Introduction
Is your Glock 17 feeling a little… stock? The Glock 17, renowned for its reliability and simple design, is a favorite among law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters alike. But even a firearm as iconic as the Glock 17 can benefit from a little fine-tuning. One of the most common and impactful upgrades you can make is to the trigger. A good trigger can dramatically improve your accuracy, shooting speed, and overall enjoyment of the shooting experience. This guide dives deep into the world of aftermarket triggers, exploring the various options available to elevate your Glock 17’s performance and help you find the best Glock 17 trigger for your individual needs.
The Glock 17’s inherent design prioritizes durability and simplicity. However, this often comes at the cost of trigger refinement. Many shooters find the stock trigger lacking in several key areas, prompting the search for upgrades. A better trigger is often the first and most impactful modification gun owners seek to accomplish for their Glock 17.
The quest for a superior trigger is a worthwhile endeavor for any Glock 17 owner. The benefits are numerous and can drastically change how you approach shooting.
Why Upgrade Your Glock 17 Trigger?
Let’s explore the common issues plaguing the standard trigger. The stock trigger pull is often perceived as heavy, generally around five to six pounds. This can make it more difficult to maintain control, especially during rapid fire. The travel distance, the amount the trigger moves before the shot breaks, is often long. This means it takes longer to fire, and can also lead to inconsistent shot placement. The “break,” the moment when the sear releases the striker and the gun fires, can feel mushy or gritty, making it difficult to predict the exact moment of firing.
Now let’s consider the advantages of an aftermarket trigger. An upgraded trigger often offers a lighter and more consistent pull weight. This can improve accuracy, allowing for more precise shot placement. Reduced trigger travel means the time it takes to fire a shot is decreased, which can be vital in competition or self-defense scenarios. A crisp and clean break, the sensation of a defined point when the shot is released, leads to a more consistent shooting experience and less flinching. A smoother pull action allows for more rapid, controlled follow-up shots, enabling quicker target acquisition and greater situational awareness.
Whether you’re a seasoned competitive shooter looking to shave fractions of a second off your times, a concealed carry permit holder seeking to enhance your control and accuracy, or a recreational shooter simply seeking to improve your range performance, an upgraded trigger can dramatically enhance the overall shooting experience.
Key Features to Consider
When selecting the best Glock 17 trigger, several factors should be carefully considered to ensure the optimal fit for your shooting style and intended use.
Trigger Pull Weight
Trigger pull weight directly impacts accuracy and control. A lighter pull weight makes it easier to maintain a steady sight picture and achieve precise shot placement, while a heavier pull weight can assist in preventing negligent discharges. Aftermarket triggers often offer adjustable pull weights, allowing you to fine-tune the trigger to your preferences and shooting discipline. The lower the pull weight the more it is geared towards competition shooting, as it will reduce the amount of effort needed to fire, allowing for more rapid shots. Factory triggers can range from 5-6 pounds, but some aftermarket trigger kits will take this to as low as 3 pounds, or even lower.
Trigger Break
The break is the critical moment when the sear releases the striker and the gun fires. A clean and crisp break is essential for predictable shot placement. A mushy or inconsistent break can lead to flinching and inconsistent shot groups. Look for triggers that provide a distinct and predictable break, giving you confidence in every shot.
Pre-Travel
Pre-travel refers to the distance the trigger moves before it engages the sear. A shorter pre-travel reduces the overall trigger travel and allows for a faster shot. It can also impact how you feel during the shot and reduce the “take up” phase of firing. Triggers with adjustable pre-travel allow you to fine-tune this aspect of the trigger pull.
Over-Travel
Over-travel is the distance the trigger moves after the shot breaks. Excessive over-travel can slow down follow-up shots and disrupt the reset. Many aftermarket triggers feature adjustable over-travel stops, allowing you to customize the trigger’s feel and optimize its performance.
Reset
Reset is the distance the trigger needs to move forward after firing before it can be pulled again. A short and positive reset allows for faster follow-up shots and improves the overall shooting rhythm. Triggers with a crisp, tactile reset are highly desirable for both competitive and defensive shooting.
Materials & Durability
The materials used in trigger construction and the overall build quality play a vital role in durability and reliability. Look for triggers made from high-quality materials, such as hardened steel or aircraft-grade aluminum, to ensure longevity and resistance to wear and tear.
Installation & Compatibility
Ease of installation and compatibility with other aftermarket components are crucial considerations. Some trigger upgrades are “drop-in,” meaning they can be installed without any gunsmithing. Others may require fitting or professional installation. Ensure the trigger you choose is compatible with your Glock 17 and any other aftermarket parts you have installed, like a new trigger housing.
