I have been given the opportunity to try a 2-stage R700 trigger from Trigger Tech. The trigger is marked “2 STAGE PROTOTYPE” and features the flat/straight trigger. My current experience with 2-stage triggers have been with the Accuracy International, KRG Midas and Geissele Super R700. I am familiar with Trigger Tech single stage offerings like the Special and Diamond. We were happy to learn a 2-stage option would be available and know others will be too.

The difference between a two stage and single stage trigger is pretty simple. A single stage trigger should be a clean, crisp brake without any creep when the proper amount of force is applied. A two stage trigger will have a first stage and second stage. The first stage will feel like creep to some people until you rest against the second stage but it’s intentional. Once you reach the second stage and apply the proper amount of force the trigger should have a clean, crisp brake without any creep just like a single stage trigger. The decision to go with a single stage or two stage trigger is based on the individual shooters preference. You can run a lighter total brake weight in a 2-stage trigger with a little more insurance than you can in a single stage.

2-stage R700 triggers are not a new thing. I recall the Timney Calvin Elite being a popular option around 2014-2015 and have heard of some using the Huber or Bix’n Andy 2 stage triggers. I do not have notable personal experience with any of those options. More recently Geissele has come out with the Super R700 based on their development with the MK13. I installed the Trigger Tech 2-stage prototype in my 28 Nosler Long Range Hunting rifle. I had the 2nd stage adjustment setting almost all the way out and found the brake weight to be good for a long range hunting rifle. I would prefer it were a little lighter for a match gun application. The adjustments are easily accessible and adjusted using an Allen wrench without needing to remove the barreled action from the stock or chassis.

The photo above shows the adjustments on the Trigger Tech prototype 2-stage. They are not marked on the example we have on hand. Using a Lyman trigger scale I was able to find the pull weight for the first stage and total brake weight for the trigger. The first stage measured consistently ~1 lb. You could feel the trigger come to the end of the first stage and continue the pull to measure the trigger’s brake weight. After doing 6 measurements I threw out the high one and averaged the remaining 5 results. The trigger averaged to 1 lb. 7 oz (1 lb. 6.56 oz to be exact). The extreme spread of the results was 3.8 oz with the lightest being 1 lb. 4.5 oz and the heaviest being 1 lb. 8.3 oz. I threw out the high result (1 lb. 11.3 oz) because I’m not using the most exact tool to measure this and quality of the results can be technique related.

Although the straight trigger is not my preference the 2-stage prototype is what you’d expect from a Trigger Tech trigger. The trigger brake is consistent, clean and crisp. The first stage consistency measured 1 lb. requiring on average and additional 7 oz. to brake the trigger. The Trigger Tech 2-stage prototype passed our impact test after installation and we didn’t experience any failures or issues while on the range, or in the field. I expect the production version of their 2-stage trigger to be an excellent option and one I can recommend with confidence based on our experience with the prototype and their other products.