Gun owners love to customize their firearms. Thanks to the almost endless supply of aftermarket parts, the sky is the limit.

However, one of the most common upgrades is the trigger. Whether due to fit, performance, or even appearance, triggers are often among the first upgrades to a new firearm. But is it worth the investment? What are the benefits of an aftermarket trigger?

One of the biggest advances in firearms was the ability to produce products in mass. Production times were reduced, costs were reduced, and parts became interchangeable or at least replaceable. It also led to the birth of the aftermarket parts industry, allowing owners to easily customize almost any platform.

Although trigger upgrades were once thought to be limited to competition or professional shooters, the availability of aftermarket trigger systems has made it a popular option for a wide range of gun owners. While some are looking for a little blink or flash, most want some benefit in return. Luckily, almost any shooter will see some benefit from a trigger upgrade, regardless of whether they are plinking targets in the backyard or taking down trophy elk in the Rockies.

WHEN TO REPLACE A TRIGGER

The first question you need to ask yourself is, “Do I need to replace the trigger?” Although trigger system failures are rare and can usually be corrected by replacing a spring or other small component, some triggers just do not perform as intended. Whether this is the result of poor maintenance or faulty manufacturing, the result is the same — the need for a new trigger.

SYMPTOMS OF TRIGGER FAILURE

If you are experiencing a trigger that does not operate smoothly, fails to reset, fires with too much or too little pressure, or even fires without being depressed, there is a problem. Although some of these problems can be corrected by replacing a spring or adjusting a screw, that does not mean they will not continue to be an issue down the road. Sometimes, the easiest and safest solution is a new trigger system.

In this situation, the benefits are immediate and profound. Your firearm is safer, functions as intended, and you will be more confident in having it in your possession.

BENEFITS OF AN AFTERMARKET TRIGGER

For most gun owners, it is not a question of needing to replace a trigger but wanting to. The trigger, already in place, functions as intended and poses no safety concerns, but it could perform better.

No, not all factory triggers are the best option possible. Modern firearms are produced in mass for the masses. This means manufacturers produce parts that function as intended but are generic in terms of fit and performance. It’s like producing a car that is a good daily driver but out of place on the track or mountain trail.

Aftermarket triggers provide many potential benefits, including:

• High-quality materials

• Precision construction

• Better fit

In almost every situation, these improvements in quality, precision, and fit translate to a boost in performance.

• More controlled trigger manipulation — aftermarket triggers allow the shooter, rather than the manufacturer, to decide the trigger weight, shape and size. You can also change the amount of slack, breaking point, and reset based on personal preference rather than what is good for the masses. This allows for more controlled, consistent manipulation, making it easier to repeat results whether on the range or in the field.

• Increased accuracy, more controlled, consistent results in turn increase accuracy. Even if you are a marginal shooter, removing the trigger variant can lead to more consistent shooting, making it much easier to address any other mistakes.

• Improved shooting experience — regardless of why you are shooting, or what you are shooting at, the goal is to hit a target as much as possible. By increasing your ability to do so, the addition of an aftermarket trigger will also result in a better overall shooting experience.

SAFETY FIRST

While aftermarket triggers are available for almost every modern firearm on the market, that does not mean every trigger should be replaced. Let’s look at some of the considerations you need to consider before pulling that factory trigger out.

• If the aftermarket trigger is better? There is no point in replacing any firearm component with one of lesser quality. The goal is always to upgrade.

• Manufacturer specification. Any reputable aftermarket trigger will meet, and often exceed, the manufacturer’s specifications. If the trigger system you are considering does not, then it is probably best to keep shopping.

• Does the aftermarket trigger match your experience level? You need to make sure that you are comfortable shooting your firearms with the changes an aftermarket trigger will cause.

Although not every firearm needs an aftermarket trigger, adding one will almost always increase that firearm’s capabilities. This is why adding an aftermarket trigger will give you more bang for your buck than almost any other upgrade.