Why a SST on a double gun?

[Dennis]

Possibly all of this is being thought about too much. For those who use double triggers and are used to them then the double trigger is superior. For them. Others grew up using the single trigger and for them it is superior. Does it really make a difference so long as each person feels comfortable with their chosen gun. For consideration though does anyone know when the first single trigger came about? Personally I believe it was a marketing ploy for those people used to a rifle trigger. The single trigger made no learning curve necessary to shoot a double shotgun. Also let's consider other subjects we could consider: Straight grip compared to a curved grip? If there are two triggers what is the point of having both barrels choked the same as in full/full etc.?

There are many variables in the shooting world. Many, probably most, are the result of manufacturers having to sell something new to us. The 270 Winchester has always been a fantastic cartridge in my mind yet the manufacturers decided to invent the Short Action cartridges for which I see no earthly reason whatsoever. Has anyone in history really had a problem getting a second cartridge in the chamber due to its being too long?

I won't ramble on any more here except to say I love double trigger shotguns but do own a Winchester 21 Skeet gun with a single trigger. I love it to death. If I could find an older 1930's with double triggers I would have no problem buying it as well.

Good shooting to you all,

Dennis

[John Farrell, Charter Member #33]

Single triggers have been around since the late 1800s. Parker first used the cranky Lefler patented SST. Pages 140-142 of The Parker Story covers this improvement in gun design very well. The Parker catalog of 1920 shows a single trigger used in their SBT trap gun. The first catalog showing the SST as an option is in 1926 according to the Muderlak - Parker Guns-The Old Reliable (page 70).

There were some car dealers that never believed the differential drive train improvement on 1900s era cars would supplant the cog and link drive chains used on earlier cars. Some of us still insist on fishing with bamboo fly rods. OMG - some people still shoot 140 year old SxS guns with double triggers. There are even some people who actually drink Scotch that's 18 years old. Go figure!

[edgarspencer]

I wouldn't pay a lot extra for a Parker with a single trigger, mainly because I love to hunt with my guns. I also love shooting them at sporting clays, but not for the competitive nature of the game; just the sheer fun of shooting Parkers.
There are those who take clay shooting very seriously and you would never get any of them to shoot a double trigger gun.
I never could figure why there was a SxS trap gun, but maybe that was before the advent of the single barrel trap gun. A skeet shooter won't lift his head, or at least he shouldn't between the first shot and the second, but when we're hunting, and are fortunate to get a second shot, when we weren't fortunate enough to down the bird with the first, or in the case of a possible double, we almost always raise our head, so the motion of sliding to the rear trigger is of no consequence.
As with almost anything, it's horses for courses.

[John Davis]

One day on a "hot" dove field and double triggers will no longer be a problem. I own one single trigger gun and that's for guests to use who are not double trigger savvy. I personally prefer double triggers but as my dad would say, "that's why they make chocolate and vanilla."

[Bill Murphy]

John, I know your dove field is a Parker only situation. I will honor that rule if I am invited. I will shoot a single shot on my first day there, a Parker SC with a Cutts compensator with the improved cylinder tube installed.

[Fishtail]

I don't like single triggers on a SxS as a matter of principle. But the one Parker I have with a single shoots just fine so I find I give it minimal thought.

[Autumn Daze]

Not to mention the fact that there are those that can't shoot a single trigger gun without making it double or balk. No joke this is a fact.

[Researcher]

I grew up shooting side-by-sides with double triggers. While I'd shot plenty of repeaters at skeet and such, the first double I got with a single trigger was a Fox SPE-Grade Skeet & Upland Game Gun in 1977. I took it Dove shooting in September 1977 and found I could only fire one shot as I'd then be fumbling around feeling for the back trigger!! Never had that problem at Skeet. Apparently in my feeble mind a side-by-side double in the field needs two triggers.

I guess the manufacturers came up with these single triggers so "collectors" would have something to discuss a hundred years later!!

[todd allen]

IMO, the best reason for a single trigger on a double, would be the pigeon ring. Other than that, why would anyone give up the advantage of the double trigger, instant choke selection.
I watched my hunting partner make a perfect dead in air double on a pair of incoming doves this morning, tight bbl first. It was poetry, and would have been difficult without double triggers.

[John Davis]

Bill, you have a standing invitation. Just let me know we you want to make the journey way down south. John