Rifles aren’t the only firearms that benefit from aftermarket triggers, handguns do, too. In fact, some guns perform on an entirely new level by simply switching out that factory trigger for something smoother and lighter. There are more aftermarket handgun triggers on the market than you might realize, especially if you have something like a Glock. What’s the best handgun trigger option? We’ve narrowed it down to our top five, in no particular order.
Timney Triggers Alpha Competition Series for Glock Gen 3-4
Glocks are one of the platforms that regularly benefit from a trigger change. In fact, it’s the first part most shooters swap out. If you want a truly high-end, stellar-quality trigger for your Gen 3 or Gen 4 Glock, you have to check out the Timney Triggers Alpha Competition Series. This trigger has a three-pound pull weight set at the factory, which far outdoes the Glock factory pull weight. It is clean, crisp, and a pleasure to run. The trigger bar and sear are made from Teflon nickel for superior smoothness and the trigger itself is anodized aluminum. It is available in bronze, red, Timney Gold, silver, orange, purple, and green. Glocks benefit enormously from the use of this trigger and the results are clear on paper.
A precise Glock? Absolutely possible.
Apex Tactical Flat-Faced Forward Set Triggers for M&P M2.0
If you have a Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 and want to take the trigger to the next level, the Apex Tactical Flat-Faced Forward Set Trigger just might be the one for you. This is a drop-in handgun trigger designed to reduce pull weight by up to two pounds. According to Apex, it has smooth uptake, a clean break, and a brief reset. Trigger travel is reduced by around 40% when compared to that of the original, factory trigger for this gun. A center-mounted pivot safety maintains factory safety standards. It’s available in black, FDE, red, Thin Blue Line, Thin Blue Line Freedom Edition, Black Freedom Edition, FDE Freedom Edition, and Red Freedom Edition. Apex Tactical states there is no fitting required to install this trigger in the Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0.
Volquartsen Accurizing Kit for Ruger MKII, MKIII, and MKIII 22/45 Variants
The Ruger MKII and MKII are popular for their superior precision and design for plinking and target shooting with 22 LR. The guns have a distinctive design and have enjoyed several generations of advancement. Volquartsen provides an Accurizing Kit for the Ruger Mark II, Mark III, and Mark III 22/45 variants to give shooters the benefit of technological advancements with an improved trigger system. Use of this kit gives the user a 2.25-pound trigger pull weight with a glass rod crisp break that translates to impressive precision down range.
According to Volquartsen, there is no stoning or fitting required to install this kit. However, please note the extended bolt release and sear spring are not used when installing in a 22/45. The kit features adjustable pretravel and overtravel screws so the user can adjust it according to their preferences. This trigger is offered in black, silver, and gold.
Nighthawk Custom Drop-In Trigger System
Nighthawk’s Drop-In Trigger System is the first of its kind, giving 1911 users a drop-in option for improving their gun’s trigger. This kit replaces the gun’s existing hammer, hammer strut, sear, disconnector, and sear spring. The gun’s existing sear pin and hammer pin are kept and used along with this system. According to Nighthawk, the three-pronged sear spring isn’t needed for this system because the springs for the disconnector and sear are built right into the unit. There is a single-leg grip safety spring included with the Drop-In Trigger System for the purpose of replacing the existing sear spring.
This system requires minimal gunsmithing and, according to the company, can be installed in the same amount of time it would take to clean the gun. Trigger pull weight for this system is between 3.75 pounds and 4.0 pounds. No stoning is required to install the Drop-In Trigger System. The housing of this system is steel and all internal components are fully machined. Nighthawk offers this trigger in silver or black.
Grayguns P320 Adjustable Straight Trigger
If you’re one of the many people with a SIG Sauer P320, this is the trigger that takes your gun up a notch for performance. The Grayguns P320 Adjustable Straight Trigger is an exceptionally made high-quality aftermarket trigger and delivers undeniably fantastic results. The manufacturer states this trigger is meant for serious use and made to be durable enough to outlive the pistol itself.
Features include enhanced Leverage geometry reduces pull weight by 30% with stock springs, smoother takeup and reset, 90-degree sear release for optimal performance, and adjustable overtravel. It has a straight, flat-faced trigger. Grayguns says this system is designed to preserve all the manufacturer’s existing safety measures. Competition trigger kits with adjustable hybrid and adjustable straight triggers are also available. This trigger is offered in Black Oxide, TiN Gold, Nickel, and Oil Rubbed Bronze.
Choosing an aftermarket trigger doesn’t have to be difficult.
There are numerous quality options out there for a wide variety of handguns. Before you select a trigger stop and decide what the gun it’s being installed in is used for. That means considering details like what trigger pull weight a gun being carried for defensive purposes should have and just how light you want the trigger on a handgun being used for hunting. And if it’s for competition, just make sure the trigger meets the requirements for your division.
Don’t hesitate to upgrade your handgun trigger. It’s a simple way to significantly improve the gun’s feel and overall performance.
What’s your favorite aftermarket handgun trigger? Share your experiences in the comments section.
