Glock Gen 5 pistols have earned a reputation for reliability and accuracy, but many shooters find the factory trigger to be a bit underwhelming. The good news is that upgrading your Glock Gen 5 trigger is relatively straightforward and can significantly improve your shooting experience. This guide explores the best Glock Gen 5 triggers available, helping you choose the perfect upgrade for your needs and budget. We'll cover everything from the subtle improvements to major overhauls, ensuring you find the best trigger for your shooting style.
Understanding the Glock Gen 5 Trigger
Before diving into specific upgrades, let's understand the factory Glock Gen 5 trigger. It's known for its consistent and reliable operation, a hallmark of Glock's design philosophy. However, many shooters find it to be somewhat heavy, gritty, and with a long travel. This can impact accuracy and speed, especially for those who prefer a crisper, shorter trigger pull. The relatively heavy pull weight can also lead to fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
The Gen 5 trigger's design features a safe action system, meaning there is no manual safety. This contributes to the gun's ease of use but also means the trigger mechanism is integral to the gun's safety. Therefore, any modification needs to be done carefully, ideally by a qualified gunsmith if you lack experience.
Top Glock Gen 5 Trigger Upgrades: A Detailed Look
The market offers a wide array of Glock Gen 5 trigger upgrades, catering to various preferences and skill levels. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best options, categorized for easier understanding:
1. Drop-In Triggers: Easy Installation, Immediate Improvements
Drop-in triggers are the easiest to install, requiring minimal gunsmithing skills. They directly replace the factory trigger components, offering a noticeable improvement without extensive modification.
- Apex Tactical Glock Trigger: Apex Tactical is a reputable brand known for producing high-quality Glock parts. Their triggers for the Gen 5 often focus on reducing trigger pull weight and travel, leading to a crisper, cleaner break. Many shooters appreciate the improved feel and control this offers.
- Ghost Inc. Glock Trigger: Ghost Inc. offers various trigger options for the Gen 5, with different pull weights available. They are generally less expensive than Apex triggers, but the quality is still quite good. The Ghost trigger generally improves the trigger's smoothness and reduces creep.
- Zev Technologies Glock Trigger: Zev Technologies is another high-end Glock parts manufacturer. Their triggers are known for their precision engineering and often focus on a lighter, more responsive trigger pull, ideal for competition shooters. However, they usually sit on the higher end of the price spectrum.
| Trigger Brand | Pull Weight Reduction | Smoothness Improvement | Cost | Installation Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex Tactical | Significant | Significant | High | Easy |
| Ghost Inc. | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Easy |
| Zev Technologies | Significant | Significant | High | Easy |
2. Advanced Upgrades: For Experienced Users Seeking Precision
These upgrades often require more technical knowledge or the assistance of a gunsmith. They involve replacing multiple components and offer more substantial changes to the trigger's feel and performance. This level of customization is typically favored by competition shooters or experienced individuals. These often involve trigger bars, connectors, and springs.
- Complete Trigger Kits: Many manufacturers offer complete kits that include multiple components designed to work together for optimal performance. These are usually more expensive but provide a more comprehensive upgrade.
- Custom Trigger Jobs: A skilled gunsmith can perform a custom trigger job, meticulously adjusting and polishing various parts for an extremely refined trigger feel. This is the most expensive option but offers the highest level of customization and precision.
Caution: Incorrect installation of advanced upgrades can compromise the firearm's safety and reliability. Proceed with caution and consider seeking professional assistance if you lack experience.
3. Addressing Common Concerns: Creep, Overtravel, and Reset
Many Glock Gen 5 trigger upgrades aim to address three common complaints:
- Creep: A gritty or sticky feeling before the trigger breaks. Many upgrades significantly reduce or eliminate this.
- Overtravel: The distance the trigger travels after the shot breaks. Upgrades often shorten this distance for faster follow-up shots.
- Reset: The distance the trigger needs to travel back to its firing position. Some upgrades aim to make the reset more tactile and quicker.
By addressing these issues, a properly upgraded trigger can dramatically improve accuracy and speed.
Choosing the Right Glock Gen 5 Trigger Upgrade
Selecting the best trigger depends on your budget, skill level, and shooting goals.
- Budget-conscious shooters: A drop-in trigger from Ghost Inc. offers a decent balance of price and performance improvement.
- Serious shooters seeking significant improvements: Apex or Zev triggers are excellent options, offering a noticeable improvement in trigger feel and performance.
- Competition shooters and enthusiasts: A custom trigger job from a skilled gunsmith offers the ultimate in precision and customization, but it is the most expensive option.
Remember to always follow safe gun handling practices and consult with a qualified gunsmith if you have any doubts or lack experience with firearm modifications. The right trigger upgrade can transform your shooting experience, but safety should always be the top priority.