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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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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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.
81 Leave a Reply
Johnny Glocks should have been at the top of the list. There is a reason that he makes to kit that improves the Timney action.
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