It is no secret that Glocks enjoy one of the largest aftermarkets of any gun on the planet. But it is also no secret that many people find that stock Glock triggers leave something to be desired.
But with so many options to choose from, which trigger upgrades are really worth it?
Sure, you can look at trigger pull weights and watch some videos. You can also listen to someone try and explain how it feels. All of that is great info, but I always felt like there was still missing information — something tangible.
But my search for that missing piece has come to an end. With the help of the Dvorak TriggerScan, we can now see physical graphs and real readouts of what is actually going on during the trigger pull. And the best part? You can compare two graphs to see who the real winner is.
We used this to test over a dozen Glock triggers so that we could bring that data to you. Be warned, this is a very long and technical article by nature, but we hope our findings are just as interesting to you as they were to us!
Want to skip the technical mumbo jumbo? Check out our fast-and-easy cheat sheets just below!
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Value Trigger
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Best All-Purpose Glock Trigger
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Lightest, Fastest Trigger
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Cheapest Upgrade
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Best Factory Option
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Editor’s Pick Gen 5
Table of Contents
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Glock Trigger Comparison Chart
For those of you who don’t want to get into the nitty-gritty of the data, here are a few quick cheat sheets with the basic data, price, and whether I would recommend the trigger or not.
Gen 3 Trigger Cheat Sheet (Glock 34)
| Pull Weight | Average Split Time | Travel Distance | Price | Recommend? | |
| Stock Glock Gen 3 | 5 lbs | 0.25 sec | 0.34″ | N/A | N/A |
| Apex Action Enhancement Kit Gen 3 | 3.8 lbs | 0.22 sec | 0.35″ | $85 | Yes |
| Overwatch Precision PolyDAT Gen 3 | 4.7 lbs | 0.20 sec | 0.30″ | $61 | Yes |
| Johnny Glock Evolution-X Competition Gen 3 | 3.6 lbs (orange) 3 lbs (green) | 0.20 sec (orange) 0.20 sec (green) | 0.30″ (orange) 0.26″ (green) | $370 | Yes |
| Timney Ultimate Builder’s Kit Gen 3 | 2.8 lbs (red) 2.6 lbs (black) | 0.23 sec (red) 0.20 sec (black) | .34″ (red) 0.34″ (black) | $200 | Yes |
| Timney Alpha Competition Gen 3 | 3.4 lbs (red) 3.1 lbs (black) | 0.22 sec (red) 0.20 sec (black) | 0.29″ (red) 0.29″ (black) | $108 | Yes |
| Agency Arms Drop-In Gen 3 | 4.3 lbs | 0.27 sec | 0.30″ | $135 | No |
| Tyrant CNC I.T.T.S Trigger Shoe Gen 3 | 5.2 lbs | 0.24 sec | 0.36″ | $67 | Yes |
| Ghost Inc. 3.5 lb Trigger Bar Gen 3 | 4.2 lbs | 0.24 sec | 0.26″ | $14 | Yes |
Gen 5 Trigger Cheat Sheet (Glock 26)
| Pull Weight | Average Split Time | Travel Distance | Price | Recommend? | |
| Stock Glock Gen 5 | 5 lbs | 0.28 sec | 0.38″ | N/A | N/A |
| Glock Performance Trigger Gen 5 | 3.5 lbs | 0.25 sec | 0.35″ | $75 | Yes |
| Johnny Glock Evolution-X Combat Gen 5 | 4.4 lbs | 0.25 sec | 0.29″ | $370 | Yes |
| Tyrant CNC I.T.T.S Trigger Shoe Gen 5 | 4.7 lbs | 0.24 sec | 0.36″ | $67 | Yes |
Slimline Trigger Cheat Sheet (Glock 48)
| Pull Weight | Average Split Time | Travel Distance | Price | Recommend? | |
| Stock Glock Slimline | 5.3 lbs | 0.27 sec | 0.39″ | N/A | N/A |
| Johnny Glock 4311 | 3.4 lbs | 0.29 sec | 0.39″ | $280 | No |
Our Favorite Glock Triggers in Under a Minute
Want to know which triggers I liked the best without reading a book? I got you covered there, too!
Best Glock Gen 3 Triggers
- Timney Ultimate Builder’s Kit: If I was building a range toy or a race gun, this is the trigger I would pick. It was ultra-fast and ultra-light with a clean feeling. A real standout.
