Timney is well known for their rifle triggers, so when they first came out with the Alpha Competition Glock trigger, I was definitely intrigued. All the hype said it was similar to a single action, but with a Glock twist. Once I had it in hand, that description was pretty spot on.
Installation of the Alpha trigger is pretty straight forward. Everything needed comes in the box, as one would expect. If you are not comfortable with the trigger install, take it to a reputable gunsmith. A nice set of paper instructions is included. I like paper instructions. I can set them on the workbench to look at them, unlike on-line instructions. There are two differences in the trigger install over a standard style trigger. The first is the trigger receiver. This goes inside the pistol's trigger housing and locks in place with a screw. A different trigger return spring is also used. This is an “L” shaped spring that installs on the left side of the trigger. This style of spring also allows the trigger to fully reset forward, even if the striker has not been reset.
Enough about the install, let’s get into the trigger itself. Say goodbye to the factory plastic trigger, the Timney Alpha is made from anodized aluminum. The trigger shoe is a flat face design and anodized black. It is also chamfered on each side of the face. This leads to a very comfortable feel of the trigger shoe. The slightly wider trigger safety, anodized in red, also has a unique feature. Besides sticking out a little more than some trigger safeties, it is slightly curved outward. Why? I am not sure, but it seems to not pinch my finger like a factory trigger does. Once depressed, it still sits flush with the trigger shoe. To also smooth everything out, it comes with a nickel teflon coated trigger bar and sear.
The Timney Apha Competition trigger is the best feeling, Glock style, trigger I currently have. The trigger pull breaks at 3 lbs, consistently. And that’s with a “drop in” trigger. The initial take up is around 0.200”. This is adjustable through a set screw at the top of the trigger. I have it adjusted as far in as possible while still allowing the trigger safety to function properly. Then you come up against that wonderful wall. Which then takes around 0.100” to pull through. Then about 0.075” over travel, which is not adjustable. The reset is very tactile. No mushy resets with the Alpha Competition trigger. So the feel is - take up, wall, crisp clean trigger break, slight overtravel, reset. Since the striker is fully cocked back with the Timney trigger, that is why it has such a short trigger break. Essentially taking the “Safe Action” to a safe “single action”.
I have the Timney in a full size Polymer 80 with a compensator and red dot. Which is perfect for this competition trigger, I would not recommend this trigger for a duty or carry gun. But Timney specifically calls it a “Competition” trigger, and that is probably why.
This Alpha Competition trigger shoots and feels fantastic. When shooting the pistol, I don’t even notice the initial take up, it is that smooth. The 3lb pull and crisp break allow for fast accurate shot placement. The great reset allows me to get faster follow up shots and split times. The trigger is almost everything I want in a competition trigger. My only complaint would be that the initial take up is too long. Other than that, this thing is a great trigger upgrade for your “Glock” style pistol.
Timney did a bang up job with the Alpha Competition Glock Trigger. They essentially made a drop in single action style trigger for competition use. The price is great at $150 for a drop in trigger system. It has great features and will probably make your pistol shoot great. I’m definitely going to recommend the Timney trigger to anyone who asks about a Glock competition trigger upgrade.
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame:
Complete 3 lb trigger system for Glock pistols
Target Market:
Competition shooters
FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):
Teflon nickel (NP3) - trigger bar and sear (this process virtually eliminates friction, allowing for an extremely smooth feel)
Crisp trigger break
Straight aluminum trigger with safety blade (anodized)
Uses all stock Glock parts and springs
COMPATIBLE WITH STOCK GLOCK PISTOLS.
FITS GEN 3: G17, G17L, G19, G22, G24, G23, G34, G35
GEN 4: G17, G19, G22, G23, G34, G35
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?
What others are saying?:
5 Stars at Brownells
GREAT TRIGGER!
I just got this trigger in and put it in my G19, and it was good enough that I felt like I needed to get on here and write my first review. It breaks exactly at 3 pounds, and it feels way better than any of my other upgraded triggers. Very smooth and clean break. Install is a little different than the others, but it took me less than 5 minutes (they included tools). This trigger is definitely the way I'll be going for all my builds from now on. 100% recommend
Link to other reviews:
Tactical Considerations on Youtube
Price point:
MSRP = $149.99
Retail = $149.95 at Brownell’s or Primary Arms
I need it now! Availability:
Timney, Brownells, or Primary Arms
Our Rating:
Pros:
Drop-in
Trigger pull weight of 3 lbs
Crisp trigger break
Great trigger reset
Price
Flat face trigger shoe
Cons:
Too much take up
No option for carry/duty gun
Score: 9.00 Amazing
Favorite Link: Matador Arms