Rifle Trigger Mechanism – How does a rifle trigger work_
                     Rifle Trigger 
Mechanism – 
How does a 
rifle trigger 
work?
Rifle Trigger Mechanism
A trigger mechanism of a rifle is to trigger off the weapon. The trigger kit mechanism is nothing but a 
simple system that prepares the gun for shooting. Without a trigger mechanism, there are no chances 
of firing. The trigger plays an important role in selecting between automatic and semi-automatic 
modes of firing.
This is the part that provides trigger pull on a rifle, allows regulation of the amount of force to fire a 
rifle. It provides safety against accidental shots under normal use depending on different designs of 
trigger mechanisms.
In this article, we will take you through the basics of how does a trigger work, different kinds of trigger 
mechanisms, and a lot more.
How does a rifle trigger work?
The rifle trigger works under the force of the trigger return spring. When the carrier goes downward 
by pushing the cartridge into the chamber, it makes the hammer get closer towards the rear end of 
the carrier.
This makes the trigger hook end go backward touching the sear tip that keeps holding back the 
hammer from striking on the cartridge primer.
Trigger movement toward its initial position causes the disconnector to catch hold on the trigger and 
remove itself away from contact with the hammer. That makes the trigger return forward and the 
trigger hook end get engages with trigger sear. Which forces the carrier to go upward into the loading 
position thereby inserting the new cartridge into the chamber. 
Whenever reloading takes place, two things happen simultaneously – the bolt pushes back the carrier, 
and the trigger pulls back so that the hammer gets cocks up. When the trigger is pressed completely 
inside, its hooked end presses down on sear leg holding it in contact with full cock notch in hammer 
body & thus hammer is released to strike on cartridge primer. 
Types of rifle trigger 
mechanisms 
Single Stage Triggers – 
A trigger with only one trigger pull is known as a 
single-stage trigger. A single trigger mechanism 
is basically a trigger safety along with other 
components including limited firing capacity of 
one shot at a time.
When the shooter presses the trigger, inside it 
causes the fire round to eject it out. The carrier 
goes upward into the chamber before the 
hammer releases again for firing.
Types of rifle trigger 
mechanisms 
Two-Stage Triggers – 
A trigger with only one trigger pull is known as a 
single-stage trigger. A single trigger mechanism 
is basically a trigger safety along with other 
components including limited firing capacity of 
one shot at a time.
When the shooter presses the trigger, inside it 
causes the fire round to eject it out. The carrier 
goes upward into the chamber before the 
hammer releases again for firing.
Types of rifle trigger 
mechanisms 
Variable Triggers Set Triggers 
A trigger that provides a trigger pull with A trigger that does allow trigger pull to set 
changeable weight calls a variable trigger. Such before firing is known as a set trigger. Such 
type of trigger enables the shooter to set the type of trigger enhances shooting accuracy 
trigger pull according to his convenience and and precision during hunting, target 
comfort. However, shooting a rifle in order to shooting, etc where the trigger has to be 
pulled with the exact amount of pressure on 
enhance shooting accuracy and trigger pull with the finger or trigger mechanism for accurate 
changeable trigger weight. shooting.
Double Crescent Trigger –  trigger in which Single Set trigger – the trigger that only 
trigger and trigger bar both move in the arc- provides trigger pull to be set before trigger 
shaped track is known as a double crescent gets pulled is known as a single set trigger.
trigger. Its working mechanism is similar to the Double Set trigger – trigger which provides 
trigger mechanism in a single action revolver trigger pull set point on either side of the 
where the trigger moves forward. trigger is known as a double set trigger.
Types of rifle trigger 
mechanisms 
Variable Triggers Set Triggers 
A trigger that provides a trigger pull with A trigger that does allow trigger pull to set 
changeable weight calls a variable trigger. Such before firing is known as a set trigger. Such 
type of trigger enables the shooter to set the type of trigger enhances shooting accuracy 
trigger pull according to his convenience and and precision during hunting, target 
comfort. However, shooting a rifle in order to shooting, etc where the trigger has to be 
pulled with the exact amount of pressure on 
enhance shooting accuracy and trigger pull with the finger or trigger mechanism for accurate 
changeable trigger weight. shooting.
Double Crescent Trigger –  trigger in which Single Set trigger – the trigger that only 
trigger and trigger bar both move in the arc- provides trigger pull to be set before trigger 
shaped track is known as a double crescent gets pulled is known as a single set trigger.
trigger. Its working mechanism is similar to the Double Set trigger – trigger which provides 
trigger mechanism in a single action revolver trigger pull set point on either side of the 
where the trigger moves forward. trigger is known as a double set trigger.
Wrapping up
Trigger work in a rifle trigger mechanism is simple yet effective to produce controlled shots. In 
order to enhance accuracy, we can set trigger pull prior to the fire. Additionally, a great trigger 
recommendation from our end would be the Marlin 30 30 gold trigger.
We hope this information comes in handy the next time you’re looking for better insights into how 
rifle triggers work.
Happy shooting!!
The  blog was originally posted on postpear.