- Johnny Glock Evolution-X Competiton: This is a great trigger that would be well-suited to a dual-purpose role as both a great range trigger and a safe carry option.
- Ghost 3.5 lb Connector: While it doesn’t completely change the trigger, it does improve it. Its super cheap price makes it an appealing upgrade.
- Overwatch Precision PolyDAT: Ah, the dark horse. The PolyDAT has a shorter overall travel, and my split times with it were very consistent. These are priced very aggressively, making them great bargains.
Best Glock Gen 5 Triggers
- Glock Performance Trigger: I got a lighter-than-advertised pull that felt notably better than the stock trigger. It is still made by Glock, and it isn’t terribly expensive, so it gets the nod here.
- Johnny Glock Evolution-X Combat: This may be the best true “duty-style” trigger I tested. It trades in the hallmark Glock feel for a much more crisp and predictable trigger pull.
Best Slimline Glock Trigger
- Stock Glock Trigger: I was only able to test one aftermarket slimline trigger, and it didn’t test well for me. Although I wouldn’t really call the stock Glock trigger a favorite, it wins by default here.
How We Tested the Best Glock Gen 3, Gen 5, and Slimline Triggers
Each trigger TriggerScan readout comprises of three separate trigger pulls from which we took an average weight and rounded up to the nearest tenth.
Split times were gathered using a Kestrel KST1000 shot timer. I fired five rounds at 7 yards on a standard IPSC cardboard target. Strings of fire were only counted if all five shots were clean A-zone hits. Three strings were fired for each trigger, from which I took the average of the best string.
Keep in mind that I am not a speed shooter by any means. I grew up bullseye shooting, so cut me a bit of slack, please.
A close-up trigger pull and reset video was recorded for each trigger. I also recorded my initial thoughts on each trigger that I had before taking any readings.
DISCLAIMER: There are many hotly contested debates about reliability and drop safety when switching from a stock Glock trigger to an aftermarket one. We want to be clear that this article is purely meant to test the basic trigger functionality and compare the raw data. This isn’t a long-term durability test, and we did not drop test any of these triggers.
The results portion of this article is broken down into three sections: Gen 3 triggers, Gen 5 triggers, and Glock Slimline triggers.
What is the Dvorak TriggerScan?
In the words of the Dvorak company themselves:
“TriggerScan is a computer-controlled, motorized instrument specifically designed to test trigger mechanisms of firearms. This patented technology sets the standard in trigger quality evaluation. The system provides precise and repeatable graphical evidence of trigger quality.”
In layman’s terms, the TriggerScan is a machine where you lock the gun in place, a machine pulls the trigger, and sensors help generate a graph that shows you precisely what is happening during the trigger pull.
It is an amazing machine that gives some unique insight and creates an ability to compare two products. We no longer have to rely on only basic data or someone else’s opinion.
This tool has been around for some time, but its existence is kept relatively quiet on the internet for whatever reason. Luckily, we got our hands on one and are not afraid to use it and publish our findings.
Understanding the TriggerScan Graphs
Below is a sample readout from the TriggerScan with some key terms to help you interpret the graph. I have also included definitions for those terms below.
The vertical axis of the chart measures the peak force, in pounds, that is required for the trigger to actuate. The horizontal axis measures the distance, in inches, that it takes for the trigger to reach its full travel.
Each trigger was tested 3 times in a row, resulting in 3 separate lines on each graph. The more these lines overlap, the more that indicates repeatable movement during the trigger pull.
The large spike at the very end of the graph is the result of the TriggerScan pinning the trigger to the rear of its travel and continuing to pull to infinity. You can ignore this final spike.
Key Trigger Definitions
Keep in mind that definitions do vary from person to person. However, I find these to be the most intuitive way of describing trigger mechanics in a real-world sense.
- Sear: This is the part of the trigger mechanism that holds the striker, hammer, or bolt back until the correct amount of pressure is applied to the trigger. Once the required pressure is applied, the striker, hammer, or bolt is released, at which point the weapon will fire.
- Take-up: Take-up is the amount of initial travel the trigger has where there is no resistance. This is the little bit where the trigger moves back and forth before you start feeling resistance. Take-up is sometimes used interchangeably with the terms slack and pre-travel.
