Glock 17 trigger is horrible. Options? Apex trigger and LTT trigger job maybe?

[Snidely Whiplash]

Wife got me a Glock 17 (Gen 5) FDE with the black slide for Christmas. I love this Glock but…..

This gun has the worst trigger ever. It has not even the hint of any wall, it’s just inconsistent mush and drag from start to finish with no idea of when it will fire.

I’m not very handy myself so I’m trying to figure what options might be available. I’m thinking maybe sending it to Langdon for the Apex Tactical Trigger and LTT trigger job might be a good solution? Would this resolve the issue completely and maintain the bulletproof Glock reliability? Any better options?

Thanks for any advice or insights!

[Squib308]

Many of us like a trigger with no wall, so I would recognize this as simply matter of preference not a defect of your glock’s trigger. I’d also suggest putting a case of ammo through that new G17 before deciding it needs aftermarket parts (aka downgrades) of any type.

[4RNR]

I would first go to the store and handle a few others, just in case. Maybe you have a defective one. If that's the case send it back to Glock.

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[mcgivro]

I recently put a Timney Alpha trigger in my Gen 5 34 and it’s a big upgrade from stock.

[GJM]

Mid January, the new Glock OEM performance trigger should be out there

[RJ]

If you can, take it apart and see what’s causing the issue. Apex makes good parts, but it IS a Glock staplegun, basically.


https://youtu.be/kxtz95lWRvU

[modrecoil]

Apex would be my choice for reliability. I haven't had a perfect experience with any other aftermarket Glock trigger system. Timney Alpha triggers are great (I have two) but reliability varies and they're too light for carry or defensive uses, in my opinion.

I've also never shot a stock Glock trigger with no detectable wall at all. Not without aftermarket parts or DIY work. I'd make sure your sample isn't defective.

[MRW]

I would take it apart and see if you can find what is causing the issue. It doesn't sound like a normal Glock trigger pull. Even a routine field strip and inspection might give you an idea of what is going on.

[Brianjkeene]

Mid January, the new Glock OEM performance trigger should be out there

I’ve heard of it but haven’t heard any specific details. Do we know what to expect from it?

[JAH 3rd]

As stated above, compare your trigger to other Glocks 17 or 19. Shoot it, a couple hundred rounds, and see how it feels. If you’re not satisfied, contact Glock and see what they say. Those aftermarket parts will still be available if you decide to go that route.

[GJM]

I’ve heard of it but haven’t heard any specific details. Do we know what to expect from it?

From reading the tea leaves, Gen 5, drop in kit, under $100, flat face, no reduction in pre travel, like a lighter dot connector.

[breakingtime91]

From reading the tea leaves, Gen 5, drop in kit, under $100, flat face, no reduction in pre travel, like a lighter dot connector.

Well then... thanks gjm

[revchuck38]

Many of us like a trigger with no wall, so I would recognize this as simply matter of preference not a defect of your glock’s trigger. I’d also suggest putting a case of ammo through that new G17 before deciding it needs aftermarket parts (aka downgrades) of any type.

+1. I'm an old revolver shooter, and the stock trigger on my G45 feels just fine. A wall in a DA or DA-ish trigger is also known as a hitch, and is something one pays a gunsmith to get rid of. Like Squib308 suggested, put some rounds through it before deciding it needs to be worked on.

[JSGlock34]

From reading the tea leaves, Gen 5, drop in kit, under $100, flat face, no reduction in pre travel, like a lighter dot connector.

Definitely the product I'm most interested in seeing debut at SHOT this year.

I've found my GEN5 triggers to be strangely inconsistent. My G19 and G34 have very good triggers, but my G45's trigger pull deteriorates as the gun is used and takes a good cleaning to restore. I really want to try the new trigger for it.

[M2CattleCo]

Definitely the product I'm most interested in seeing debut at SHOT this year.

I've found my GEN5 triggers to be strangely inconsistent. My G19 and G34 have very good triggers, but my G45's trigger pull deteriorates as the gun is used and takes a good cleaning to restore. I really want to try the new trigger for it.


