the trigger thus far. They were able to easily install this on their AR-15 rifles. Upon installation, they were able to pull the trigger without any issue. The follow-up shots, for the most part, were fast. One user said this was a great trigger that he used for his AR-15 rifle for competition purposes.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This trigger is made of high-quality materials. Not only is it super sturdy, but it’s also considered to be one of the lightest trigger pulls on our list. Plus, it will fit most AR-15 pistols that will be used for almost any application you can think of. If quick follow-up shots are what you need, you’ll get it with this trigger.
Geissele is a renowned player when it comes to manufacturing AR-15 triggers. These triggers are available in two different models, the SD-C and SD-E. The SD-C has a 2.5 lb. first stage and a 2 lb. second stage pull weight. The SD-E version has a 2.3 lb. first stage and 1.2 lb. second stage pull weight.
The trigger features a flat shoe which reduces the perceived pull weight and improves control. The standard trigger features a sturdy, quality construction and is reliable and crisp.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be a trigger that will be used across many applications. Specifically, a lot of hunters and competitive shooters gravitate towards this trigger. That’s because these applications require quick shots and even quicker follow-up shots. Because sometimes, time may not be on their side. And if they miss once, they definitely want to make up for it and fast.
What Could Be Improved and Why
This trigger should have some springs handy in case the pull weight is a little too light for you. Especially when you’re worried about having to deal with accidental shootings. Though the two-stage triggers typically prevent these from happening, they can still occur anyways.
Bottom Line
The Geissele Automatics AR-15 trigger is considered one of the best and for a few good reasons. Be sure to install this on your rifle if you want something light, quick, and will give you an edge against your targets or your competition.
Runner-up:
Wilson Combat AR-15/M-16 Tactical Trigger Unit
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This trigger has been a choice among those who are in law enforcement and also those who are hunters. This is a sturdy trigger with a good decent pull weight that has left a lot of the new buyers satisfied. One user said that he was able to find a trigger that had a pull weight that was just right. Not too light or heavy.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This trigger can fit both AR-15 and M16 rifles. So it’s versatile in its own right. At the same time, it’s considered an easy to install (or drop-in) trigger. All you have to do is install it and forget it. Simple as that.
This WIlson Combat trigger module will fit any mil-spec small pin AR-15 platform to deliver a reliable and smooth firing mechanism. It has a crisp and light 4 lb. initial pull weight, making it is perfect for self-defense and hunting.
The short positive reset allows you to get back on target quickly. The unique hammer geometry provides ultra-fast lock time by keeping the weight minimal. This trigger unit is a perfect match for your AR-15 rifle. The price may concern you a bit, but your investment will be worth the money.
Who Will Use This Most
Expect this to be a trigger that will be mostly used by hunters. But don’t write it off as a useless trigger for those who are in tactical applications like police officers or military personnel. This trigger is so durable that it can handle the heavy-duty responsibilities that users deal with regularly.
What Could Be Improved and Why
This trigger should be a little less heavy in the pull weight. Especially when you need something that will allow you to fire off follow-up shots. Once again, this will come in handy should you happen to miss your initial shot.
Bottom Line
The Wilson Combat AR-15/M16 trigger can fit most rifles with ease. And it can handle some pretty tough tasks that many of its users face regularly. It also proves itself to be excellent in quality, not something that’s cheap and flimsy.
3. Geissele Hi-Speed National Match Trigger
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The trigger worked great with most buyers. They were able to choose between three different types of triggers. Regardless, they enjoyed the benefit of quick follow-up shots due to the light pull weight. One user said that he uses this for his AR-15 while he’s out and about in the field hunting big game and varmint.
Why it Stands Out to Us
As mentioned, this trigger has three versions: Match Rifle, Service Rifle, and DMR. The pull weights range from 1.5 pounds to 3.5 pounds. Regardless of which one you choose, it will give you an easier pull to work with. Especially when you need to get as many shots off as quickly as possible. While they’re not necessarily drop-in triggers, they are quite easy to install.