- Mainspring Engagement: This is the point after the take-up when you start feeling resistance in the trigger. This is the trigger engaging the mainspring, which stores the energy required to ignite the round. Mainsprings may be referred to as striker springs on striker-fired handguns or hammer springs on hammer-fired guns.
- Travel: This is the distance that the trigger has to travel from its initial resting point all the way until the trigger “breaks” and the sear is released.
- Wall: The “wall” is the sharp increase in resistance toward the end of the trigger travel that signifies that the trigger is at or near the peak force required to actuate the sear. Depending on the trigger and how slowly or quickly resistance builds to peak force, there may or may not be a well-defined wall.
- Creep: Creep is any movement that happens right before or just after the peak force of the trigger is reached but before the sear is completely actuated. This typically has a negative connotation, meaning there is unclean movement right before the trigger breaks. Terms like “sponge” and “mush” are used to describe specific types of creep.
- Grit: Some triggers have a very “rough” feeling during parts of the pull, which is called grit. It can almost feel like there is sand or dirt in the trigger. This can happen when contact surfaces are uneven or due to poor trigger design. Grit would be characterized by small spikes on the graph showing that the pressure needed is rising and falling quickly due to unevenness.
- Break: The trigger break is the point at which the sear releases the striker, hammer, or bolt. This is when the trigger “goes off.”
- Overtravel: Once the trigger breaks and the sear is completely actuated, the trigger may still continue to travel rearward until it is stopped. This distance after the trigger breaks to when it can no longer move rearward is called overtravel.
Best Glock Gen 3 Triggers
Almost all direct Glock clones are based on Gen 3 Glocks due to many of the component patents having expired. This means that the aftermarket for Gen 3 triggers is the largest of all Glock generations.
1. Stock Gen 3 Trigger
A Gen 3 Glock 34 was used as the host firearm for this portion of testing.
To get an accurate baseline test for the rest of the Gen 3 triggers, we first installed a brand new OEM Gen 3 Glock 19 trigger assembly and scanned it.
This is your standard Glock trigger that we all know and love (or hate). It is characterized by a light pull, followed by a little hitch, then some more clean pull before running into a tiny bit of grit. You hit a fairly defined wall that requires a fair amount of pressure, and then there is a little bit of spongy creep just before the break. The break itself is actually okay, and the reset is both tactile and audible.
- Average Pull Weight: 5 lbs
- Average Split Time: 0.25 sec
- Average Travel Distance: 0.34″
Here is a close-up video of the trigger pull and reset.
2. Apex Tactical Action Enhancement Kit
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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What’s included:
- Trigger bar
- Polymer trigger shoe
- Ultimate Safety Plunger
- Performance Connector
- Average Pull Weight: 3.8 lbs
- Average Split Time: 0.22 sec
- Average Travel Distance: 0.35″
- Price: $133
This kit utilizes a polymer trigger shoe that is wider and more square than the stock trigger. I really like the way this shoe feels. There is a bit of take-up and travel to a false wall, then a bit of creep before the trigger breaks in space somewhat. The reset is both tactile and audible.
My initial thoughts were that the trigger felt “cheap.” However, I had very consistent split times (0.22, 0.22, 0.20, 0.22) with this trigger, and it definitely shoots better than it feels. This is likely due to the lower pull weight and comfortable trigger shape.
I also want to note that the trigger safety blade has the most clearance from the frame of the gun of any trigger on the list (you will see why this is important later).
Here is a close-up video of the trigger pull and reset.
3. Overwatch Precision PolyDAT Trigger – Best Value Glock Trigger
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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What’s included:
- Progressive Die trigger bar
- Polymer flat-face trigger shoe
- Average Pull Weight: 4.7 lbs
- Average Split Time: 0.20 sec
- Average Travel Distance: 0.30″
- Price: $61
There is a bit of take-up that is tactile. The trigger then hits a definitive wall, after which there is a tiny bit of creep. The very end of the pull feels a tad bit heavy, and the break has a distinct “thonk.” The reset feels short and is both tactile and audible, albeit slightly soft.
While the dry fire just felt okay to me, my split times were great on this one. The fact that this was tied for the fastest split time of any tested trigger while coming in at a very affordable price makes this one of the best value buys on this list.
Here is a close-up video of the trigger pull and reset.
