Question about 2 Stage Trigger

[ron169]

I recently purchased a White Oak Armament Tuned RRA NM 2 stage trigger from Adco. I installed it today, and have a quick question. This is the first time I have ever used a gun with an aftermarket trigger. What exactly is the meaning of a 2 stage trigger as compared to a stock 1 stage trigger. I was thinking that as you pulled the trigger, you would feel 2 breaks, one as the 1st stage passed and the second as the hammer drops. After installing the trigger, I tested it without an upper for function, and when the hammer is pulled back, the trigger pull is smooth and easy and then crisply breaks and releases the hammer. Is this normal?

[paulosantos]

It should have two stages. The first stage, you pull and it will stop. That is the end of the first stage and the beginning of the 2nd stage. Then you just pull and it will fire. It sounds like you don't have the first stage.

[ron169]

hrmm, that doesnt sounds good. Paulo, that is something that would still occur even without an upper installed correct? So what do you suggest I do? Contact Adco or WOA? On second thought, maybe it isnt a 2 stage trigger, here is the one that I bought
http://www.adcofirearms.com/itemdetails ... umber=1499 (http://www.adcofirearms.com/itemdetails_.cfm?inventorynumber=1499)

[DDriller]

Depending on how the trigger is set up the 1st stage pull will be between 1.0 - 5.0 pounds. The second stage will be between 0.5 and 3.0 pounds. You should feel a distinct stop before the second stage releases but no click. The only trigger I know of that has two clicks is a set trigger.

[ron169]

I jsut sent an email to John at WOA, so i reckon I will await his response.

[Clint]

Ron,
I think your trigger is just fine. 8)

It's just kind of hard to describe a 2 stage trigger.
I have the Armalite 2 stage, it is a nearly identical design to the RRA.
It acts as described in the tech note below.
Also, you can pull and release the first stage travel as much as you like, there is no click, just smooth.
It's almost like slop or takeup, you really can't feel it doing anything, even though the sear is moving.
The second stage is just a spot where you feel a big increase in resistance.
If you try to pull through this resistance, the hammer releases crisply, with almost no detectable movement of the trigger.


http://www.armalite.com/images/Tech%20Notes/Tech%20Note%2068,%20Tuning%20the%20ArmaLite%20Tact ical%20Two%20Stage%20Trigg%E2%80%A6.pdf

"The trigger pull is divided into two regions: the first and the second stages. The first stage is
slack. The second stage is initiated when the rear hook of the hammer contacts the top of the
disconnector and starts to compress the disconnector spring as the trigger is pulled further. The
added resistance of the trigger spring creates the second stage. Shortening the rear hammer hook
to reduce the distance the disconnector is compressed decreases the length of the second stage to
the point that no creep is detectable."

[ron169]

Clint, I was just about to post that I thought the trigger was fine. I emailed John at WOA and he took 3 minutes to reply (gotta love quick service). He basically suggested that I reinstall and see how it went. Well I reinstalled it and noticed that there wasnt any change. But I was hesitant to send it back, because it had a lovely feel to it. Well for ****s and giggles, I decided to install the stock RRA trigger on a second stripped lower that I had laying around so I could compare them head to head. After I did that, I realized that the trigger was working fine. The stock one just pulled until the hammer dropped. The WOA/RRA 2 stage has a smooth pull for about an 1/8 of an inch, then it hits a wall. Add a lil resistance at the "wall" and the hammer drops. I jsut cant wait to get an upper put on her, because this is gonna be a lead slinging machine! Thanks for the replies everyone!

[paulosantos]

Clint, I was just about to post that I thought the trigger was fine. I emailed John at WOA and he took 3 minutes to reply (gotta love quick service). He basically suggested that I reinstall and see how it went. Well I reinstalled it and noticed that there wasnt any change. But I was hesitant to send it back, because it had a lovely feel to it. Well for ****s and giggles, I decided to install the stock RRA trigger on a second stripped lower that I had laying around so I could compare them head to head. After I did that, I realized that the trigger was working fine. The stock one just pulled until the hammer dropped. The WOA/RRA 2 stage has a smooth pull for about an 1/8 of an inch, then it hits a wall. Add a lil resistance at the "wall" and the hammer drops. I jsut cant wait to get an upper put on her, because this is gonna be a lead slinging machine! Thanks for the replies everyone!

That definitely sounds like it is good.

[borderpatrol]

The best use of a two stage trigger is for accurate aimed fire. With each squeaze of the trigger you hold the fully squeazed trigger to the rear. This is called follow through. Once the recoil has fully completed it's cycle slowly release the trigger until you feel or hear a click. That click is the second stage resetting. Stop there. Now start your trigger squeaze again. Now your only pulling the second stage at 3 or so lbs. Good practice will make this second nature. You can continue this process through an entire magazine provided you never release the trigger further then that audible click. When you change magazines you'll have start the first shot through stage one and then two, and repeat.

In case nobdy mentioned it, never drop the hammer against the interior of your receiver when dry firing or checking function. The aluminum receiver can and will crack if you allow this to happen. Very expensive and problematic. Stop the hammer with your finger or buy one of the recever blocks that protect the interior of your receiver from hammer blows.

[ron169]

Very good advice BorderPatrol. It does become second nature, especially if you start shotting a glock.

[jasonpeterson]

I really like WOA triggers. I would rank triggers Geissele Hi-Speed Trigger, WOA, RRA NM, Timney.