I jumped on the Gen5s in ‘17, have been them almost exclusively since. Have had more than a reasonable number of them. The triggers are very inconsistent from gun to gun and they all seem to be as good as they’ll ever be when they’re new, and at best they stay the same, but too many time deteriorate as the round count goes up.

[GJM]

While it's unlikely to influence what Mr. Glock has to eat next month, I suspect that Glock will sell a surprisingly large number of these triggers. May even cause people to upgrade to Gen 5 pistols just to get the new trigger.

[jlw]

The trigger on my Gen5 19 started out "not good" and unlike every other Glock trigger I've had, it got worse with live fire. I ultimately put a new connector and plunger in that had been coated with MP3 in it. It's better, but not what it should be.

Anecdotally, I found several reports of trigger bars dragging on frames in the Gen5 models.

[mizer67]

I have a few Gen 5's now and I really like the triggers. They're better than the typical Gen 4 trigger out of the box ever was.

I throw in a lighter connector to make it more of a smooth rolling break and they're about perfect, for me.

Ignore how it "feels", how does it perform? I didn't much care for how it "felt" when I first shot a Glock when they released the Gen 4's in ~2010, but I couldn't argue with the results I saw on paper and on the timer.

[KevH]

To the OP: Shoot the gun before you judge the trigger in a Glock (or go waste money on an aftermarket one).

I've never cared for how the Gen5 trigger feels when dry-firing it.

It seems to perform just fine in live fire.

I'm not surprised to hear they're coming out with a new OEM trigger option.

Glock has been resting on its laurels and lacking in innovation for the past 5 years.

It is only able to do that because for thirty years they set the bar and they're still a good reliable gun.

[Snidely Whiplash]

I sure appreciate everyone taking the time to reply and help. Very much appreciated.

I’m not sure I’m describing it correctly but it’s nothing like my other two Glock 19’s. It’s not feeling like there is something mechanically wrong it’s just an inconsistent trigger feel that’s not at all like either of my other two Glocks, or like I’ve ever felt on a Glock at a gun store. I’m going to try to get to the range this week and see how it performs.

This is interesting about the Glock factory trigger upgrade. For this gun that is definitely something I would be interested in.

[CarloMNL]

I sure appreciate everyone taking the time to reply and help. Very much appreciated.

I’m not sure I’m describing it correctly but it’s nothing like my other two Glock 19’s. It’s not feeling like there is something mechanically wrong it’s just an inconsistent trigger feel that’s not at all like either of my other two Glocks, or like I’ve ever felt on a Glock at a gun store. I’m going to try to get to the range this week and see how it performs.

This is interesting about the Glock factory trigger upgrade. For this gun that is definitely something I would be interested in.

The last three Glocks I bought in the past two years had heavily oiled striker channel areas. Made the trigger feel a little weird. Degreasing the area fixed things for me.

I will say that each trigger on my three Gen 5 Glocks feels different but I don't really notice these differences in live fire.

[revchuck38]

I ultimately put a new connector and plunger in that had been coated with MP3 in it.

Bet it sounds better, too. ;)

[Mark D]

I echo the advice above - put a few hundred rounds thru it.


Re Apex. I recently installed the Apex Action Enhancement kit into a Gen 3 G17, It took two attempts to get the connector tuned to the appropriate angle. So, counting the initial install, the trigger got installed 3x. It wasn't hard to do, but not exactly plug and play either. End result is very nice.

[Joe Mac]

Re: folks mentioning their gen 5 triggers getting worse with use.. There is a new point of friction to be mindful of: the trigger bar against the right side of the slide stop lever. That area needs to be kept clean and lubed. No need to disassemble the lower, just shoot some gun scrubber (or compressed air) in there, and a drop of lube between them.

[JHC]

Mid January, the new Glock OEM performance trigger should be out there

I've heard that will only be available in complete "competition" models of pistols; presumably the G34. (???)