4. Johnny Glocks Evolution-X Competition Trigger Gen 3 – Best All-Purpose Glock Trigger
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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What’s included:
- Aluminum flat-face trigger shoe
- Polished and modified OEM trigger bar
- Polished and modified OEM trigger housing
- Polished and modified OEM connector
- Polish and honed OEM striker with 4 lb & 4.5 lb striker springs
- Safety plunger w/reduced power 3 lb spring
Below is the graph using the orange 4.5 lb striker spring.
My initial pull revealed a pretty clean travel to a defined wall. There is a little bit of creep after the wall that is firm but very even, and then the trigger moves into a slight rolling break. This feels like a stock Glock trigger in the way it functions, just much lighter and much smoother.
I also ran a test using the green 4 lb striker spring. With the green spring, you get the same pull but lighter and with less travel and creep distance. I prefer the 4 lb spring.
- Average Pull Weight: 3.6 lbs (orange), 3 lbs (green)
- Average Split Time: 0.20 sec
- Average Travel Distance: 0.30″ (orange), 0.26″ (green)
- Price: $370
The Johnny Glocks trigger shoes feel a bit thinner with more beveled edges, which some people may prefer over the fatter trigger shoes. The reset is both tactile and audible.
If you want a trigger that doesn’t inherently change the mechanics of the stock Glock trigger feel, but you want it to be cleaner and lighter, this is your guy. The only downside is the eye-watering $370 price tag.
Here is a close-up video of the trigger pull and reset.
5. Timney Ultimate Builder’s Kit – Lightest, Fastest Glock Trigger
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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What’s included:
- Aluminum flat-face trigger shoe
- NP3-coated trigger bar and sear
- NP3-coated striker and striker spring
- NP3-coated connector
- NP3-coated safety plunger and spring
- 1 red trigger return spring
- 1 black reduced power trigger return spring
There is some clean travel to a wall, followed by a little bit of sponge before the trigger breaks slightly in space. This is a very light trigger pull — the lightest of all tested triggers.
I also ran a test using the reduced-power black trigger return spring. The black spring feels mostly the same but with less sponge after the wall and a cleaner break. I also prefer the feel of the reset with the black spring.
- Average Pull Weight: 2.8 lbs (red), 2.6 lbs (black)
- Average Split Time: 0.23 sec (red), 0.20 sec (black)
- Average Travel Distance: 0.34″ (red) 0.34″ (black)
- Price: $269
The Timney Ultimate Builder’s Kit completely replaces the sear, which no other trigger on this list does other than the Timney Alpha Competition Kit (a stripped-down Ultimate kit). Due to this, it has the most complicated install of any trigger on the list, although it is still fairly straightforward.
With the black spring, I was getting occasional splits of 0.18 and 0.19 seconds. It is fast and smooth, with an audible and tactile reset. If I were building a range toy, this would be my trigger of choice.
Here is a close-up video of the trigger pull and reset.
6. Timney Alpha Competition Trigger
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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What’s included:
- Aluminum flat-face trigger shoe
- NP3-coated trigger bar and sear
- 1 red trigger return spring
- 1 black reduced power trigger return spring
You may notice this looks similar to the Timney Ultimate Builder Kit above, and that is because it is. The Alpha Competition trigger uses the same trigger shoe, trigger bar, and sear but lacks the striker, plunger, and connector of the Ultimate Kit.
With the black trigger return spring installed, I found this trigger to have a very definite wall, followed by a fairly crisp break. There is very little felt creep or sponge here.
The reset is slightly longer than the Ultimate Kit and not as forced, but it is still very good. I have to say that both Timney triggers absolutely take the Glock feeling out of the trigger.
- Average Pull Weight: 3.4 lbs (red), 3.1 lbs (black)
- Average Split Time: 0.22 sec (red), 0.20 sec (black)
- Average Travel Distance: 0.29″ (red) 0.29″ (black)
- Price: $149
With the red spring installed, you end up getting the tiniest amount of creep after the wall. However, the trigger still feels mostly the same. For some unknown reason, I was having a difficult time getting clean strings with the red spring. This was likely due to my lackluster shooting ability, but I thought I’d mention it.
For those who are looking for a trigger that breaks at the 3 lb mark or just north of it while completely eliminating the standard Glock trigger feel, this could be a serious contender.
Here is a close-up video of the trigger pull and reset.
