Aluminum VS Polymer Trigger Shoe [Handgun Use]

In this aluminum vs polymer trigger shoe guide, let's talk about the major pros and cons of them for pistol applications. Some handgun shooters believe that because aluminum is a metal, it's automatically superior to polymer.

In reality, that isn't 100% true. Here is some examples of when a polymer trigger shoe maybe better.

Aluminum Trigger Shoe

Handguns with aluminum trigger shoes like Shadow System MR920, Beretta M9, 1911, Sig P320 and others

Pros

• Aluminum Triggers Offer Better "Feel". This is subjective. Some shooters prefer the feel of an aluminum trigger, while others prefer polymer.
• Dampens recoil impulse on trigger finger (that snappy and numbing sensation)
• Feels rock solid on a subcompact size handgun
• Corrosion resistant

Cons

• Rapid firing just 100 rounds makes the trigger shoe extremely hot to place trigger finger on there (Unless wearing gloves)
• While aluminum is denser than polymer, the difference in weight for a small component like a trigger shoe is often negligible. The design and thickness of the trigger play a more significant role in its weight.
• While metal can feel cold in low temperatures, the small size and quick adaptability of a trigger shoe mean that any initial cold sensation is fleeting when the firearm is in use.

Polymer Trigger Shoe

Many handguns on the market feature polymer trigger bow like Springfield XD, M&P, Glock, Echelon, PDP and many more.

Pros

• Many modern firearms designed for military, police, and professional competition use polymer components, including triggers. Their performance in these demanding scenarios attests to their reliability and suitability.
• High volume shooting doesn't heat up the trigger shoe
• As good as aluminum trigger when trained

Cons

• May feel cheap
• Depend on the caliber and the gun size, some polymer trigger shoes can feel a bit numbing on the trigger finger when firing