The first stage can manifest itself in different ways depending on the design, but in generally involves something other than disengaging the sear. The release of the sear occurs in the second stage. This allows for some juggling to be done to the weight in each individual stage. Service rifle rules dictate that triggers must have a total of 4.5 pounds of let-off to release the hammer. In a two-stage variety, 3.5 pounds can be effected in the first stage, leaving the remaining pound in the second stage. This gives the closest result to a target variety trigger.

    There are really only a few varieties of two stage match triggers available on the market, at this time.

    The original aftermarket match trigger (I am sure there were others, but?) was the Krieger-Milazzo. This trigger was based on the action of the M1A and Garand triggers, and is still held in very high regard among the top guys. These puppies run about $200 for the trigger assembly and then will require some fitting and testing (probably best left to a good service rifle gunsmith). That brings the total to somewhere around $250 for an installed unit. Some would say, "well, o.k. , but it's the best, I can handle that," the problem is-you can't hardly get one of these suckers! There is something like a one-year waiting list for these units, so you had better not be in a hurry?None of the rifles featured on this page offer this unit.

    Hot on the heels of the Kriger-Milazzo was the Eagle arms variant. This wa, basically, a copy of the Kreiger (in effect). So much so that Millazzo sued Eagle (or theatened to sue) over the adjustment screw that Milazzo felt was the heart of their design. So, Eagle (which is now owned by Armalite) took the adjustment screw off of their version and continued to sell it. Their version of the trigger must be stoned-in to adjust the weight of pull. This trigger is very popular among the service rifle gunsmiths because it is of good quality and effective. The adjustment of the trigger is relatively simple for an experienced smith and is probably not beyond the abilities of the normal guy with a little patience and a few basic tools. This seems to be the default "part of choice", these days, for just everybody offering a two-stage trigger. "Out of the box" these would include Armalite (of course), and Fulton Armory. You will pay $140 for one of these units and you will usually wait about 8 weeks.

    The only other vaiant of the two-stage variety that is in competition with the Armalite and Kreiger is the Compass Lake trigger offered by Bushmaster. I have felt this trigger and it is very sweet. Actually, the settings for this trigger, straight from Bushmaster is ideal, just like a custom trigger. I think that the only reason this trigger is not as popular among the gunsmiths is because it is not sold as a parts set. All Compass Lake triggers are installed by Bushmaster or Compass Lake. The price is the best on the market, though. A Bushmaster installed trigger will run $99 installed (you must ship your lower to them). Compass Lake can rework your large pin Colt trigger for $110 (you must ship your lower to them).