7. Tyrant CNC I.T.T.S Trigger Shoe Gen 3
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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What’s included:
- Aluminum adjustable trigger shoe
- Average Pull Weight: 5.2 lbs
- Average Split Time: 0.24 sec
- Average Travel Distance: 0.30″
- Price: $67
There are a few small hitches in the early trigger pull before quickly smoothing out. This leads to an extremely well-defined wall. My initial thought before reading the graph was that the weight was nearly the same as the stock trigger, which proved to be correct.
Tyrant CNC claims that the I.T.T.S offers 15% reduced take-up and a 10% reduced reset travel distance. A quick look at the travel-to-actuate distance on the TriggerScan shows that the overall travel distance was reduced by 12% over the OEM trigger we tested. The reset is tactile and audible while feeling a bit shorter.
Tyrant seems to make good on their claims here.
It should be noted that in order to take your stock Glock trigger shoe off the trigger bar, you must either permanently modify it or destroy it.
This is because Glock’s trigger pins are only accessible from one side of the trigger shoe. To remove the pin, you either need to create a hole on the other side of the trigger shoe (this is what I did) or forcefully drive the pin through the wall of the shoe.
I used witness marks to try and roughly figure out where the pin would exit on the closed side of the trigger. I then used the tip of a pocket knife as a makeshift drill to remove some of the polymer material in that spot. Once enough material was removed, I punched the pin out from the other side.
While the I.T.T.S shoe doesn’t reduce the weight, I found the shape of the trigger particularly pleasant, and the reduced take-up and reset were noticeable.
If you wanted to keep the stock Glock feel and weight while cleaning things up just a bit and moving to a metal trigger shoe, this would be a solid choice. I also tested the Gen 5 version of this, and I liked it well enough to keep the shoe on my gun since the original shoe was modified beyond my liking.
Here is a close-up video of the trigger pull and reset.
8. Ghost Inc. 3.5 lb Ultimate Connector – Cheapest Glock Trigger Upgrade
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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What’s included:
- 3.5 lb optimized trigger connector bar
For this test, we paired the Ghost Inc. Ultimate trigger connector bar with the stock Gen 3 assembly to give an accurate reading of what you can expect if you only upgrade that one part.
- Average Pull Weight: 4.2 lbs
- Average Split Time: 0.24 sec
- Average Travel Distance: 0.36″
- Price: $15
Predictably, the take-up and trigger pull feel very similar to the stock trigger. There is still a bit of mush during the break, but the entire process feels lighter overall.
These connector bars are dirt cheap and easy to install. They can also be used in conjunction with some other triggers that don’t include aftermarket connectors. My fiancee’s Gen 4 Glock 19 has been sporting a Ghost connector for many years without issue.
For the money, this is a no-brainer, 100% buy-now recommendation from me.
The reset video is nearly indistinguishable from the stock trigger pull video, and the trigger bar isn’t visible when installed, hence the lack of photos and video here.
9. Agency Arms Drop-In Trigger
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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What’s included:
- Aluminum flat-face trigger shoe
- Trigger bar
- Average Pull Weight: 4.3 lbs
- Average Split Time: 0.27 sec
- Average Travel Distance: 0.26″
- Price: $127
Where do I start with this little fellow? Firstly, the initial install resulted in the trigger safety blade rubbing against the frame even when the trigger itself was not being pulled rearward. You can see this in the video below.
I popped everything out, re-seated it all, and re-installed it. This time the safety bar cleared the frame…kind of.
While I got it to function, there was still a bit of contact as the safety blade was sliding past the frame. This is plainly visible on the graph. A quick search on the internet revealed that I wasn’t the only one experiencing this issue with this trigger.
The rest of the pull leads to a very definitive wall, after which there is some heavy, albeit brief, Glockish creep before the trigger breaks. The reset is both tactile and audible.
I posted the slowest split times of all Gen 3 triggers with the Agency Drop-In. That trigger safety hitch was killing me at the beginning of my runs. Once you fire the first shot and ride the reset, it is less of an issue.
Honestly, the lack of clearance between the frame and trigger safety makes this borderline dangerous because of how easy it is to have the trigger safety prevent the trigger from being pulled. Combined with the lackluster split times and the uninspired overall feel, the Agency is a hard pass for me.
Here is a close-up video of the trigger pull and reset.
