Re-engineering triggers is the dominant tuning measure for handguns. A high trigger weight ensures that more movement is introduced into the gun during firing, thus bringing it out of the target line. With polymer frames, usually much more so than with all-steel pistols. Here's an example: with a CZ 75 Shadow 2, the factory trigger weight in single-action mode is roughly equal to the pistol's total weight – the ratio is almost 1:1. With a polymer pistol, such as a Glock G17 with a total weight of about 700 grams and a trigger weight of about 2.1 kg, the ratio tips toward an unfavorable 3:1 factor. This is also one reason why beginners in particular usually achieve better hit results with all-steel guns. However, this is not about the fundamental discussion of steel versus polymer pistols, but about the latest match trigger for the most popular service pistol.
Many companies offer trigger tuning products for Glock pistols – now Glock is following suit too
Because Glock is a "big player" on the LE/military and civilian market, especially in the USA, many U.S. companies such as Ghost, Lone Wolfe, Timney or ZEV offer products for trigger tuning. They offer everything, from inexpensive spring replacements to fully configured, expensive drop-in kits in every price range. To understand what makes the Glock Performance Trigger so different, let's take a brief look at the special features of the "Safe Action" trigger system. Glock relies on a partially pre-cocked striker for its pistols. A partial amount of striker spring pre-cocking occurs when the slide is closed, and the operator applies the remaining amount pulling the trigger. Most match triggers are designed to minimize the shooter's entry with a modified-angle trigger or striker spring.
However, possibilities are very limited. If the striker spring power is reduced, ignition failures can quickly occur. As with other tuning triggers on the market, the striker of the new Glock Performance Trigger is fully cocked when the slide is closed. This transforms the Glock with a pre-cocked trigger system into a pure single-action pistol. This naturally provides better conditions for a low trigger weight. In addition, you should not have to make any compromises in terms of ignition power.
Evaluation of the Glock Performance Trigger: trigger weight diagram and measured values
It is always quite difficult to evaluate a trigger system qualitatively according to subjective impressions. With a high preferred weight or a wide trigger shoe, a trigger can quickly be perceived as light. For several years now, we have been using the Triggerscan system, which records a trigger weight diagram from the first point of contact to the release, thus enabling a more accurate analysis. The first time we fired a G34 equipped with the Glock Performance Trigger (GPT) it put a grin on our faces and we were curious to see where the measured values would settle. We determined exactly 1,844 grams as an average of 10 measurements, which is even slightly below the factory specification of 2,000 grams. By the way, the GPT is equipped with the dot-marked connector, which is found in all Gen5 variants. When the in-house (-) connector is installed, such as is found as standard in the sporty G34/35 models, you should be able to reduce trigger weight by another 100 grams, according to factory specs.
We measured a pleasant 1,686 grams on average here. This raises the question of whether the striker impact on the primer is sufficiently deep for the gun to function safely at all times, which is not always the case with tuned triggers. With 0.3 mm, no problems are to be expected here and the value would even satisfy the technical police guidelines. Of course, the easy-to-install GPT drop-in trigger can also be combined with the company's other (+) connectors, which should then deliver a higher trigger weight between 2,300 and 3,200 grams with modified characteristics. We compared the GPT to a tuning trigger, which we believe is the optimum in trigger qualities for the Austrian service pistol. It was able to reduce the trigger weight once again and settled at 1,483 grams, especially since its trigger travel is two millimeters shorter than the Glock Performance Trigger. However, in terms of reset travel, i.e. the distance until the trigger engages again after release, the two are no different. Unlike the tuning trigger, the GPT does not have to do without the standard drop safety.
Glock Performance Trigger: technical requirements, measured values, price
We shot a few bill/dot drills to be able to better evaluate the GPT according to subjective perception as well. There is no question that the GPT is pleasing right away. There were no malfunctions during the test. The trigger weight feels lower than the measured values, which is perhaps also thanks to the almost 10 mm wide trigger shoe. In addition, the safety lever integrated into the trigger blade is wider. Some shooters find the safety in the standard trigger almost cutting into the index finger during continuous use. We also shot the newcomer alternately against third-party tuning triggers. The shorter trigger travel and lower trigger weight of this trigger are barely noticeable in practice compared to the GPT. However, we liked the more powerful or positive reset of the GPT trigger better. By the way, the trigger wonder from Austria fits the 9mm models G17/19/26/34 and 19X/G45 as well as the brand new G47. Whether and when the GPT will also be available for Glocks of the earlier 3 and 4 generations as well as in other calibers, was unfortunately not yet determined at the time of writing.
Glock trigger systems measured values | |||
| Trigger type | Trigger weight* | Impact depth** | Comments |
| Gen 5 | 2,611 g | 0.3 mm | Standard Glock Gen 5 trigger |
| Performance Trigger | 1,844 g | 0.3 mm | Factory version |
| Performance Trigger | 1,686 g | 0.3 mm | With (-) connector |
* Mean of 10 measurements / ** Measurement in copper crusher cylinder according to technical guideline. | |||
Our test conclusion on the Glock Performance Trigger
It is fair to say that the Glock Performance Trigger is a "game changer". Anyone who has installed it once would not want to miss it again. Unlike some other manufacturers, Glock does not even make you pay dearly for this plus in performance. At 119 euros, it is a clear buy recommendation.
For more information please visit the Glock Performance Trigger webpage.
