60-Second Glock Trigger Job for Under $10 Bucks

One of the huge benefits of shooting Glocks is their simplicity. Modular construction and the wealth of both OEM and after-market parts means that pretty much anyone with even modest mechanical aptitude can customize their pistol to suit their needs without any specialized tools, skills, or training.

As one example, consider trigger weights. The stock Glock 17 comes from the factory with a claimed 5.5lb trigger pull. It’s probably a good starting weight and well suited middle-of-the-road starting point especially for the law enforcement community which tends to be more interested in limiting accidental discharges than in match-grade triggers. Sadly, on almost any other production pistol, this is what you’d be stuck with barring an expensive trigger job. But for competition shooters, we’ll likely opt for the lightest pull allowable.

On the Smith & Wesson M&P, lightening the trigger pull requires filing, polishing, and buffing various components including connectors and seers to tight tolerances. Burwell Gunsmithing has a 46-page .pdf instruction manual here for anyone interested in tackling the job -- or you can just pay them $65.00 plus shipping to do the work for you.

On a Glock, tweaking the trigger takes literally 60-seconds and under $10.00 while sitting at the kitchen table. Here’s how:

Step One: Buy a 3.5 lb trigger connector. I got mine from Midway USA for $9.99 here. Weights are available from 2.5-lbs up to 8, and for an extra $1.99 you can get a “New York” trigger spring which steps up the pull to 12-pounds (a configuration originally designed to mimic the feel of double-action revolvers to ease the transition for older NYPD Cops as they switched over to automatics). As a side note, I really like Midway for parts and accessories. Their online catalog is really easy to search and you can limit results by gun type so they only show you what fits on your specific make and model.

Step Two: UNLOAD THE GUN!! This should go without saying for anyone who owns a firearm, but people can be idiots so it bears repeating.

Step Three: Pop off the slide just like you do for cleaning, and then remove the single trigger housing pin at the top rear of the grip using a small punch. This pin should slide out easily so don’t force it.

Step Four: Gently pry up the entire trigger housing block (again, don’t force it). Pop out the old trigger connector and pop in the new one.

Step Five: Reverse the process by sliding the trigger housing back into the receiver, replace the pin, reinstall the upper slide assembly and you’re DONE.

Go out and shoot a few mags on your newly tweaked trigger! Don’t like it? Swap it back, go lighter, or go heavier. The option is yours and investment is minimal. One more reason to shoot Glock. Have fun!