Best Glock Gen 5 Triggers
The most current iteration of Glocks on the market are the Gen 5 pistols. While the aftermarket isn’t quite as big compared to Gen 3, there is still a wide array of triggers to select from when looking to upgrade your Gen 5 Glock.
10. Stock Gen 5 Trigger
To get an accurate baseline test for the rest of the Gen 5 triggers, we used an extremely low round count Glock 26 with an OEM trigger assembly.
Since the Glock 26 is a sub-compact pistol, the split times were slower than the Gen 3 G34.
- Average Pull Weight: 5 lbs
- Average Split Time: 0.28 sec
- Average Travel Distance: 0.38″
Glock improved their triggers with their 5th generation pistols. Instead of a significant spike in pressure before the break, the Gen 5 has a smoother and more gradual increase in pressure before you hit the fairly defined wall.
Compared to the Gen 3, you do spend a bit more time at the peak force required to actuate the trigger here. There is a bit of sponge after wall, as you’d expect. I find that the Gen 5 has a slightly more rolling break compared to the Gen 3. Reset is both tactile and audible.
Most people prefer the Gen 5 triggers over Gen 3. I tend to agree.
Here is a close-up video of the trigger pull and reset.
11. Glock Performance Trigger – Best Factory Glock Trigger Option
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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What’s included:
- Polymer flat-face trigger shoe
- Trigger bar
- Complete trigger housing assembly
- Average Pull Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Average Split Time: 0.25 sec
- Average Travel Distance: 0.35″
- Price: $75
Glock advertises this as a 4 lb trigger, but in my testing, I found it to be right at 3.5 lbs.
The overall pull is very light all the way up to a reasonably-defined wall. The trigger breaks fairly clean as far as Glock triggers go, with only a minor amount of grit. The reset is very strong, almost forced (in a good way). Everything here feels pretty positive and solid.
I nearly had a shooting string where my average split time was 0.22, but my last shot just missed the A-zone by a hair. Considering that these only run about $75-100 for a complete assembly, I’d say it is a pretty killer deal.
Here is a close-up video of the trigger pull and reset.
12. Johnny Glocks Evolution-X Combat Gen 5 – Editor’s Pick Glock Trigger
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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What’s included:
- Aluminum flat-face trigger shoe
- Polished and modified OEM trigger bar
- Polished and modified OEM trigger housing
- Polished and modified OEM connector
- Polish and honed OEM striker with 4.5 lb & 5 lb striker springs
- Safety plunger w/reduced power 3 lb spring
- Average Pull Weight: 4.4 lbs
- Average Split Time: 0.25 sec
- Average Travel Distance: 0.29″
- Price: $370
This trigger was a pleasant surprise. There is a nice, clean travel up to a shockingly well-defined wall, followed by what feels like an extremely clean break. The overall travel feels short, and the reset is audible, tactile, and short as well.
This felt like it took almost all of that signature Glock feel out and replaced it with a pretty crisp all-around combat trigger.
Sorry guys, I have to come clean here. This was one of the last triggers I tested, and I was getting scatterbrained. I forgot to test it with the lighter 4.5 lb striker spring in it. I have dishonored my readers and will commit seppuku. Jokes aside, I expect the trigger would be even lighter and crisper with the 4.5 spring installed.
Once again, this trigger sports the thinner and more rounded Vex shoe from Johnny Glocks. I prefer a wider shoe myself, but this one still feels good, and I like the texturing. I’d consider this to be the best combat-oriented trigger on the list, but it comes at steep price of $370.
Here is a close-up video of the trigger pull and reset.
13. Tyrant CNC I.T.T.S Trigger Shoe Gen 5
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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What’s included:
- Aluminum adjustable trigger shoe
- Average Pull Weight: 4.7 lbs
- Average Split Time: 0.24 sec
- Average Travel Distance: 0.36″
- Price: $75
This is the same shoe we used on the Gen 3 Glock, so much of what was explained in the Gen 3 section applies here.
Again, there are a few tiny bumps in the early trigger pull before smoothing out. This leads to a well-defined wall yet again, but the Gen 5 trigger provides a slightly lighter break than the Gen 3 did.
Tyrant’s claims that the I.T.T.S reduces take-up by 15% and reset travel distance by 10% may not be quite as strong compared to the Gen 3. The TriggerScan shows that the overall travel distance was only reduced by 7% (compared to 12% on the Gen 3). That being said, the reset is tactile and audible while feeling a bit shorter once again.
