future rifle, question #1 set trigger or single trigger

[pilgrim]

both rifles I have are repoductions flintlocks,and both have set triggers, that is double triggers.  I originally thought I would like the set trigger, but after shooting a while it seems only good when shooting from rest or "0ver the log"  too much movement of sight picture when set rear trigger and moving finger to front trigger.  What is actual benefit of set triggers, other than light trigger pull?  Are set triggers better that single trigger?  Is a single set trigger better that any other type? and lastly, what is pc correct?  did our forefather use dbl set triggers or single triggers?              Sorry for all the questions, but I am thinking of a future rifle, and it must be perfect, it will be the last rifle for me, I hope         

[mongrel]

Set triggers and single triggers are equally correct on just about any style of non-military muzzleloading rifle.

I would think it would be easier to set the rear trigger while in position to shoot but before getting your final sight alignment, since really setting the rear trigger is part of the preparation for the shot -- the only trigger pull that matters once the sights are aligned is the front trigger.

Other than the light trigger pull, there is no advantage to set triggers. The question comes down to whether or not you feel the need for that light pull. A great many shooters do, particularly competitive target shooters. There is no "better" system, comparing set to single triggers, outside the mind of the individual using the gun. I myself vastly prefer a single trigger, for a variety of reasons, and for the shooting I do I consider set triggers an unnecessary PITA. A great many shooters don't agree with my opinion, which is fine and absolutely correct for them but also completely irrelevant so far as my own shooting goes.

The questions you're asking in terms of what is best can really only be answered by you, after having shot enough to have come to a conclusion that either set triggers do help you shoot more accurately (and that that higher degree of accuracy is something you find necessary), or that they're not beneficial enough to be worth the extra degree of complication. All someone else can tell you is what their personal preference is -- over time and with practice you might very well discover that your own experience has led you to a different opinion on the matter.

There is unfortunately no formula for a "perfect" rifle. Whether this perfect gun will take the form of a specific factory piece, or be a custom proposition, the perfection you're wanting is something only you can define. That definition can be arrived at only in the course of shooting enough to have decided precisely what is you like, need, and want. Otherwise you find yourself with what someone else defines as the perfect rifle, which I know to me would not be a satisfactory arrangement.

[pilgrim]

this perfect rifle, will hopefully be perfect only in my eyes and at my shoulder etc.  It won't be a factory produced rifle.  Right now it is only a thought of mine, but I am trying to piece together what is or would be perfect for me.  It of coarse involves 4 groups: lock, stock, barrel and trigger.  This rifle probably wouldn't be used for hunting.  Mostly paper shooting. The rifle will be a traditional muzzleloader.  actually pc doesn't matter that much. still have a lot of thinking to do on this rifle.  I will asking a lot of questions concerning this.  And as time goes by, I will be explaining why I am looking for the perfect rifle, for me.  right now I am very  fncgaggravated by my rifles performance at this past Sundays shoot.  Don't get me wrong, the rifle I shot, is very accurate, and I had a BLAST shooting in the "over the log shoot".  But.............

[flintboomer]

I am a set trigger guy and I even hunt with the triggers set and the hammer down. The only advantage of the set trigger is the lighter trigger pull and if you have a good single trigger rifle it will shoot well for you.

When using set triggers set the trigger before shouldering the rifle. If you wait until the rifle is already at your shoulder or you have already aquired the sights they will only interfere with your shooting.

[beowulf]

and of course there is the ,single set trigger . not quite as common as the usual set up but found now and then .  sorry felt the need to complicate matters .  I think the browning mountain rifle had a single set trigger ,though I may be wrong on that one ! usually they operate by pushing the trigger forward to set it ! once again the only advantage is a lighter trigger pull !

[pilgrim]

THANKYOU VERY MUCH, Flintboomer,  I never knew it was possible to set the trigger before cocking.  I just tried it and IT WORKS, FANTASTIC!        Thanks again.  One problem solved,  My dream rifle will have set triggers.  Now onto the next item.

[beowulf]

I seldom ever use the set trigger , as the front trigger usually has a pretty decent weight to it . too light is dangerous in some circles !

[gordy]

                  Have to agree with Mongrel on this item, I,ve been shooting for over 60+ years and most was done with a single trigger. To me , a single trigger properly adjusted to suit me , works best for all around shooting , hunting , plinking and some target work. I,ve heard some say that set triggers can be more dangerous then single triggers , but, to me , it dosn,t make sense? If the one important safty rule is followed ,the muzzle will be in a safe direction when cocking the lock and /or setting the triggers. Myself , I prefer a medium light pull and a crisp release to a super light pull.
          Some of the less expensive production guns came/ come with triggers and sears that are next to impossible to acheive this and  [hmm]I think the double phase/double set triggers are a way for the mfg. to skirt the issue.
     Remember , this is just my prefference , and your take , may be different.

                                           

[david32cal]

never cared much for double set triggers,had a rifle once with a single set trigger which was ok. when i had my squirrel rifle built i had a plain single trigger with a lite pull installed and it's perfect. dont see an advantage of one over the other,just what ever the individual prefers.

[flintboomer]

A single trigger that is too light is dangerous and a set trigger that is set too light for your ability to shoot it is dangerous or at least hard to shoot well because both will go off before you are ready. Truly dangerous is when the hammer drops unexpectedly whether it has single or set triggers.

I have one flinter that will drop unexpectedly if the trigger is not set BEFORE cocking the hammer. There is not enough clearance between the trigger mechanism and the sear.

[gordy]

       Flintboomer , have you tried shimming the trigger assy.? I have one that I had to shim this way and it cured the problem. Whoever inlet the assy. made the mortis too deep and the thickness of a matchbook cover made the difference. One day I may glue in a wood shim , but Hey, why bother if its working good?

                                                   

[flintboomer]

Good idea Gordy! It will make it stick out a little but it isn't safe to let someone else use it like it is.

[bull frog]

I tend to like a single trigger that has a fairly lite pull (not too lite).  Price of the gun seems to not govern the quality of the trigger, it's more how the trigger was installed.  I got a couple of single trigger guns that have excelent triggers, even in the under 200 dollar range, and 700 dollar guns that are terrible.  I shot a lot of Dennis's guns, ( he liked his double set so lite that it would fire by blowing on the trigger).  He did not seem to have any problem with them, but I did.   Give me a well installed single trigger!

[flintboomer]

I took Gordy's advice and shimmed under the triggers of my rifle that had a problem with the triggers set too deep and it cured the hammer fall problem. Thanks!

[texasranger]

always loved the double set triggers on my tc hawkins, used it quite a bit offhand shooting. now I have a johnathon browning single set trigger and that is great to. so I guess it is personal prefrence just something you have to get used to.