There’s no doubt about Gaston Glock’s pistol, it’s a good gun.
But can it be better?
Absolutely.
One of the most obvious improvements would be an upgraded trigger system. There are roughly a million different upgrades for the trigger out there…so how do you choose?
That’s where we come in…we’ve bought, used, and tested the most popular triggers over thousands of rounds.
Obligatory disclaimer that you should have a qualified gunsmith install and test all this stuff.
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Bang-For-The-Buck
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Runner-Up
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Lightest Trigger
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Editor's Choice
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Aesthetic Mod
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Looks & Performance
Table of Contents
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How We Tested
We first started with a baseline trigger of a stock Glock trigger with thousands of rounds through it. You can also replicate this with a “25 Cent Trigger Job” that we detail at the end of the article.
We then installed the triggers in a variety of Glock-based frames such as OEM Glock and also Polymer 80 builds to make sure there was a universal fit.
Then over several range trips we shot all the triggers to get our subjective feel and break them in.
Then during our photo and video session we used the Wheeler Pro electronic trigger gauge three times to get an average trigger pull weight. We tried our best to get the mechanism in the middle of the trigger shoe for consistency.
Best Glock Triggers
1. Apex Tactical Glock Enhancement Trigger
Apex is well known for improving the turd of a trigger that comes on Smith and Wesson M&Ps, especially the first models that hit the streets. Obviously, they’ve expanded, or they wouldn’t be on this list.
Apex’s Glock Enhancement Trigger came out a few years ago and is one of the most affordable drop-in trigger systems.
When I say drop-in trigger…I mean it.
It’s a self-contained system with a trigger, trigger bar, and disconnector all built together. You remove your standard Glock guts and fill in the blank. It’s a very simple installation process and very convenient.
The Apex trigger gives you a quick stop initially, so you know when to ease and squeeze the trigger. There’s some minor pull before a clean break.
Also, a much shorter reset that’s followed by a similar pull and clean break again.
Red not doing it for you…they have purple and black too.
One big difference is the flat-faced trigger that still maintains the safety features of the standard Glock. I definitely like flat-faced triggers after using the Apex a bunch. It’s also a little meatier than the other triggers, which I like.
You can combine upgrades with the Zev Competition Spring kit, which I heavily recommend. With it and a polish job…my trigger pull is 5 lb 7 oz and much smoother.
However, I found with mine that I got light primer strikes with the use of the reduced weight striker spring. So be sure to test.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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If that happens to you…you might need the Zev Skeletonized Striker to take full advantage of the springs.
The Apex Glock trigger is my pick for best bang-for-the-buck since it looks cool, is reliable, improves upon the stock trigger, and is priced right.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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What’s your take on the Apex trigger? Rate it below.
2. Velocity Trigger
This Velocity Trigger I got sent for testing, and I put it in a new Polymer 80 build with a SeeAll Sight and matching gold Faxon Barrel.
It’s much thinner than the Apex or stock Glock trigger. The flat-faced trigger is also ridged for your finger’s pleasure with a lower-activating safety.
With stock springs and only a 3.5 connector, I was getting 4 lb 12 oz. With the competition spring kit…it should go down some more.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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However…one big thing I didn’t like was that in my P80 build and my style of pressing the trigger (pretty high up with thin fingers)…many times, the “safe-action” trigger wouldn’t engage. And I’d be left with no PEW.
Whatever at the range…annoying at a competition…but potentially deadly in a real-life encounter. Not that I would recommend having anything modified on your gun for self-defense.
Otherwise, the trigger was great…longer pull after the initial stop and a nice click.
I would recommend for competition/range if you’re finger placement is usually on the lower half of the trigger or if you have thicker fingers than I do.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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3. Overwatch Precision Trigger
The Overwatch Precision is from another P80 build. It also has the competition spring kit.
With everything…I get a super soft 2 lb 12 oz trigger pull. However…it’s pretty spongy when compared to the other triggers. Nice reset, though.
But…runs into the same safety reset problem as with the Velocity (so make sure you press lower or have thicker fingers).
My pick if you really want a light trigger pull throughout. I personally prefer less spongy (even at the expense of pull-weight), so this is my least favorite trigger out of all the series.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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4. Zev Fulcrum Ultimate Trigger
My favorite trigger that lives in my G34 for competition shooting. What I’ve shot the most besides stock Glock triggers.
It breaks the cleanest without a lot of pre-travel and no mushiness. Combined with a little 25-cent trigger job polishing and the lightest springs…it comes in at under 3 lb 10 oz.
It’s not much to look at when installed…but the kit comes with an entirely new trigger assembly, lightened springs, and lightened striker (or else sometimes, when you only change springs, you get light primer strikes).