I must also reiterate how much I like the shape and feel of this trigger shoe on my finger. It is nearly perfect for my medium hands and slightly bonier fingers.
Since I had to permanently alter my stock trigger to install this one, I elected to leave it on my Glock 26. I like it well enough. (Please refer to the Tyrant I.T.T.S section in the Gen 3 portion of this article as to why permanent modification is required)
Here is a close-up video of the trigger pull and reset.
Best Glock Slimline Triggers
Slimline simply refers to single-stack Glock models, such as the Glock 43, 43X, and 48. These typically use different trigger components than standard frame double-stack Glocks.
14. Stock Glock Slimline Trigger
To get an accurate baseline test for the Slimline triggers, we used a brand new Glock 48 with an OEM trigger assembly.
- Average Pull Weight: 5.3 lbs
- Average Split Time: 0.27 sec
- Average Travel Distance: 0.39″
In a nutshell, the stock Slimline Glock trigger is very similar to the stock Gen 5 trigger, just slightly heavier.
Here is a close-up video of the trigger pull and reset.
15. Johnny Glocks 4311
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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What’s included:
- Aluminum adjustable trigger shoe
- Trigger bar
- Complete firing pin assembly
- Firing pin safety w/spring
- Complete trigger housing assembly
- Connector Bar
- Average Pull Weight: 3.4 lbs
- Average Split Time: 0.29 sec
- Average Travel Distance: 0.39″
- Price: $280
Per Johnny Glocks – “A completely different feel. 4311 is Ultra smooth, more take up (for safety), less defined wall with a semi rolling break, and incredible short quick reset. Evolution X has very little pre-travel to a defined wall with crisp break and short reset. The 4311 breaks further back whereas the Evolution X breaks out front.“
I found that the trigger has a pretty defined wall and breaks extremely clean for a Glock. The overall pull weight is nice and light as well. But the problems for me started well before that point.
Even after two separate installs, I was getting an unexplainable hitch in the trigger when it was pulled for the first time. If I pulled the trigger and let it reset, the hitch would go away. I even had to pull the trigger, then rack it and slowly let it reset to get a clean readout from the TriggerScan.
I also noticed that unless my finger was all the way on the bottom of the shoe, I ran the very real risk of the trigger safety blade catching on the frame and preventing me from pulling the trigger any further.
This trigger is meant to replicate a 1911-style break, but I just don’t see it or feel it. Between the trigger safety issues and the weird hitching, I would firmly say I am out on this guy.
Here is a close-up video of the trigger pull and reset.
Final Thoughts
If you made it through this entire article, you are an absolute legend, and I salute you. Even if you skipped around, I still hope you found some useful information in your quest for the right Glock trigger.
This is the first article of its kind, so please let us know what you liked and what you didn’t, as well as anything you’d have liked to see included that we missed.
If you want to see more articles like this for different guns, let us know in the comments below! Don’t have a Glock yet? Be sure to check out our article on the Best Glocks of 2024!
Latest Updates
February 2025: Total rewrite based on new triggers tested and data from Dvorak TriggerScan
109 Leave a Reply
A MESSAGE FROM ALBERT DVORAK, THE CREATOR OF THE TRIGGERSCAN (AND MY BOSS):
Nice! And finally!!!
Since it's conception in 1996, our TriggerScan was created to make trigger comparison on apples-to-apples basis possible and bring science to the trigger business.
Unfortunately, through the years, Not many have dared to do these comparisons... Perhaps from fear that they will be "too revealing" and steer up the pot be drawing criticism from the ones that scored low on the comparison test.
TriggeScan shows the undoubted truth, brings new light to the trigger world and ultimately helps all of us shooters!
Thumbs up to PewPewTactical!
Thanks, Albert! I long wondered why your machine existed, yet so little data harvested by it was publicly available. Putting this data out so that shooters can make the best decision with their hard earned money is what it is all about for me. I am looking forward to doing more articles just like this one!
Thanks for a great article! Our Dvorak TriggerScan really does lift the lid and shine a light on previously obscure variables, doesn't it? Happy to share info and answer questions.