Geissele’s Hi-Speed National Match Trigger is another amazing dual-stage trigger from their inventory. This entry includes three different spring sets, allowing you to decide what to use for different types of shooting. The springs have been designed to match CMP competition standards and make the trigger perfect for NRA high-power service rifle competitions.
You can easily switch between different springs to attain different pull weight for respective situations. This means you’ll be able to easily adjust the first and second stage pulll weights as well as the total pull weight and over-travel metrics. It’s perfect for competitions, hunting and tactical sniper use.
Who Will Use This Most
Expect this to be used a lot by many hunters, competitive shooters, and casual target shooters. This will be a trigger that will be so light, you don’t want anything else. It will also serve as a nice starter trigger for those who have never used a dual-stage trigger before.
What Could Be Improved and Why
This should include some springs. Just in case the trigger pull weight is too light for them, they should have springs that are easy to install so they can slightly increase the pull weight to something more comfortable. However, it should still give you an easy enough pull for quick follow-up shots.
Bottom Line
If you want a trigger that’s super light in weight, look no further than the Geissele Automatics AR-15 National Match Trigger Set. One of these triggers will work to your advantage. Regardless of which one it is, it will be easy to install and easy to use by just about anyone.
4. Rock River Arms AR-15 National Match 2-Stage Trigger
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
As expected, recent buyers were satisfied with the trigger overall. It was easy to install, easy to pull, and the follow-through was excellent. They considered this to be a light pull (but not lighter than most). One user said this was exactly how he wanted his dual-stage trigger to turn out. Easy to operate, not too heavy or light of a pull, and a trigger that is worth every penny for those looking for something affordable.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This trigger was built to be something that will suit both hunters and competitive shooters alike. The manufacturer knew about some triggers being too light while some of them were too heavy in pull weight. So they found one that struck a healthy balance. Something that's light enough for competition, but heavy enough to lessen the risk of accidental shooting. At a weight range of 3 to 5 pounds, this trigger gets the job done as both a competition and hunter friendly trigger.
The AR-15 Match-grade trigger from Rock River Arms is lightweight and smooth. It has a very crisp brake without any creep or crunching. It also boasts a positive and short reset click. This is a two-stage simple drop-in trigger which might require some fitting.
The pull weight of the trigger is a bit heavier than its counterparts at approximately 6 lbs. The sear engagement point is located behind the hammer to reduce pull weight. The light mass of the hammer reduces lock time, letting you shoot quicker consecutive shots. The trigger works perfectly with different receivers and features a curved bow for a better grip.
Who Will Use This Most
This trigger will be used mostly by those who will be using their AR-15s for competition shooting and hunting. Users that want a trigger pull that isn’t too heavy or light, plus want consistently good shooting will benefit the best from this kind of trigger. If you want something that stands out as a “just right” trigger, you’ll love this one.
What Could Be Improved and Why
While there aren’t any major improvements that we can think of, it’s highly suggested that the manufacturer should investigate why some of the parts of the trigger need to be Dremmeled before installation. This could be a quality control thing that should be addressed sooner rather than later.
Bottom Line
If you want a dual-stage trigger that will work hard and give you consistent and safe shooting, the Rock River Arms AR-15 National Match 2-Stage Trigger will be the best possible choice for you. It doesn’t matter which application you use your rifle for, you’ll have a trigger that will be reliable, trustworthy, and can get the job done without feeling too light or too heavy.
5. Triggertech AR-15 Adjustable Trigger
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This trigger has won a lot of new buyers over. One user said that it was a lot easier for him to adjust the pull weight on this trigger compared to some AR-15 triggers he’s used in the past. For most people, the trigger was easy to install with no fitting or installation issues to speak of.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This trigger has an adjustable feature that will allow you to adjust the pull weight on the fly. So if it’s too light, you can change it up (and vice versa). Either way, the shooting is reliable and fits all kinds of applications. This will also be a trigger that can get along with most AR-15 rifles. So you don’t have to worry about whether or not the rifle you own will be compatible with this trigger or not.