Plus…adjustable pre-travel and over-travel to get YOUR perfect trigger pull. This all comes at a price, though!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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5. Tyrant CNC ITTS Trigger
Want a nicer-looking trigger but don’t want to change your trigger pull?
You can check out the Tyrant CNC ITTS Trigger, which replaces the trigger shoe with something purrty.
Easy enough to install with instructions right here.
It keeps your original trigger pull for safety reasons but makes your Glock look a whole lot better!
And while it doesn’t change the performance of the pull, that machined aluminum sure does feel nice. They come in different color combinations too!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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6. Timney Alpha Glock 5
First off, I like the Gen 5 Glock trigger and consider it to be a significant improvement over previous generations.
Pressing back on the trigger, it travels back a few millimeters with minor resistance before stopping at a pretty well-defined wall. Pushing beyond this, the trigger breaks crisply at an average of around 4 pounds on my Lyman Digital Gauge.
Reset occurs after a slight release and is both audible and tactile. It’s a great trigger for a striker-fired gun, and I have definitely gotten used to it.
Given Timney’s overall reputation in triggers, I was excited to try the Alpha Glock 5. So I cracked open the package and started putting it in.
Installation was a little challenging due to the small parts, but the instructions were detailed and included good photos. Then, the trigger return spring has to be compressed on the inside of the locking block while installing the locking block.
After installing, I noticed the surface of the all-aluminum trigger shoe was smoother, and the interface with the safety bar in the trigger was also smoother.
The pull weight felt lighter, and I confirmed this on the gauge at an average of 2.5 pounds.
During press, the previously defined wall before break felt softer. And finally, trigger reset felt a bit longer to reach but was still audible and tactile.
Out at the range, the trigger truly shines with a performance you soon become accustomed to and can repeat easily. It’s a great upgrade for around $150.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Stock Glock with 25 Cent Trigger Job & 3.5 lb Connector
Let’s establish a baseline trigger.
Many will say to get a better Glock trigger, you just have to shoot it. And they are right.
Thousands and thousands of rounds (or dry-fire) will polish up the internals and make the trigger much better. Not custom 1911 level…but better than when you bought it.
We cover how to do the infamous Glock 25 Cent Trigger Job with some polishing compound and Dremel.
Another affordable upgrade I do is upgrading the stock 5 lb connector with a Lone Wolf or Ghost 3.5 lb connector. If you built a Polymer80 Glock with a Lone Wolf frame kit…you already have the 3.5 lb connector.
Doing both in my G19 brings the trigger pull down from around 6 lb 6 oz to 5 lb 4 oz and makes it much crisper and with a smoother reset. Perfect for general purpose and maintaining the stock safeties.
Here’s a quick video on the first pull and reset so we have a baseline for the others.
Perfectly manageable, but still room for improvement!
Final Thoughts
We can all agree that sometimes swapping out a Glock factory trigger for something a little nicer can make all the difference when it comes to shooting.
And hopefully, we’ve given you some options to kick your Glock up a notch.
How did we do…what other triggers did we miss that we can test for the next update? Let us know. For a perfect trigger tune-up, make sure to grab a trigger pull gauge. We have our recommendations here!
LATEST UPDATES
March 26, 2024 – Added our How We Test section, moved the 25 Cent Trigger Job to the bottom, and checked prices.
80 Leave a Reply
Put a timney in my Glock 34 gen 5. Two certified Glock smiths could not make it work. Several calls with ZERO response took it out and sent it back again no response
Just curious why you would not include a trigger from Johnny Glock? I have not personally installed any of the triggers tested but I have installed a combat trigger from Johnny in my CR920 and absolutely love it. Quality and customer service 2nd to none.
Thanks Rodney
Timney failed to reset in my G-34. No response from them, replaced with a glock comp trigger.
What about the Tango Vicker's Gen 5 trigger? I had the stock trigger changed out for this one on a 19x and a 19. Immediately improved comfort and accuracy. I had shot about 1000 rounds throughach hoping to get used to the stock trigger but it never happened. Just added a G47 to the stable and will likely change out the trigger on this one too.
You left out the best performance drop in system:
Johnny Glock.
How much updating can you do on a 6 year old article? Articles this old shouldn't be updated, everything should be retested with current equipment and newcomer equipment.
Hey Ron, we're in the process of doing just that -- it just takes some time to get everything in, retested, and rewritten. So hang tight!
Great! I'm not new to guns (I'm a veteran) but I'm pretty new to shooting for fun. It's easy to get lost in all the information.
