While its long slide and optics-ready design offer an edge on Glock 34, the stock trigger often holds it back. Upgrading to a competition-grade trigger can significantly improve your accuracy and speed.
This guide will walk you through the top 6 trigger upgrades for the Glock 34 MOS, with a focus on competition suitability, budget considerations, and common complaints & issues that trigger upgrades address.
Best Glock 34 Triggers [Competition & General Use]
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Stock Glock triggers have a longer reset than needed for fast follow-ups. Aftermarket options shorten and sharpen the reset for quicker shots.
USPSA rules place no minimum trigger weight, and aftermarket triggers are allowed as long as you don’t disable any safety. This means you can install a 3–4 lb trigger. So when you see these on the product label, think competition ready.
Timney Alpha Competition Trigger (3 lb pull)
Pros:
- Extremely light ~3 lb break with minimal creep – about half the weight of a factory trigger.
- Very crisp, with a short take-up and positive (if slightly softer) reset.
- Flat-faced aluminum shoe with an integrated safety blade gives consistent finger placement and a clean break.
- Proven design with high reliability – tested to 10k rounds with no failures.
- No light primer strike
- Overall, one of the best-in-class for competition – often called “the best… on the market” for striker-fired guns
Cons:
- Higher cost (MSRP ~150–150–160).
- The break has a slight “rolling” feel before the snap).
- Reset, while short, is not as snappy (springy) as the OEM trigger
- Installation is straightforward but you must secure the sear housing properly (a small set screw holds it in the trigger housing – use the included wrench and Loctite).
- If mis-adjusted (e.g., trying to eliminate all pre-travel), you could compromise the drop safety, so follow instructions.
Best Use:
- USPSA (Production, Carry Optics, Limited) or IPSC competitions where rules allow a light trigger – this trigger excels at speed and long-range accuracy thanks to the crisp 3 lb break.
- Ideal for shooters who want the lightest possible pull for minimal disruption to their sights, and a trigger feel akin to a tuned 1911.
- Legal for USPSA divisions and IDPA ESP/CO. (Not IDPA SSP, since it’s an aftermarket trigger shoe.)
- Not recommended for daily carry or duty – this is a competition-only upgrade, trading some of the Glock’s forgiving take-up for a competition edge.
Installation:
- Drop-in module; comes with trigger shoe/bar, return spring, and a pre-assembled sear unit that drops into the Glock’s trigger housing.
- You’ll reuse the Glock factory connector.
- A competent DIYer can do it in minutes
- Double-check engagement and function tests (trigger reset, drop safety) after installation.
- When properly installed, it’s “bomb-proof” and requires no further tuning
ZEV Pro/Fulcrum Trigger Kit (Adjustable)
Premium kits like Timney Alpha or ZEV Fulcrum deliver competition-grade performance with 3 lb pulls, crisp 1911-like breaks, and minimal reset. These replace critical components (sear, trigger bar, springs) for drastically lighter, smoother triggers. Ideal for maximizing speed in matches, but require precise installation and are strictly for competition use—not defense
Pros:
- Smooth, light pull ~3 lbs with very short travel.
- ZEV has long been synonymous with Glock trigger upgrades – “ZEV created the market for Glock trigger upgrades,” and their triggers have won many championships.
- The Pro/Fulcrum kits include a tuned trigger bar, connector, and springs, all working together for a clean break.
- Notably, the ZEV trigger has a crisp and consistent pull, often described as one of the cleanest available in a Glock.
- Reset is short and tactile. Comes in both flat-face and curved variants
- The trigger shoe uses a riveted assembly for durability (prevents pin walking or loosening).
- Fully drop-in and maintains all factory safeties intact.
- Fine-tune pre-travel and overtravel to your liking – you can really dial it in.
Cons:
- Premium pricing is a bit confusing
- Adjustability requires time and patience to tune for the perfect feel – out of the box it works, but optimizing overtravel demands tiny Allen wrenches and Loctite.
- If set improperly, adjustment screws can cause reset or safety issues (adjust incrementally and test thoroughly).
- Without adjustment, some users report a slightly “spongy” pre-travel (ZEV leaves some take-up for reliability).
- The included light striker spring is meant for competition; using it risks light strikes with hard primers (many stick with the stock striker spring for 100% ignition, accepting a ~0.5 lb heavier pull).
- Ultra-light triggers demand proper maintenance, or it can cause accidents.
Best Use:
- Ideal for serious USPSA competitors or Glock enthusiasts seeking a top-tier trigger.
- Excels in sports like USPSA, 3-Gun, or Steel Challenge, where a fast, light trigger provides a competitive edge.
- IDPA-ESP legal and USPSA-approved for all pistol divisions.
- Perfect for tinkerers who enjoy fine-tuning triggers to their preference.
- Not recommended for carry/duty – ZEV notes it’s for competition use only.
Installation:
- Drop-in design, but the adjustable Fulcrum model requires setting two screws.
- Install the trigger bar assembly and springs per standard Glock procedure (ZEV provides a new connector and springs).
- Adjust pre-travel/overtravel screws with the slide off, following ZEV’s instructions.
- Requires patience but is straightforward for DIYers. Once set and Loctited, it’s “set-and-forget.”
- Maintenance mirrors stock Glocks – keep clean of debris.
