How to Choose an Aftermarket Pistol Trigger

Upgrading the trigger on a pistol is a common modification done to improve trigger take-up, trigger feel, trigger reset, pull weight, and more. There are many ways to improve your pistol trigger, including changing the trigger spring, trigger shoe, trigger bar, or the whole assembly to achieve the benefits you desire. This is one of the best upgrades you can make on a handgun, as you'll feel the difference every time you shoot.

How Does a Pistol Trigger Work?

When you begin to slowly pull the trigger on your pistol, you will likely notice a brief distance where the trigger is easy and smooth before you meet any sort of resistance. This brief distance of smoothness is known as trigger take-up. Once you reach that point of initial resistance, you are at what is known as the wall. The wall is the point right before the trigger breaks and will feel solid, not spongy. Once at the wall, you will then have to exert anywhere from two to six pounds of force to break the trigger.

This is when the firearm will fire as the sear is released. Once fired, you may experience more of a smooth, spongy feel again moving past the break. This is known as overtravel. After completely pulling the trigger to the rear, you will begin to release the trigger until an audible click is heard. At this point, the trigger has reset, and the process can begin again.

What Does A Trigger Upgrade Do?

There are many ways you can upgrade the trigger on your pistol that vary in cost and effectiveness. Those who are more budget-minded or are only looking to improve one or two aspects of their trigger can just purchase smaller trigger components to improve a specific part of their trigger. For example, if you only want to decrease the pull weight of your OEM trigger, you can purchase an upgraded trigger connector and install it into your OEM assembly. This is much cheaper than replacing the whole assembly and reduces your pull weight. Upgrading OEM springs such as the firing pin spring, trigger spring, and firing pin safety spring can also reduce your pull weight and increase the smoothness of your trigger.

Buying a new trigger shoe can improve the look and feel of your trigger. The trigger shoe is the trigger part that your finger makes contact with and is visible externally. Depending on the type of pistol you have, you can purchase flat-faced or curved triggers to improve your firing ergonomics. Choosing between a flat or curved trigger is typically based on personal preference. Many aftermarket companies offer unique color options for trigger shoes as well, allowing you to personalize your firearm.

The most expensive and effective option is to replace your entire trigger assembly. These assemblies can be purchased as kits and include most, if not all, components to replace your OEM assembly. Trigger kits come with gun parts such as the trigger shoe, trigger bar, trigger connector, and all necessary springs. An entire upgraded assembly will improve all aspects of your trigger by reducing pull weight, increasing smoothness, improving trigger reset, and more. There are even adjustable triggers that can allow you to dial in the amount of take-up and overtravel your trigger has in order to tailor the trigger to your preferences.

Is It Worth Upgrading Your Pistol Trigger?

Depending on the type of pistol you have, and your intended use for it, it may not be entirely necessary to upgrade the trigger or its components. Some pistols come from straight the factory with upgraded triggers that have been extensively tested and are proven to work effectively. Micro-compact pistols typically come with heavier triggers right out of the box as they are intended for self-defense and everyday carry. Upgrading to a lighter trigger on a concealed carry pistol can be more dangerous to the user as it is easier to fire the pistol due to the lightened pull. On top of that, changing components in your trigger can alter its factory safety mechanisms and no longer make the pistol drop-safe depending on the parts that were changed. 

On the other hand, competition handguns benefit greatly from an upgraded trigger assembly so that you can fire faster without sacrificing accuracy. These pistols are not intended to be carried by the user everyday, as they are typically only fired in safe, controlled environments. Duty guns may also benefit from upgraded triggers and are usually safer to upgrade since they are carried off the body in an OWB holster rather than inside your waistband. Another factor to consider is if your pistol uses a manual safety. A manual safety will provide increased protection against accidental or negligent discharges and can allow the user to use an upgraded trigger in a safer manner.

Choosing the Best Pistol Trigger

Upgraded gun triggers provide shooters with faster split times, better control, increased accuracy, more comfortable ergonomics, and improved functionality. Depending on the type of pistol you are planning on upgrading, it may not be necessary to install an entirely new trigger assembly. Carry guns, for example, are known to have heavier pull weights in the name of safety. Upgrading certain pistol parts in your OEM trigger assembly is effective at improving certain aspects of your trigger while remaining relatively affordable. Upgrading the entire assembly will yield the most positive results but at a higher cost. We recommend focusing on the aspects of your trigger that you wish to improve. That way, you will have a better understanding of what parts you can purchase in order to upgrade your trigger.