Missed the boat on this one. No Mention of Johnny Custom Glocks competition trigger, Timney’s Glock Trigger, and the new Glock Performance Trigger are all better than your top 5.
The article is over 7 months old from when you posted. Glock Performance is brand new
Is this page obsolete? I checked several suppliers every few weeks or so. None of them have any of the triggers mentioned in stock. This has been going on for last six months or so. I have requested backorder "in stock" notices everywhere. What's going on? Why are aftermarket trigger manufacturers not shipping? I am sure these void Glock warranty. But what happened?
My bad. I forgot to mention it is for the G21.
Hey there. Would love to talk to Eric. I have a glock 43. I am novice. Not a gun enthusiast/professional like most of you. I am more of a 2nd amendment, protect myself and be good at it type. Previous owner put a pyramid trigger on it, as I learn more, I learn to take that thing off and throw it away. I am petite 111 lbs, disabled veteran, have a CCW. My hands are weak. I have arthritis and tons of surgeries. The thing I love about this gun is it is light. I need my trigger pressure 3.5 or less. I also don't like a lot of travel. I shot a kimber the other day and the trigger travelled so far, by the time I actually got the shot off, I was taken off guard because I kept pressing and nothing was happening. I carry in my purse so I need something that won't go off if dropped. I was told keep my stock trigger and put a 3 lb bar, I have read about these other ones. I also need a magazine drop extender. my thumb is so weak, I can't push it down by squeezing from the side with just thumb BTW the glockstore in san diego put this crappy trigger on so don't want to go back there.
Many folks have said, Johhny Glock (my top choice if you know how you want your trigger to feel he'll build it as close as can be possible within safety margins. Surprising no one mentioned Vanekcustom.com. They sell parts but their complete system includes trigger bar/shoe (modification depending on the kit), tuned connector, polished firing pin safety and lightened springs, some have adjustable pre and over travel - trigger housing. He used to also recommend the Jager ultra-Light strikers with a 4, 4.5, and 5lb spring tuning kit. But stopped as he could never keep them in stock. Many friends who have tried my G34 with his kit, says it feels better than many of the drop in kits available. Due to the adjustability, his kit comes with instructions on how to test for safety as his experience shows there is so much variation from one Glock to another, no one drop in will work exactly the same in every Glock. Lots of folks used to use it for competition.
I don’t see any parts from Lenny McGill’s Glock store. How do those triggers and accessories stack up to the competition?
I noticed that too. I’ve got my suspicion.
I'm wondering the same about the Johnny Glocks triggers.
What about Johnny Glock triggers, did you not look at them for the review or did they not make grade in your book to be listed. Thx in advance.
I have JG triggers in all 4 of my Glocks. I have tried ALL of the reviewed triggers, and frankly, there is no comparison! Too bad they were not included in the review...
True
I just got the APEX Tactical Glock Enhancement Trigger. I also got the WILSON COMBAT GLOCK trigger connector. Can I use them both? I read that the APEX is rated at 4lbs and Wilson is at 3.5lbs.
Does this mean I have to take apart the APEX "drop-in" trigger assembly and install WILSON COMBAT trigger connector separately?
I keep it simple with the stock trigger and trigger bar and trigger housing. Only thing I swapped in was a Ghost trigger connector and trigger spring. This setup is a great balance for self defense and competition in my subjective opinion.
Tactical Trigger, hands down smokes all of these. Imagine a single stage riffle trigger adjustable from 1lb 4oz to 3.5lbs. Cleanest break from any trigger I've tried (from aftermarket CZ p10 triggers, to the Apex in my FN 509 tactical, to my own 2lb trigger job on my HK VP9 long slide, Betetta PX4 fully custom double single action. Tactical Trigger is where its at!
I use a Zev Trigger in my 17 and an Apex in my 19. No issues.
Question on the G34 with the Zev trigger, what kind of grip/material is on their. It appears to be very "sticky". Cheers
Looks like he tried to stipple the G34 himself and did a HORRIBLE job. Honestly one of the ugliest stipple jobs I have seen. If you want to get your gun to look like this there are plenty of youtube videos on doing it. There are also companies that will stipple it for you.
I use GlockTriggers in my Glocks and sell them at our store. I like the feel combined with the fact that the trigger is OEM parts. To me the liability of firearms is huge and anything that mitigates that is a plus. When I've compared it to other kits (Zev etc.... and I've compared most all of them) I've found GlockTriggers to be as good, if not better. I know this is subjective, but I've been selling Glock accessories for 15 years so I have a bit of history there. Thanks for the input PEW PEW!
How bout the "new" Glock flat face Pyramid trigger kit? Looks promising in the Glock video anyways. Can you review that and make a comparison to these?