- Known for reliability and longevity, with many users reporting thousands of rounds without issues.
Pros:
- A well-rounded upgrade balancing performance, cost, and safety.
- Reduces pull weight to ~4.0–4.5 lbs while vastly improving tactile feel.
- Take-up is greatly reduced and smoother, with a crisper break than stock (no “wall of mush”).
- Reset is short and definite.
- Preserves all factory safeties and uses a center-mounted pivoting safety for Glock-like reliability.
- Affordable complete kit (~$100).
- Ideal for shooters who compete and carry – competition-worthy yet safe for daily use.
- Polymer trigger doesn't burn finger after the whole gun gets too hot.
Cons:
- Not as light as competition-only triggers (~4.5 lbs vs. ~3 lbs).
- Break is still somewhat “Glock-like” – crisper but not a single-action glass rod break.
- Slight movement at the wall before breaking (some prefer this feedback).
- Trigger shoe is polymer (not aluminum), though this keeps costs lower.
Best Use:
- IDPA SSP or USPSA Carry Optics/Production where enhanced triggers are allowed but ultra-light pulls aren’t needed.
- Perfect for weekend competitors who also use their Glock defensively.
- Forgiving upgrade for new competitors – reliable and safe.
- “All-purpose” Glock trigger: smoother and lighter than stock, not over-the-top.
Installation:
- Straight drop-in kit (includes trigger shoe, bar, connector, and sometimes safety plunger/spring).
- No fitting required – follows standard Glock armorer procedures.
- Maintains Glock’s Safe Action system.
- Perform function tests (trigger safety, drop safety) post-installation.
- Reliable long-term with no additional adjustments.
Pros:
- Flat-face triggers encourage a straight-back press.
- Reduces pre-travel (~20%) and eliminates squishy feel.
- Crisp break (closer to a 1911 for a striker-fired gun).
- Uses OEM parts for reliability and drop safety.
- Excellent build quality (aluminum TAC or polymer PolyDat).
- Eliminates “trigger bite” with a flush safety blade.
Cons:
- Rare reports of reset issues due to tolerance stacking or debris.
- Higher price (~120–120–140) for primarily a shoe + bar.
- Pull weight remains ~4-4.5 lbs (needs lighter springs/connectors for sub-4 lbs).
- No adjustability for pre-travel.
Best Use:
- IDPA SSP or USPSA Production where compliance and reliability are critical.
- Competition-capable trigger trusted for duty/carry.
- Versatile for shooters who use one Glock for everything.
Installation:
- Drop-in replacement for trigger shoe/bar.
- Uses OEM springs/connector unless modified.
- Optional lighter safety plunger spring for smoother take-up.
- Test trigger safety and reset post-installation.
Agency Arms Drop-In Trigger (Gen 5)
Pros:
- Super-smooth “rolling” break with no hard wall.
- Flat-faced shoe with curved bottom for consistent finger placement.
- Crisp ~4.5 lb pull with polished bar and tuned connector.
- Maintains factory safeties and reliability.
- Aesthetically sleek design.
Cons:
- Expensive (~$135).
- Rolling break may not appeal to shooters preferring a defined wall.
- Rare reset issues if tolerance stacking occurs.
- Pull weight remains moderate (~4-5 lbs).
Best Use:
- USPSA Production/Carry Optics shooters prioritizing smooth pulls.
- Tactical training or mixed-use Glocks (competition + carry).
- Ideal for shooters who dislike sudden breaks.
Installation:
- Drop-in design with included connector.
- Ensure proper geometry to avoid reset issues.
- Test live-fire reliability before competition use.
Ghost 3.5 Connector & Spring Kit (Budget DIY Upgrade)
For a budget-friendly upgrade, start with an aftermarket connector (e.g., Ghost 3.5, ~20)andspringkit( 20)andspringkit( 15). This combo reduces pull weight to 3.5–4 lbs and smooths the break for under $50.
While it lightens the trigger, it retains the Glock’s signature feel—just less mushy. Won’t transform it, but a solid first step.
Pros:
- Affordable (~$40) with noticeable improvement.
- Reduces pull to ~3.5-4.0 lbs using OEM-compatible parts.
- Legal in IDPA SSP and USPSA Production.
- Retains factory reliability and reversible.
Cons:
- Retains stock trigger feel (pre-travel, take-up).
- Light striker springs risk reliability with hard primers.
- Minor fitting may be needed for Ghost connectors.
Best Use:
- Budget-conscious competitors or casual shooters.
- IDPA SSP/USPSA Production where internal mods are allowed.
- First upgrade for Glock owners new to competition.
Installation:
- Swap connector and springs (Ghost Edge may need filing).
- Test reliability with live ammo after adjustments.
Common Issues With Glock Triggers To Beaware
- Light Primer Strikes: Overly light springs or altered sear geometry may misfire on hard primers. High-end kits (e.g., Timney) address this via redesigned striker engagement.
- Drop Safety Risks: Aggressive mods (e.g., removing pre-travel) can disable safeties. Always test drop safety post-installation.
- Failure to Reset: Some triggers may not reset if poorly fitted. Ensure proper connector angle and polish contact points.
- Installation Complexity: Adjustable triggers (e.g., ZEV Fulcrum) require precise tuning. Follow instructions meticulously or consult a gunsmith.