Question about trigger types

[SNS]

This has bugged me since I got into guns, and I haven't been able to find an answer. There are two types of triggers that are commonly used in handguns. The first type is the kind that sticks down and is open in the back, like this:

The second type extends all the way to the back like this:

You usually see the second type on single-action guns, but I'm not sure if it's exclusive to SA.

What I want to know is if there are names for the different trigger types, and if there is a reason one type would be used over the other.

 

[aetucker1]

i could be wrong, but i think the design is mostly related to how the trigger interacts with the internals. in a 1911, the longer style trigger has a metal piece attached to the back side of the trigger that interacts with the firing mechanism. the shorter trigger basically interacts with the mechanism above the trigger...not behind it.

 

[aetucker1]

see below link for 1911 internal explanation and images.

The M1911 Pistols Organization Home Page