A trigger might as well be called the pulse of your firearm, directing the speed and excitement instilled in each shot. Among the vast assortment of triggers these days, two of the most sensational ones are the binary and echo triggers.
The primary difference in their operation would be that the hammer drops to fire a round twice in a binary trigger, hence the name “binary”. Once when the trigger is pulled and another when it is released.
On the contrary, with echo triggers, shots are fired when the trigger is pulled and held and also when it is drawn and then released. The mechanism results in the production of an “echoing” sound, hence the name.
Which one of these can fire up your shooting game? Read on to find out!
Mechanism
The hammer is the real deal here, and both these employ different ways to modify the way it drops to incorporate a rapid-fire mechanism.
The binary trigger comprises two distinct fire modes. As mentioned above, the hammer strikes the firing ring, setting off the cartridge twice. Once when the trigger is pulled and again when it is let go. In this way, two shots are fired with every complete cycle.
An echo trigger, on the other hand, works with a secondary sear. When the trigger is pulled and held, no shot is fired, and the secondary sear remains deactivated. But once the trigger is pulled and released, the weapon fires as the sear is removed. Multiple shots can be fired with a single pull in this way.
Mode
In binary mode, otherwise called the “2-position mode”, you can generally shift between firing one round per trigger pull and release- semi-automatic or binary- where you fire two rounds per cycle.
For the echo mode or the burst/dual-stage mode, you can alternate between firing a single round per cycle or shooting two rounds. The former is semi-automatic, and the latter is echo mode.
Echo trigger
Pros
- 3 different settings
- great innovation to prevent hammer follow
- cheaper
Cons
- limits the rate of fire
- limits the shooter from selecting their own bolt carrier
Binary Trigger
Pros
- increases weapon’s firing speed
- legal in most states
Cons
- expensive
- complicated
- difficult to control
Uses and Applications
Both of them are used majorly for semi-automatic guns (pistols, rifles etc.). The duo is heavily used for tactical purposes, hunting and so on. What would differentiate them, however, is the preferences of the user and the type of weapon they are used on.
Also, remember that rapid firing also means higher chances of accidental discharge for both of them. Both are typically discouraged in shooting competitions for their unpredictable nature, so standard triggers are strongly preferred as they allow better control.
With the binary trigger firing shots at a more incredible velocity, there is also a problem of accuracy and control. The latter traits are offered much better by the echo trigger, as the fires are slower in its case.
Price and Value for Money
Binary and echo triggers are considered premium upgrades, with the binary triggers sitting slightly on the higher end. Their final prices will also vary depending on the retailer, the brand and store you go with.
Generally, a binary trigger can cost anywhere between $300 to $500 or even more. In comparison, an echo trigger ranges between $100 and $300.
Conclusion
The choice between these triggers is highly subjective. Where one is expensive but also faster (binary), the other is cheaper and smoother (echo). So, is it consistency or speed? The choice is yours. If you can, shoot your shot with both to see which one fits you best!
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