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

“Fulcrum” or “Hinged” Triggers

“Fulcrum” or “Hinged” triggers function like a lever - where different pressure is required depending upon where your finger is on the trigger. This means that 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 order to improve consistency, many people will slide their finger along the inside bottom of the trigger guard to improve consistency in the pressure required to fire the pistol - even though that may not be where they would ordinarily prefer to place their finger. These people are often unaware that what they're doing is approximating the “feel” of a “straight slide” trigger (discussed below)

“Straight Slide” Triggers

Unlike the “fulcrum/hinged” trigger, the “straight slide” trigger doesn't function like a lever (where different pressure is required depending upon where your finger is on the trigger). Instead, the “straight slide” literally slides straight back - requiring the same amount of pressure regardless of where your finger is positioned.

This allows you the flexibility to determine where you best like placing your trigger - and still have a smooth consistent trigger pull. This consistency makes this type of trigger a favorite among both competitive shooters and anyone else serious about shooting.

The “straight slide” was popularized by the 1911 pistol, the below video demonstrates the inner workings of this trigger.

While this type of trigger remains in the 1911 style pistols today, it is also in the lighter weight Staccato line of pistols.

<note important>To my knowledge, “straight slide” triggers are only available in “hammer fired” pistols.</note>