2023 has been an exciting year for Glock. They have announced new products that have generated conversations and interest, starting with several new model releases that include new calibre pistols in the Generation 5 line-up and a newly released full-sized pistol - their Glock 47 (Which has recently made an appearance in South Africa).

The Main Performer

While there is a lot to be excited about from Glock, my main attraction was the unveiling of the Glock Performance Trigger system, the anticipation of getting my hands on one of these systems was grueling but well worth the wait.

The system exceeds anything that I expected.

As they arrived I excitedly installed one into my Glock 17 Gen5 and began investigating the design, and simply learning how it works and what it does to deliver such an impressive outcome. For me, the journey of anything new always begins with diligence in understanding what it changes, and how that relates to other changes in configuration. This time it all started with exchanging connectors to test the listed configurations on the packaging the trigger is supplied in.

The Plot

The Glock Performance Trigger, often referred to as the “GPT” introduced a completely new system, compatible only with the 9mmP, Generation 5 series of Glock pistols. It replaces the entire group of trigger components contained in the frame. The kit comes with a replacement Trigger Mechanism Housing, with a factory DOT connector installed, along with the newly incorporated sear group. Because of the system changes, a new trigger bar assembly is supplied too. Interestingly, the new trigger shoe is Glock’s very own variation of a “flat face” that is favoured by many shooters over the traditionally radiused trigger found in Glocks. I liked this Glock version of the flat face trigger and I believe that it serves the trend and desire in the market.

Unsurprisingly, the three mechanical safeties that feature in all other Glock pistols are included and fully functional, protecting the Safe-Action in Glocks. This comprises of the Trigger Safety, Firing Pin Safety and last, but certainly important to the Glock Safe-Action, is the drop safety but now in a game-changing product that provides a trigger group offering a “glass rod” like break.

Escalating tension

I found that, due to the introduction of the sear, altering or installing lighter aftermarket springs has little or no improvement on the trigger pull weight. Changing the connector, though, has far greater influence on trigger pull weight.

My initial testing with a variety of Glock factory connectors all weighed in fairly consistent with what the packaging had listed. Keeping in mind that the results could vary depending on several factors, including the specific connector that was installed, manufacturing tolerances on components and how they may integrate with one another, or simply how much wear the components in the ignition system have on them. When we get down into the bones of the mechanics and how they interface or influence each other the variables increase tremendously, generating the small variations documented in testing and data capturing.

The testing started with a GLOCK 47, unfired to get the best most reputable results on the trigger pull testing. Remember that wear and tear on components can have adverse effects when comparing results and statistics combined in this instance with the testing equipment and tools available to use for the testing could influence the results too.

GLOCK 47 - New Pistol, Complete Factory Specs & Build

Next up was a high round count Glock 17. As you can see, trigger weights dropped significantly.

GLOCK 17 - High Round Count, Factory Specs

The Supporting Act

Something many may not consider exchanging is the newly introduced flat-faced trigger installed on the GPT, with another unit, compatible with the original Glock trigger bar, such as the APEX or Timney Trigger Shoes. This yields some interesting improvements, provided that it is correctly installed onto the GPT trigger bar by a gunsmith who knows what he is doing.

While exchanging the trigger shoe will have no significant impact on the actual pull weight of the trigger system,  the installation of an appropriate - and reputable - trigger shoe like the Timney or APEX does improve the feel and feedback of the trigger for many shooters. This makes for a more comfortable and predictable trigger finger placement and feedback from the trigger, including trigger reset. While for others, the improvement with an installed aftermarket trigger shoe would simply be reaching the trigger with better consistency and allowing the shooter to better apply the proper trigger manipulation fundamentals.

Wrap up

My personal choice for my Competition Gen5 was the Timney shoe. It fits into the Glock Performance Trigger well, easily and offers me the best opportunity to reach the trigger without exceeding my limits. I like that the Timney Shoe feels narrower, which in turn affords me more consistent feedback and placement of my trigger finger on the trigger. Last, but not least, the Timney design fits the aesthetic of my Glocks very well.

No Glocks were hurt during the making of this feature.

Always keeping in mind that any modification or adjustment to the mechanical function of a firearm should be done by a competent and understanding Gunsmith or appropriately qualified armorer.