This technically-advanced trigger from Triggertech uses patented frictionless release technology and rolling friction to offer seamless accuracy and an amazing user experience. The pull weight is adjustable from 2.5 to 5 lbs for distinct situations and uses.
The stainless-steel construction of the trigger assembly is corrosion-resistant and durable. The trigger features a drop-in design for lower receivers with .154” pins. It’s available with either curved and straight trigger shoe to offer more versatile choices to users.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be a trigger that will be a general-purpose trigger. So the applications will vary between one shooter to the next. Either way, this will be a trigger for those that want something that’s easy to adjust and easy to install. Simply put, this is one of the easiest to use triggers on the market for any AR-15 user. If this fits any of your wants and needs in a trigger, you might have found a winner here.
What Could Be Improved and Why
This trigger might need to have a look under the microscope (figuratively, of course) as to why some trigger creep and take up is occurring with some users. Once the manufacturer can determine the cause of it, they should make some adjustments to the inner workings of the trigger assembly itself.
Bottom Line
The Triggertech AR-15 trigger might just be the kind of trigger your rifle would be dying to have. You can quickly make adjustments and make it blend in with any application of your choosing. Hunting, competition shooting, or just casual target shooting this is the trigger that might be the most convenient of them all.
6. Hiperfire - AR-15 Hipertouch Series Trigger Assemblies
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of recent buyers report were satisfied with the trigger. Even more, they were quite happy with the light pull weight. They were able to make the transition from the first stage to the second stage with little to no effort. One user said that he found this trigger to be quite easy to use in a competitive application.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The trigger itself is light in weight in both the pull and the unit itself. So once it's installed, your rifle won’t feel like it gained some weight. Other than that, it’s the kind of trigger that will be considered competition friendly. If you want a trigger that will give you quick shooting when you’re competing against the clock, this trigger will get the job done in providing quick initial and follow-up shots. No slight creep will ever stop you from doing so.
Hiperfire has come out of nowhere to re-write the rule book in AR shooting systems. A trigger upgrade is one of the easiest ways to increase your accuracy and trigger pull speed. This is especially true if, like a Hiperfire, your new trigger is preternaturally light and has absolutely zero creep. It also has negligible over-travel. A light trigger pull doesn't have to mean a light hammer strike, as Hiperfire's cam over toggle engine technology proves.
This series comes two color-coded sets of springs, allowing you to select a trigger pull of either 2.5 or 3.5 pounds. Reliability is increased by the absence of set screws that could back themselves out. The key feature of this line of triggers is that the consistent pull provides no feedback at hammer release, guaranteeing against the development of a flinch or tense trigger finger. There are six models in this line of triggers. Genesis is the baseline model. The Auto model is for select-fire rifles with a full-auto setting.
The Competition model offers a huge amount of control and adjustability. The Reflex model is simply the Competition, but with a curved trigger shoe rather than straight. Finally, the Eclipse model is the Rolls Royce of the bunch, re-defining smooth and coated in nickel boron to prevent corrosion. Whichever model you choose, you'll see why many shooters prefer these even over a Geissele.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be a hit among competitive shooters. But don’t render it useless for all other applications. But if you want a trigger that will be best used in an application where time plays a huge factor, this is it. You’ll have an even better edge on your competitors or the big game target that you’ve been eyeing for quite some time.
What Could Be Improved and Why
While there is little creep included in this trigger, it would be better off without it. Other than that, the other issue that should be corrected would be slightly making changes to some of the pins. This way, it will make installation a lot easier and less of a challenge for users.
Bottom Line
The Hiperfire AR-15 Hipertouch trigger lives up to its name. And without a doubt, it can deliver quick and reliable firing better than most AR-15 triggers on the market. If you want a trigger that’s as close to competition friendly as possible, you’d be insane to pass up the opportunity to give this a closer look.