Thanks
Will the 4th Gen Zev trigger work with 5 Gen Glock 19?
No, gen 4 and gen 5 triggers are not compatible.
Had the same Zev Fulcrum Trigger in my G26 for years and thousands and thousands of rounds...until the trigger shoe walked out on me...when I called Zev they were'nt surprised in the slightest and recommended going with the Riveted pin non-adjustable version. I've since switched to the non adjustable version (Zev Pro). I won't be recommending the Fulcrum to anyone including competition shooters moving forward...
Has anyone tested the Ghost Pro 3.3 TCT trigger kit for a Gen 3 G23? It sells for 50 bucks so I’m wondering if it’s a “get what you pay for” type thing.
I run the Pro 3.3 TCT in my Carry 23 with an Overwatch Falx trigger, minus connector and everything else stock. Incredible carry trigger, and even good enough that I run it in some IDPA style matches. The Ghost connectors with the overtravel tab are what I run in all my Glocks and couldn't be happier.
You should test the Arsenal Democracy SWiTCH Trigger V1, and the Suarez FACE SHOOTER TRIGGER.
I have a glock 22 (my first pistol) and i hate the slack in the trigger and than the ramp up. I would like an even weight throughout the pull like a DA Revolver just lighter What mods should I do? This is my nightstand gun and will potentially be a CC gun in the future, im just not competent with it enough as of now.
For a defensive weapon leave it stock. Prosecutors love custom guns when the perps family sues you for wrongful death.
This is actual bullshit-not that fake stuff. You will NOT find any cases past,current or pending where the trigger in the gun was a contributing factor. Please stop fear mongering this garbage.
Stoplying +1 for that reply. Hokan is either a Fudd or a lawyer, you shouldn't trust either. They both pwddle in bullshit and love conflating facts with their own opinion.
Stoplying +1 for that reply. Hokan is either a Fudd or a lawyer, you shouldn't trust either. They both peddle bullshit, and love conflating facts with their own opinion.
Any update on the gold trigger from Velocity? I'm PLANNING a polymer 80 build and contemplating this trigger. Wondering if you've grown to love or hate it since testing. Thank you.
Mine is sticky, call Killer Innovations.
I like mine, all of these are so much better than stock they're equally as nice to me, although I also upgraded all springs ,connectors etc. If you do the same I'm pretty sure you'll be happy with it
Save time and money and get a trigger as good as any shown here. Polish the internals, put in a Ghost connector, "choose the one you can install yourself", some require fitting. Then I replace the gen 4 trigger bar with a gen 3, because the nipple was not on the gen 3m 'it adds drag, as it rubs against the slide rail. Use the lighter springs. first test and make sure the trigger resets, if not then the the plunger spring with a polished plunger. That's it, The trigger resets faster and is about 1 lb lighter, "for carry I don't want a 2.5 or 3 lb trigger. This should be all you need in your carry gun, it's just silly to spend a thousand dollars on a 5hundred dollar gun. As far as RMR's go, if you are shooting competition maybe, Otherwise, at close range, rarely do the sights come into play , in 90% of fbi shootings the gun came up and fired at close range, your brain can do amazing things with muscle memory and practice, Rob Latham has a few good videos on this.
Do the Suarez International Face Shooter Kit with the NP3 upgrades! I absolutely love mine.
Jerry from Overwatch here. Great review! I didn't see if you ran lighter springs in your testing? If you did, be aware that when you run lighter springs, specifically a lighter striker spring with a heavier trigger spring along with a minus connector you will typically get a mushy trigger regardless of the shoe installed.
The shoe itself specifically has nothing to do with the feeling you feel when pressing other than being a lever to actuate the trigger. The "feel" of the trigger is a direct result of the springs used as well as the connector. Additionally the tolerances of the bar, connector, striker, plunger and the actual trigger housing all in relation to each other affect the "feel" of the pull. This is the reason you can take a trigger that feels great in one gun, put the exact same trigger in another gun and have it feel awful.
The Overwatch Trigger in particular is made for duty and CCW use. We have several police departments around the country and one federal agency that use, issue, or authorize our triggers for duty use. We use a heavier trigger safety spring (6lb spring rate) which when used with a lighter springs elsewhere in the gun will cause issues. The resistance provided by a lighter striker and heavier trigger spring is not enough to overcome the trigger safety spring as would be the case if you were getting a sub 3lb pull weight. Feel free to email me if you would like any specific information.
Have you compared any of these triggers to the Pyramid triggers put out by the GlockStore?
Hey Jeff, I haven't heard of their triggers (no one I know uses them) until reading the comments here. I'll try to include them when I update this article.
