In recent years, the absolute king of modularity and benefactor/victim of modification has been the AR-15. While Stoner’s design is still in the lead, a new gun has caught the eye of those looking to tinker and change. The ever-reliable Glock handgun has always been easily modified via stippling or sights. However, in recent years, aftermarket companies have jumped into the mix and are providing high-quality parts — like slides — to make our everyday grocery-getter gun a little sexier. From comps to flared mag well kits, there is no shortage of new go-fast parts for the Austrian classic. One area that has really taken off though is in the arena of the Glock trigger.
Best Glock Trigger Upgrades
Many options now exist and it’s easier than ever to improve this often growled-about component. While the stock Glock trigger has served people for decades, it does have a reputation for being less than “clean.”
The most common point stated about stock Glock triggers is that they feel gritty or like parts are rubbing. They also have a tendency to have varying levels of resistance in their travel. People comment that they feel like they hit a couple “walls” of tension along the way. These complaints, along with a desire to simply increase the speed of the trigger, have driven the growth in this part of the industry. There are many great options out there, but here is a handful of the best.
ZEV Fulcrum Ultimate Trigger
The ZEV Technologies Fulcrum Adjustable Trigger is a premier Glock trigger kit. ZEV designed it for competitive shooters seeking to attain the ultimate performance from their pistol. The Fulcrum trigger features adjustment screws built into the trigger pad for fine-tuning the pre-travel and over-travel of the trigger for personal preference. Trigger pull weight is determined by the trigger spring, firing pin safety spring, and striker spring, and is not affected by the pre-travel and over-travel adjustments of the trigger pad.
All of this together provides a very precise let-off and a fast reset that doesn’t impair the reliability of the factory safeties. The entire press is silky smooth. Why? Because all engagement surfaces on the stainless steel trigger bar are mirror polished for sensitivity and consistency. MSRP: $268. For even more info, visit zevtechnologies.com.
Apex Tactical Action Enhancement Trigger
Next up is the Glock Action Enhancement Trigger from Apex. Apex is a household name in the pistol trigger world that is a go-to for the M&P. Its Glock offering is a direct drop-in replacement of the factory polymer trigger and is meant for Gen 3/4. It reduces pre-travel, overall trigger travel, and trigger reset. It provides a smooth uptake and reset while delivering a crisp trigger break. When compared side by side to the stock trigger you will immediately notice a huge difference.
The trigger includes a factory trigger bar for quick and easy replacement. The Apex Tactical Action Enhancement Trigger is a great option for competition or duty/carry weapons. The package includes a Glock Action Enhancement Trigger with a Gen 3 factory trigger bar. MSRP: $140.00 For even more info, visit apextactical.com.
Killer Innovations Velocity Trigger
While not a household name yet, the team over at Killer Innovations has hit the sweet spot with its Velocity trigger. The trigger provides a noticeably smoother pull with reduced creep and a positive reset, all without sacrificing safety or reliability. It is a flat face design with a slight texture to ensure better purchase and, in turn, better control. Unlike some other aftermarket designs, this one is intended for everyday carry use. MSRP: $121.99. For even more info, visit killer-innovations.com.
Overwatch Precision TAC Trigger
Like the Velocity trigger, the Overwatch Precision TAC Trigger is a flat-faced, direct drop-in replacement for your stock trigger. The trigger shoe and trigger safety tab is machined in the USA out of 7075-T6 aluminum alloy. Overwatch affixed them to an NP3-plated, Gen3 stock trigger. Also, the trigger shoe and safety tab are both Type III hard coat anodized to MIL-A-8625 standard. The trigger has a small indexing hook that ensures consistent trigger finger placement, and the broad, flat face of the trigger allows a uniquely self-correcting, straight rearward press.
The flat face reduces trigger reach by 20%, making this an ideal option for smaller-statured shooters. Pre-travel has been reduced as much as possible without compromising firearm safety features, resulting in a clean, crisp break, and reduced over-travel. CTI’s NP3 plating provides virtually impermeable corrosion resistance and smooth, grit-free operation. MSRP: $135. For even more info, visit overwatchprecision.com.
Lightning Strike Large Aluminum Glock Trigger
In an attempt to eliminate the sometimes perceived mushy feel of the factory plastic part, Lightning Strike created a machined 2024 aircraft aluminum trigger that helps eliminate that feel. It enjoys closely held tolerances that remove trigger slop and free movement for smooth, consistent trigger let-off. The trigger face incorporates a wider trigger safety and contoured edges; they are easier on the finger than the factory shoe. Like most others, it is a simple drop-in installation and requires no modification to the gun.
One point they make about this trigger is that it does not alter factory pull weight; this is a major issue for some. Why? Because they do not want a featherlight trigger, but rather one that has a smooth pull and clean reset. This trigger is intended for Glock models 20, 21, 29 and 30 (also GEN 4 20, 21, 29, and 30). MSRP: $89.99. For even more info, visit lspi.com.
CMC Drop-In Glock Trigger
Like ZEV, CMC has made a name for itself in the trigger world long before mods were hip. CMC, however, made its mark in the rifle world and has brought that experience to the handgun realm. Its offering in this market is the CMC Drop-In Glock Trigger. This is a drop-in design that improves the trigger’s overall performance while reducing the pull weight by 2 pounds. It has a patented flat-face trigger with a hooked bottom. This unit comes as a complete assembly to make life a little easier for us. Meanwhile, the OEM internals ensures reliable consistent function.
CMC’s own words describe its world-class offering: “Utilizing our Patented ‘Signature Flat’ trigger design, we’ve downsized the overall geometry to create an excellent fit in the Glock pistol. All of the superior traits from the AR platform are replicated here in our new design.” As you would expect, it is a very nice trigger. This model was made for the Gen 3. MSRP: $144.99. For even more info, visit cmctriggers.com.
Tyrant Designs CNC Improved Tyrant Trigger System (I.T.T.S.) Glock Gen 3-4 Compatible Trigger
Dubbed as one the “fastest resetting trigger on the market,” the improved Tyrant Trigger System (I.T.T.S.) for the Glock Gen 3-4 is jam-packed with features. The I.T.T.S. has a 30% power spring for rapid resets shot after shot. The I.T.T.S. is a cross between a curved trigger and a flat-faced trigger for a more ergonomic and seamless trigger pull. Additionally, the I.T.T.S. is made with set screws instead of pins to amplify the strength and sturdiness of the trigger as well as ease of use. MSRP: $74.99. For more information, visit tyrantcnc.com.
Timney Triggers Alpha Competition Series for Glock Gen 3-4
Since 1946, Timney Triggers has produced some of the most renowned triggers the world over and when it comes to Glock triggers, they more than make the grade. The Timney Alpha Competition Series is easy to install, designed to match the Glock system, and boasts a crisp trigger break with a three-pound pull weight. The trigger has been designed with a Teflon nickel trigger bar and sear to deliver smooth operation while the straight aluminum trigger includes an anodized safety blade. MSRP: $169.99. For more information, visit timneytriggers.com.