The feature of this line of triggers that stands out the most is the way the light trigger pull continues through the heavy hammer fall without feedback to the shooter. This takes a lot more engineering than may be apparent and translates into the greatest possible accuracy.How to Install an AR-15 Trigger
Once you’ve got a target in your view and you’ve decided to take the shot, the trigger is all that stands between you and success. Replacing your trigger can improve this all-important split-second moment, so let’s take a look at how to do so. Reference our guide, as well as the video for visual feedback.
- As always, make sure your gun is unloaded.
- Separate the lower and upper receivers. Remove the grip from your lower receiver. Use a screwdriver or wrench to unscrew the bolt, which is visible from the grip’s bottom. Don’t lose the safety detent and grip.
- Use a straight pin and push out the two remaining pins which hold the trigger’s parts in place.
- Remove all the parts and safety lever, or fire control selector. A receiver vise block will help with this step.
- Use a degreasing spray to clear out any dirt.
- Put the new trigger in the receiver, placing the rear pin into the holes. Insert your safety and front pin. Replace your grip, ensuring the spring and detent are in the hole in the receiver. Turning the receiver upside down can help here.
- Each trigger has a different setup, so follow the included instructions. Basically, you’ll use screws to hold the assembly in place and maybe a secondary locking screw. Some blue Loctite can be added to the screw threads.
- Cock your gun and pull the trigger a few times to be sure the trigger is working properly. Make sure the disconnect is functioning properly, too. Pull and hold the trigger. Cock the hammer, then release the trigger slowly. The disconnect should release. There will be a click. If all is well, check the safety by cocking the hammer, putting the safety to on, and pull your trigger a few times.
- Put the rifle back together. It should be unloaded, with the hammer cocked and the safety off. Hit the buttstock to the ground a few times. Your hammer should stay cocked.
- And that’s it! You’ve got a new trigger on your AR-15!
What Are The Best Uses of a Two-stage Trigger?
Why use a two-stage trigger?
Let’s condense the long answer to a single word - “precision”. The most basic and desired use of a two-stage trigger is precision and the ability to shoot accurately over long distances.
Of course, your stance while shooting matters a lot. If you’re shooting at long distances your stance is sure to bother you while you try to form a sight picture.
Dual-stage triggers eliminate this problem by letting you overcome the initial stage’s pull weight before prepping yourself and adjust the final sight picture before taking the final shot.
Shooting Competitions
It should be noted that we’re not talking about 3-gun competitions here. Shooting competitions here refer to those competitions where you have to shoot offhand, prone or in any other resting stance. A dual-stage trigger lets you prep the trigger by taking up the slack and tuning your sight picture for final adjustments. From there, a light pull will let your round go off.
Medium-range Hunting
Dual-stage triggers can be used for mid-range shooting and hunting. “Mid-range” refers to an approximate distance of 500-700 yards. Like shooting competitions, medium range hunting requires precise adjustments to the sight picture while you stalk your target.
Safe Shooting
You might encounter situations where you have to deal with armed intruders or defend yourself from a wild animal on your hunting trips. Dual-stage triggers eliminate nervous twitching especially if you are quite anxious in such situations. These triggers ensure that you don’t shoot anything accidentally.
Some people, especially amateurs, get anxious under stressful situations. But dual-stage triggers are a good safety measure for such circumstances to prevent any accidents. That doesn’t mean you should carelessly start squeezing the trigger, obviously. But a dual-stage trigger gives just a little extra reminder of what you’re about to do.
Conclusion
Dual Stage Triggers are no doubt an amazing invention. The initial break preps the shooter for taking a shot, and the light second stage lets him shoot precisely without applying much movement-causing pressure.
Dual-stage triggers are pretty useful for competitive shooting and long-range targeting. Depending on how you like to use your gun, dual-stage triggers can be nice replacement for single stage triggers, but the choice still depends upon the individual shooter.