[Nephrology]

The last three Glocks I bought in the past two years had heavily oiled striker channel areas. Made the trigger feel a little weird. Degreasing the area fixed things for me.

I will say that each trigger on my three Gen 5 Glocks feels different but I don't really notice these differences in live fire.

Really? Oil in the striker channel? That's explicitly verboten per glock armorer manual iirc

[WDR]

Really? Oil in the striker channel? That's explicitly verboten per glock armorer manual iirc

Every Gen 5 Glock I have purchased has had a lot of oil in the striker channel. It's more like 30 weight than CLP... I could see it gumming up the works. I cleaned that stuff out of all of mine after the first range trip or two.

So far, no Gen 5 trigger issues for me out of 4 guns.

[CarloMNL]

Really? Oil in the striker channel? That's explicitly verboten per glock armorer manual iirc

I know, right? My first G5 didn’t have this issue but the ones I got from 2021 to 2022 had oil everywhere. None of the usual copper grease/anti-seize anywhere.

[pangloss]

Getting back to the OP, just replacing the factory trigger bar is the a cheap option if you can find the part. I have two 19.5s and one 17.5. One of the 19s is on its third trigger bar in about 8K rounds.

Back when I used to worry about Glock triggers (a dozen or so years ago), I noticed that some trigger bars had a much smoother surface that interfaces with the striker block safety. That doesn't sound like the problem here but that aspect of the part to part variation at that time was visually observable.

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[Totem Polar]

Bet it sounds better, too. ;)

With a compressed trigger stroke and reset.

[ssc45]

Wife got me a Glock 17 (Gen 5) FDE with the black slide for Christmas. I love this Glock but…..

This gun has the worst trigger ever. It has not even the hint of any wall, it’s just inconsistent mush and drag from start to finish with no idea of when it will fire.

I’m not very handy myself so I’m trying to figure what options might be available. I’m thinking maybe sending it to Langdon for the Apex Tactical Trigger and LTT trigger job might be a good solution? Would this resolve the issue completely and maintain the bulletproof Glock reliability? Any better options?

Thanks for any advice or insights!

My first question is what role does this gun play? Duty, ccw, home defense or safe queen for the range only? If only a range gun then you can experiment with different setups. I have 3 gen 5’s and the triggers are fine. Since two are play guns, I have the apex trigger set up. I am still disappointed that Glock has not offered a flat trigger. For ccw I will change just the shoe with an apex. I also have a few precision overwatch triggers.

When I get a new Glock I do a detail strip, clean and lube. On the connector where it contacts the trigger bar a use a dab of trigger slick and a drop of oil. I have had great results with over 20 glocks using this method.

YMMV, Cheers, Steve

[High Cross]

Many of us like a trigger with no wall, so I would recognize this as simply matter of preference not a defect of your glock’s trigger. I’d also suggest putting a case of ammo through that new G17 before deciding it needs aftermarket parts (aka downgrades) of any type.

out of curiosity, what is your preferred trigger reset method? I presume Roger's Flip and press as opposed to John Shaw's Slack out, or a slow reset post fire?

[Squib308]

out of curiosity, what is your preferred trigger reset method? I presume Roger's Flip and press as opposed to John Shaw's Slack out, or a slow reset post fire?

However one learns to shoot a DA revolver….I squeeze each shot and don’t bother working around a specific reset. This allows me to shoot any pistol without needing a specific trigger quality to connect with the target.

[JonInWA]

I'd suggest performing a detailed disassembly, and particularly to apply a grease or TW25B to the metal-on-metal interfacing surfaces on the triggerbar and connector.

Best, Jon

[CarloMNL]

I'd suggest performing a detailed disassembly, and particularly to apply a grease or TW25B to the metal-on-metal interfacing surfaces on the triggerbar and connector.

Best, Jon

I tried this after reading your post. My triggers are ok but I did notice a slight improvement. Thanks for the tip.