Ján, I really appreciate you taking the time to read the article! I find it fascinating to see how the graph compares to the feedback I am getting from my finger and brain. I have been using the TriggerScan on every gun I have reviewed since I got my hands on it. It is really nice to be able to quantify the results and create something that is easily readable. You definitely can't hide a bad trigger from this machine.
Great, informative article. I enjoyed learning about the points of travel that the trigger goes through. I have the Apex Enhanced in a G19 and it is metal, not polymer. Thanks for taking the time to record this data. People will be referring to it for a long time!
Al, I appreciate the kind words - this article was quite a bit of data to crunch. Apex makes both metal and poly versions of the Enhancement Kit, and I definitely would have liked to try the metal one. It was still a very consistent shooter and I liked how much clearance it had for the trigger safety blade. Glad you enjoy your Apex.
Good morning, everyone!
How about timney ultimate build for gen 5?! (G19/G22)
Also: I've put a timney in my gen4 G20: didn't work. (Either put reset too long for the trigger safety to work or it just didn't)
Finally: what would you recommend for a G43x gen4 and gen5?!
Thanks
Gustavo, thanks for reading! We may get around to testing the Timney Ultimate Kit for the Gen 5 if we get our hands on one. Sorry to hear yours didn't work in the Gen 4 - the Gen 3/4 I tested was really nice. As for the 43X? Unfortunately we didn't get to test much in the way for the Slimline Glocks. I'd probably go with a Ghost Connector and the I.T.T.S Shoe myself until I tested something better, but again my scope is pretty limited for the Slimlines.
Hello! Thanks for replying.
Just calling out that my problem was with large frame timney (G20 10mm). Maybe for regular frame it works fine.
Yeah, I have read some people having issues with them, hence the upgrade kits from Johnny Glock for the Timney triggers. The whole sear replacement is kind of a big change and the install is a bit weird. There is definitely room for tolerance stacking there.
One more thing...
Thanks for the review of the Johnny Glocks triggers. Was wondering why nobody ever reviewed them.
Les, thanks for taking the time to read through the article!
I have 4 Gen4 Glocks. I have Timney and Johnny Glocks triggers in them. Arrived at the same conclusion you did some time back. Johnny's triggers are a lot of $$$, but you are pretty done at that point. I like the Timneys as well.
I'm in love with Tactical Development triggers, for both Sigs and Glocks.
Ed, we are hoping to continue adding more triggers to this article as we get them in. We will keep those in mind!
Johnny Glock’s triggers are exceptional, but I find Tactical Pontoon to be slightly better. You should add his triggers to your review.
We are hoping to continue adding more triggers to this article as we get them in. A few of you folks have mentioned Tactical Pontoon, we will keep them on the shortlist!
You will probably not find your perfect trigger because some people are never satisfied. If you are an expert marksman that's one thing if not you just have a personal opinion. I have the Overwatch trigger and find it to be an excellent upgrade for my Gen 4 Glock 19.
Then buy a $200 trigger for your Glock or buy an S&W M&P 2.0 with the flat faced trigger, you will have to do nothing to the trigger. Some of you guys just make noise to feel important. I have both and the Overwatch trigger is a great improvement to the crappy trigger that is standard Glock.
Bought mine at Primary Arms for a great price. Install is straight forward not difficult. I researched the best affordable triggers and found lots of good reviews on YouTube. I'm really liking mine and it really beats the horrible stock trigger. I don't think you will be disappointed.
I just put the Poly-DAT overwatch trigger in my gen 4 clock. I am very satisfied and it is a great upgrade for a few dollars. Mine is for carry and home defense. I would recommend this trigger to anyone who wants a well made upgrade. I got mine at Primary arms for $44.99, very happy.
The Poly-DAT was a pleasant surprise. I 100% agree that it is an excellent trigger for the money.
Brownells has the Apex slim for the Glock 48 for sale now.
Jay, we will be expanding this article as we get more triggers in. We definitely want to buff up the Slimline trigger section. Thanks for the heads up!
Yall might not have heard of them yet but Tactical Pontoon is a rising new Glock trigger star. Much better than Johnny Glock IMO.
A few of you folks have mentioned them. We hope to get our hands on one or two triggers from them and toss them into this article at some point.
Weaton Arms makes one of the finest triggers for glocks PERIOD.
We will definitely keep them in mind as we continue to add triggers to this article. Thanks for stopping by and reading!
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
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.