Trigger question

[Tater]

I was looking at trigger upgrades for my AR15 and they had single and 2-stage triggers: what does this mean?

[Jack]

Tater, probably every trigger you've used before was a single stage trigger.
One trigger pull.
A 2 stage trigger has a 'take up' or light trigger pull for a short distance before you get to the real (or main, 2nd stage) trigger pull.
A 2 stage trigger that had a 3 pound pull (that's the main trigger pull) might have a one pound first stage. The idea is that you can feel that first stage, and know you're engaged in squeezing the trigger before you get to the main pull.

[PJgunner]

The standard trigger on your AR should be a two stage already unless somebody already changed it. My Colt AR-15 came with a two stage from the factory.
Paul B.

[Gil Martin]

Most military style rifles have 2-stage triggers while better sporting and target rifles often have 1-stage triggers. All the best...
Gil

[Lycanthrope]

I have a few AR's and single stage tends to be the norm unless you are going with a National Match model.

A good two stage trigger (Like a Jewell or tweaked RRA) can have a second stage as low as a pound. They will feel a lot like a good 1911 pistol. You'll have some takeup and then you'll hit the wall. Add pressure and it should break cleanly.

A good 2 stage is better for long range and accuracy work while the single stage is easier to hose with or make quick follow ups. The single stage trigger are also slightly less prone to breakage depending onteh style and maker.