Trigger Types (and Issues)

The “feel” of a trigger is an important consideration for any handgun. And this includes factors such as:

• Trigger Operation (fulcrum/hinged or “straight slide” triggers)
• Trigger “pull” (force required to release the firing pin)
• Trigger Face Design (Straight or Curved)

There are primarily two different types of trigger operations:

• Fulcrum or Hinged triggers, or
• Straight Slide triggers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1VD1D1hLsQ

Straight Slide
The “straight slide” was popularized by the 1911 pistol.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjQrhDKDWFk

<note>Many, including myself, consider the “straight slide” trigger superior to every “fulcrum/hinged” trigger. However, at this point, the 1911 is the only pistol design that I am aware of with a “straight slide” trigger.

However, if you want something other than a 1911, consider that a “fulcrum/hinged” trigger is actually a lever. If you DON'T put your finger in the same place every time, the force required to fire the pistol will be different every time. While a curved trigger face will always guide (index) your finger into the same position, that may not be “your” preferred position. In contrast, a straight trigger allows you the flexibility to determine where you best like placing your trigger. Many people who prefer the 1911 “straight slide” trigger will slide their finger along the inside bottom of the trigger guard to approximate the “feel” of a “straight slide” trigger - even though that may not be where they would ordinarily place their finger.</note>