Single or Double Triggers?

IMO, double triggers are superior in most hunting applications.  There is simply no barrel selector that is as fast or intuitive as a double triggered gun in the hands of someone who is experienced in their use.  There may be some minor advantage to a target gun wearing a single trigger because there is no need for barrel selection in a target gun since the targets are previewed.  Probably the biggest advantage to a single trigger on a target gun is so that they can carry a pistol grip to aid in the more precise shooting that is required on targets. There might also be a slight advantage having  to do with the identical pull length and pull weight sensation created from a single trigger.  However, if a double triggered gun is adjusted correctly with the back trigger being 1/2-3/4 lb heavier pull than the front trigger, there is no perceived differance in pull weights.  I think side by side doubles are most appropriate with double triggers and straight grips but a Prince of Wales grip is also o.k. with two triggers.  I look askance at any side by side that has a single trigger.  I also own a Beretta SO-2 over/under made in 1960 and it is a double trigger gun with straight grip.  I shoot it as well as any gun I have ever owned. 
Finally, I will waiver and say that if you have a fine prewar Boss with their single trigger installed that you now must get rid of cheap because of your preference for double triggers then by all means contact me! WRE

Stick shift or automatic? PC or MAC? As far as double or single trigger, I enjoy both. In my case, a single trigger on a straight stock and a double on a pistol grip. I do see the point Bruce makes on the grip, and the pistol grip with the double trigger negates the problem for my hands.

Philosophically, a double trigger gun is two single barrel guns, one choked "near" and the other choked "far". It is not a gun to provide two quick shots at a single bird.

If the double shotgun was meant to have a single trigger, it would have been born that way. Two barrels, two locks — double triggers.

With respect to off-the-shelf O/U's, both Ceasar Guerini and B. Rizzini demonstrate marvelous competency in single trigger configurations. The combination of trigger, sears, selector switch and cocking mechanisms seem to provide flawless and effortless operation. The Connecticut Shotgun Mfg. RBL 20 and 28's can be ordered with single or double triggers. The technology is proprietary, but suspiciously "Italian" in design. The single trigger SBS is not only a lovely gun but also a marvelous operator. I guess my comment would be --- yes, do your homework. Single triggers are not without their shortcomings and, yes, --- execution is everything. Take the trouble to know and understand the technology employed by the shotgun manufacturer. And work with a company that provides superior stateside service, capable of not only repair, but keeping a well-functioning shotgun in fine tune. I just named three of them. JPW

I have a 2 trigger AYA #2 & a single trigger Beretta 686. While I got pretty good with the AYA there is no question in my mind the single trigger is a better for me and I believe a better option for most shooters. There is too much to go wrong with 2 triggers while in the process of shooting. Unless you do a ton of shooting the instant barrel selection advantage often touted for double trigger guns is a myth, especially if the constrictions in each barrel are close. I think a good single trigger is the way to go for the vast majority of shooters. I believe if you took 2 shooters of equal abilities, one with a single trigger gun and one with the double trigger gun you'd find that over time the single trigger shooter would prevail at both game and clays.

Bruce, I don't think that your analysis of the 'weak points' of double triggers will wash. I have been shooting both double trigger (on my SxS guns) and single triggers (on O/U guns) for a long time. Slower second shot? Maybe... but how much slower? A single trigger has to reset, and incorporates a delay due to the anti-doubling inertia mechanism. I mean, how long does it take to move your finger half an inch? Is a quarter of a second between shots too long? Not if you are shooting birds. Looser grip on the wrist of the gun? Nope. There is no need to grip the wrist of a double trigger gun loosely at all. You do NOT move your hand between shots when shooting a double trigger gun. This is faulty technique... you need only grip the gun properly and move your finger. As for lack of control, it is the FORWARD hand that controls the gun when shooting a game gun. Negating the effect of the rear hand is essential to good game gun technique - the rear hand is there to hold that gun up and pull the trigger. C Man

I owned one single trigger gun, a Beretta 686. I had Beretta put double triggers in it. Nuff said.

I am new to double triggers (single trigger man for over 50 years) and I have forgotten about the rear one a couple times in the heat of a speeding flushed chucker. Everyone knows how nice it is to be able to select the other barrel for a longer shot but I also find a lot less pressure to keep up to the best shot distance of my dog. Just slide the finger back if the old girl ranges an extra 15 yards out and back to the front when you catch up.

My trigger decision is based on use. I much prefer double triggers for field guns. I've never used a selector in my life. For me, single and selective are mutually exclusive. However, I often fire the left/top barrel first when using a double trigger gun. Many of my shooting friends claim that double triggers are confusing and feel unnatural. With a little practice and commitment, anyone can become proficient with double triggers. For a target gun, I much prefer a single trigger for all the advantages Bruce has mentioned.