[mizer67]

I'd suggest performing a detailed disassembly, and particularly to apply a grease or TW25B to the metal-on-metal interfacing surfaces on the triggerbar and connector.

Best, Jon

In addition to greasing the connector interface, on the Gen 5's, it's been my experience it's important to grease where the trigger bar (potentially) rides against the right side slide stop as well. Greasing this point removes some drag/grit in the trigger pull if the two surfaces are touching.

[littlejerry]

Mid January, the new Glock OEM performance trigger should be out there

Sorta tangent...

I remember reading that you and some others decided not to use minus connectors on Gen5s.

I tried a minus in my G5 19 today and agree, it's a spongy mess. I was disappointed because I'm my G44 the minus actually gave it a really nice pull. Lightbulb moment! Tearing down both the 44 and 19 it appears that they use different trigger bars and striker springs. My guess is the heavier spring plays well with the minus connector in the 44.

Now I'm off to order a spring kit so I can test a 5.0lb+dot combo vs a 6lb+minus combo.

[Snidely Whiplash]

Again, I very much appreciate all the tips and advice. Thank you!

I put 100 rounds through the gun yesterday and when I got home called Glock and arranged for it to be sent in and looked at. There is a consistent mushy pull interrupted by hitches or stickiness at some spots (but again, nothing resembling a wall or break) that kinda makes me have no idea where the gun will fire. The Glock rep I spoke with was very helpful and gave me zero hesitation in willingness to take a look at it.

I hate to show my ignorance here and lack of mechanical knowledge and ability, but is there a YouTube video or something that shows minor disassembly / reassembly or servicing of the trigger bar, connector, etc. like some of you guys are suggesting? I can competently field strip and clean my Glocks, and even on occasion can strip the slide down for some cleaning / maintenance, but I’m scared to death to interact with any of the lower frame components. I’ll clean as best I can with CLP and a Qtip, and put a drop of oil on the connector and rails afterwards, but I’m scared of doing anything more.

[BillSWPA]

Again, I very much appreciate all the tips and advice. Thank you!

I put 100 rounds through the gun yesterday and when I got home called Glock and arranged for it to be sent in and looked at. There is a consistent mushy pull interrupted by hitches or stickiness at some spots (but again, nothing resembling a wall or break) that kinda makes me have no idea where the gun will fire. The Glock rep I spoke with was very helpful and gave me zero hesitation in willingness to take a look at it.

I hate to show my ignorance here and lack of mechanical knowledge and ability, but is there a YouTube video or something that shows minor disassembly / reassembly or servicing of the trigger bar, connector, etc. like some of you guys are suggesting? I can competently field strip and clean my Glocks, and even on occasion can strip the slide down for some cleaning / maintenance, but I’m scared to death to interact with any of the lower frame components. I’ll clean as best I can with CLP and a Qtip, and put a drop of oil on the connector and rails afterwards, but I’m scared of doing anything more.

As you are pushing the frame pins out, keep in mind that the trigger pin has two circumferential grooves. One of these two grooves interacts with the slide stop to keep the pin in place. Before resorting to a hammer on the punch (last resort), try sliding the slide stop around to take the slide stop out of the groove while pushing on the pin with a punch. Once the slide stop is out of the groove, the pin may move much more easily.

Glocks are really simple to disassemble and reassemble.


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[JAH 3rd]

Just go to YouTube and in the search box type Glock Gen 5 slide disassembly or frame disassembly. Also search frame reassembly. Then slide reassembly. Glock is well designed for ease of both. Just look at several videos on the same topic and prepare to be enlightened!

[RJ]

https://youtu.be/FN9a-4pp6dQ

Snidely Whiplash

[Snidely Whiplash]

Awesome! Thanks a lot guys!

[RJ]

Snidely Whiplash

Buy this tool if you don’t have one. It should be ALL you need for the disassembly. You SHOULD NOT need to use a hammer on Glock pins. Go slow. Take your time.

Glock OEM DISASSEMBLY Tool

https://a.co/d/2I9m0ST