Eric, The Pyramid trigger system is FABULOUS! I like it better than the Zev.
Eric....can you email me???
What about one source tactical and their Suarez DIT?
Why do you recommend not modifying anything on your self-defense gun?
A potential something for a prosecutor to use against you if you go to court.
That's ridiculous, and just an urban legend passed around gun circles. You using your gun and the consequence of that action is what they're going to go after, not any bells or whistles you've added. That's like saying "don't upgrade or modify your car because the police will use it against you if you go to court for a speeding ticket".
Nonsense.
From a thirty year law enforcement veterans point of view, I completely agree, absolute nonsense.
I agree it is ridiculous but it is not "urban legend". A firearm discharged in self-defense (lethal or non-lethal) will be tested and if found modified (internal or cosmetic) can be evidence used by an aggressive prosecutor. Case in point; just Google the officer Phillip Brailsford in Mesa AZ ... ( look up the story) the prosecutor admitted into evidence the AR-15 dust-cover mod "you're fucked". Now, the judge did not allow into evidence but a prosecutor CAN admit mods to your firearm as evidence. #steelwaiting http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2016/03/robert-farago/cops-ar-15-dust-cover-inscription-used-against-him-in-court/
You're not even addressing what is being called ridiculous (and, it is). Modifying the function of a weapon and installing a dust cover with text that speaks to intent and mindset are two completely separate things. Cite ONE case where a customized handgun was brought into evidence by a prosecutor.
I'll wait.
That'syour example??? That POS of a "cop" gunned down a completely helpless, compliant, innocent man who was literally BEGGING the officer not to shoot him. I hope that "guy" rots in hell. Also, that was a police issue firearm that had an unapproved modification. Far from a personal defense weapon/situation.
The Arizona homicide trial and conviction of Harold Fish made issues of his choice of 10 mm caliber and Federal Hydra-Shok ammunition in comparison to common LEO hardware at the time. Therefore, it is entirely conceivable that trigger jobs, bells, or whistles could be made an issue of, as well.
Cause
what kind of sight do you have in the Velocity trigger video? It looks very interesting
Hey Jimmothy, it's the SeeAll Sight...I did a full review on it too.
thanks man
Here we go again .... equipment test and the tester really doesn't go look for whats good but not run of the mill, middle of the street, high price fancy shmancy Glock triggers. People who know take a hard look at OC Custom Triggers. The best triggers, adjustable, in the industry and around $50 for one. Sorely missing here.
Sorry Alex. I asked around and we haven't heard of OC Custom Triggers though. I'll try to check them out in our future article update.
You forgot the absolute best Trigger out there, the Johnny Glock Drop-in Triggers
Thanks Keith, I'll try to include them in our next update.
Best trigger job, sell the glock to someone who likes a trigger pull that feels like a wet sponge and buy a 1911, SIG, or Browning Hi-Power.
Arsenal democracy switch trigger
Thanks Raul, I'll try to get one for a future update
You guys should be giving pyramid an honorable mention at least. Comparable to Zev imo.
Johnny Glock’s triggers are by far the best Glock trigger even though they are high
I agree 110%. Johnny and I are friends but I put that aside when it comes to an honest review of his work. I run a DEM Gunfighter trigger with Johnny's take on it. I asked for a 3.5 pound pull with the DEM Trigger with a short take up, a crisp break and the shortest reset possible and that's exactly what I got. I have a consistent 3.5lb pull and all safeties are functioning the way they should. Regardless of what trigger you use, Johnny will make it that much better. He is a bonafide Glock Trigger Wizard.
has anyone tested a overwatched percision trigger? if so how do you rated them?
a friend recommended the trigger but i have never heard of it
Overwatch added to the article! Light but mushy for me.
The mushiness isn't due to the trigger itself. All of those triggers use an OEM trigger bar. The spring combos and tolerances between the bars are causing that issue.
I have been using my friends Zev fixed trigger for awhile and most recently put the Apex through its paces next to an Agency. The Apex was wider and for my friend with shorter fingers, was perfect and he preferred it to his Zev. The trigger safety on the apex is also a lot higher profile than the Agency (a lot closer to the stock.) I vastly preferred the break and feel of the agency so I bought it, but the Zev was also an awesome trigger. Id love for someone to review the Pyramid to see how it stacks up.
Thanks for that detailed analysis, Chase. Haven't heard of the pyramid yet.
Pyramids are sold by the Glock Store. I think it is their own “house” brand
How do you rate the Travis Haley Skimmer trigger? Supposed to be close to a 1911 feel.
Travis,
Look into pyramid triggers. I replaced two factory triggers with them and very happy. Fair price.