Top Glock 17 Trigger Recommendations
Now, let’s explore some of the top contenders for the best Glock 17 trigger on the market, breaking them down by category to help you narrow down your search.
Drop-In Trigger Kits
This class of triggers is designed for a simple installation and quick upgrade. These kits often replace the entire trigger mechanism with all new parts, greatly enhancing the function of the gun.
For those seeking to elevate their Glock 17 trigger experience, the [Brand 1] trigger system is a noteworthy contender. This trigger is known for its smooth and consistent pull, typically offering a pull weight that’s lighter than the factory option, usually around four to five pounds. The break is crisp and predictable, and the reset is short and tactile. Its design often incorporates high-quality materials, providing exceptional durability and performance. The system offers drop-in installation, making it ideal for both beginner and intermediate shooters, wanting to improve the trigger function without spending a lot of time fitting different parts. This option is often lauded for its all-around balance of performance and value.
Another outstanding choice in the drop-in category is the [Brand 2] trigger. This system is built for speed and precision, making it an excellent choice for competitive shooters. It generally offers a significantly lighter trigger pull, potentially as low as three pounds, combined with a very short pre-travel and reset. The result is a trigger that facilitates incredibly fast and accurate follow-up shots. This trigger often features advanced designs that minimize friction and maximize responsiveness. While a bit more expensive than some other options, its features and performance make it a worthwhile investment for shooters seeking a competitive edge.
For those prioritizing safety and control, especially in defensive or carry situations, the [Brand 3] trigger kit provides an excellent balance of performance and reliability. This trigger system often has a slightly heavier pull weight than some competition triggers (e.g., 4.5 to 5.5 pounds), which can help reduce the risk of accidental discharges. It typically features a crisp break and a positive reset, ensuring reliable and consistent performance. Many carry-oriented triggers also feature enhanced safety features, such as a reduced pre-travel, while maintaining excellent levels of control. This option is often favored by law enforcement and civilian shooters prioritizing responsible gun ownership.
Trigger Shoes & Bar Upgrades
This option allows shooters to selectively upgrade the trigger’s shoe and bar, offering a cost-effective way to enhance trigger performance without replacing the entire system.
The [Brand 4] trigger shoe provides an improved feel and often a shorter trigger pull. It can be swapped without altering any parts of the rest of the gun, allowing for a customized shooting experience. This model often boasts a flat-faced design, which enhances trigger control and provides a more consistent pull. Installation is typically easy and requires minimal disassembly. The flat-faced design is a favorite among many shooters. The result is a more comfortable feel.
The [Brand 5] trigger bar can work together with a trigger shoe, and is often a solid upgrade for the gun owner. It allows a crisper break and often a shorter reset. While not always a standalone upgrade, it is a nice addition to a new trigger shoe.
Complete Trigger Assemblies
These provide a comprehensive solution for those seeking to completely overhaul their Glock 17’s trigger system.
The [Brand 6] trigger assembly presents a complete trigger upgrade, including the trigger shoe, trigger bar, and associated components. Designed to replace the complete factory system, this option often delivers significant improvements in trigger pull weight, break, and reset. The benefit of choosing a complete assembly is a full, cohesive upgrade, often providing a consistent and enhanced shooting experience. This complete setup is an excellent option if you’re looking to upgrade multiple components in one go, or have found that the factory setup doesn’t meet the needed performance requirements.
Installation & Maintenance
Installation and maintenance are important factors to consider. Most drop-in trigger kits come with easy-to-follow instructions. However, if you’re not comfortable with the installation, consider having a qualified gunsmith install it. Make sure you have the necessary tools, such as a punch set and a Glock disassembly tool. After installation, always test the trigger for proper function and safety. Cleaning and lubricating the trigger assembly regularly is essential for optimal performance and longevity.
Budget Considerations
The price of a Best Glock 17 Trigger can vary significantly. Budget-friendly options might start at around a hundred dollars, while premium trigger kits can cost several hundred dollars. The best trigger for you will balance your desired performance with your available budget. Do some research to ensure you’re getting the most out of the money.
Conclusion
In short, the goal is to find a trigger that fits your specific requirements.
The world of aftermarket triggers offers a vast array of options, allowing you to customize your Glock 17 to your precise preferences. You can significantly enhance your accuracy, shooting speed, and overall enjoyment of the shooting experience by choosing the best Glock 17 trigger that meets your needs.
Based on what we’ve discussed, if you’re looking for the best overall trigger, the [Brand 1] trigger offers a balanced approach that is a great choice for a variety of shooters. For concealed carry applications, the [Brand 3] offers a balance of performance and safety. If you are on a tight budget but still want a substantial upgrade, a trigger shoe upgrade is the best option for a good value.
Start shooting better today!
