Double set triggers for a newbie

[Cory Joe Stewart]

For a first time builder are double set triggers more of a hassle than a simple single trigger?

Coryjoe

[Dphariss]

For a first time builder are double set triggers more of a hassle than a simple single trigger?

Coryjoe

If the lock is right an the trigger good they are less trouble.

Dan

[Cory Joe Stewart]

Define what you mean by "right" in terms of the lock?

Thanks

Coryjoe

[Dave B]

Coming from an experienced builder yeah the set triggers are no problem. When I built my first gun I used a simple trigger and it was straight forward. I later on converted my rifle to a double set trigger and it was more difficult for me to get it to work properly. It didn't help that I was building a plains style rifle and getting the trigger guard and the trigger plate all lined up with the tang screw was a real pain. So I think it is easier for a new builder to start with a single trigger on the first build.

[Dphariss]

Define what you mean by "right" in terms of the lock?

Thanks

Coryjoe

The triggers have to produce enough energy to knock the sear from the notch and the lock needs a reasonable sear notch to make this possible. It also must have a fly.
Having a beginner try to adjust the trigger pull of plain trigger worries me more than the difficulty in installing a DST in a new build.
The learning curve can be difficult either way but I do not see one as more difficult than the other. Adjusting the sear/notch relationship to lighten the trigger can be dangerous if attempted by someone lacking experience.
Dan

[Dave Faletti]

I prefer single triggers for hunting.  Getting the desired trigger pull is simple if you understand the geometry, measure correctly, and do an accurate inlet.  Either type needs the same accuracy in  position to get the desired trigger pull (unset in  the DST case).  I would pick what you want for the rifle and go with it.  It would be worthwhile taking a block of wood and inleting it for the lock and trigger to verify the layout and see what issues  arise before working on the stock.

[greybeard]

Simple trigger for hunting and set trigger for off hand target work,. . Whilst hunting with my .50 hawken I forgot to back off the set screw on the trigger that was set super fine for off hand and with a nice fork buck at 30 yards and the heart rate up some the gun let go when I was still 6 inches off his head. He kind of thumbed his nose at me and went straight into the bush never to be seen again.

[Dennis Glazener]

For a first time builder are double set triggers more of a hassle than a simple single trigger?

Coryjoe

I don't see much difference in building a rifle with either. One thing a first time builder needs to be sure of is what type trigger should the rifle have. For example 99% of Southern Mountain rifles seen today have double sett triggers so I would not build one with a single trigger. If I wanted a single trigger for hunting (I do) I would build something other than a Southern Mountain rifle.
Same thing applies to a lock. I would not think of using a Siler lock on a Southern Mountain Rifle. Normally they would have an English lock on them.

My two cents.
Dennis

[sleddman]

My first longrifle I put in a set of doubble set triggers.  Fit every bit of it 100 times but it was all worth it.  Works great.  My second rifle I installed a single trrigger. I find it works as good after tuning it to the lock as I installed it. I find myself liking the single trigger even better at this time. Most definately the doubble set was more to install for me as a beginner but I will have no problem using one in the near future.

[bama]

Properly installed doube lever double set triggers can be fired set or unset so the trigger can be used set for target shooting or unset for hunting. Getting the relationship of the trigger to the sear bar and having a well tuned lock is critical for a good opperating rifle.

The single lever set trigger has to be set to be used and this type of trigger was used on many southern rifles and later period rifles and pistols.

The simple pinned trigger can be a great trigger if installed properly. You can get a nice and relitively light trigger with one. This again will depend on a well tuned lock.

By a well tuned lock I mean a lock that has had its internals polished and properly fit. Not all locks on the market today are created equal, some require a little more work to get them to function smoothly. A smooth funtioning lock will make for a easier trigger pull.

[Cory Joe Stewart]

Thanks for the help everyone. 
I have alwasy shot single triggers and have not problems with them.  I have also shot double sets and liked them.  I was just not sure of the difference in building.

I may go with Dennis' advice since the original I am looking at has double set triggers that may be the way to go.

Coryjoe