III. Firearm Information by Type

C. Semi-Automatic Pistols

2. Models and Manufacturers

g. Glock

4. Glock Triggers
by Peter Alan Kasler (tmi@crl.com)

From: Peter Alan Kasler
e-mail: tmi@crl.com
USmail: 800 West Napa Street
Sonoma, CA 95476

Voice: 707-939-0303
Fax: 707-939-8684
TMI BBS: 707-935-1713

Glock pistols are available with a variety of trigger force options. There are two ways in which trigger force can be affected: by changing a part called the connector, and by changing another part called the trigger spring.

Although there are actually three connectors (5 lb, 8 lb, and 3.5 lb), the factory only allows two (5 lb and 8 lb) to be installed in models other than the 17L and the model 24. Connectors are identified as follows: the 3.5 lb connector has a "-" stamped on the small arm, the 8 lb has a "+" stamped in the same place, and the 5 lb connector has no marking.

There are also three choices of trigger springs: the original coil-type, and two different New York trigger springs. The NYT+ spring adds ~5.5 lbs. to the connector weight, making a total trigger force required when using the 5-lb. connector (the only one recommended by Glock to be used with either NYT springs) of ~10.5-11 lbs. When using the standard NYT spring, which adds ~3 lbs., with the 5-lb. connector, the total trigger force required is ~8 lbs.

Glock vehemently cautions against combining an 8 lb connector with a "+" New York trigger spring.

Any Glock Certified Armorer can supply these parts as well as install them. Trigger springs can be changed in a couple of minutes, literally. Connectors require about 5 minutes to change. Trigger springs cost about $2.00 and connectors cost about $6.00.

Glock triggers, i.e., trigger-pull forces, are controlled and manipulated unlike other pistols. Here's how it works:

  1. One of the two parts that set trigger-pull force is called the connector. Glock makes them in three forces (weights): 3.5, 5, and 8 pounds. The 3.5 pound connector must be installed only on the Model 17L and the 24, according to Glock.
  2. The other trigger-pull force controlling device is the trigger spring. It can be the original type, i.e., a coil-type spring between the trigger mechanism housing and the trigger bar (sear plate portion), or a New York trigger which replaces the coil-type and is mounted inside the trigger mechanism housing, and doesn't actually connect the housing to the sear plate, but instead applies pressure to the underside of it.