Author Archives: Adam Hjermenrud

Trigger Control or Mind Control

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Vogel vs Edge Competition Trigger

A legend of the firearms industry once said “Marksmanship is simple, but it ain’t easy.” Although I can’t recall who said it, I have repeated these words to a multitude of students over the years and I feel that it really is the most honest way to approach handgun skills. Lets unpack this saying and explore the ways your mind affects your marksmanship.

 

Marksmanship is Simple

Most modern handguns, if locked down in a vise to remove the human element, will send bullets through to same ragged hole in a target at defensive handgun distances. With marksmanship being defined as “skill in shooting” any lack of accuracy falls firmly on to the skill of the operator. Put simply all one needs to do to hit a given spot on a target is to align the gun with the target and press the trigger without disturbing the rest of the machine.  Sounds “Simple” right?

 

It Ain’t Easy

Human beings like you and I have a natural aversion to sudden loud noises and explosive events. As a species we are easily startled, possibly as a result of genetic traits passed down from our ancestors. We developed these reflexes over time to avoid becoming a predators next meal.

Discharging a handgun produces a very startling event. The concussion of the muzzle blast, the flash of gunpowder, and the shock of recoil cause us to defend ourselves from the explosion we created by pulling the trigger. Without proper conditioning a shooter will quickly develop the reflex of anticipating the blast. The violence of the exploding cartridge will cause the shooter to tighten the muscles in their arms and press the muzzle toward the earth to combat muzzle rise. This will cause the gun to become misaligned with the target and disturb the machine while pulling the trigger.

Regardless of how methodically you align your sights prior to the shot, the bullet will impact the target wherever your sights are “actually” aligned at the instant the bullet leaves the barrel. Preparing for recoil in the fraction of a second before the trigger breaks will cause you to tense your grip (moving the muzzle to the left for right handed shooters) and push the muzzle down. The shot will be exactly where the sights were aligned in the time after you acquired the initial sight picture. Your sights moved from the intended target while bracing for the blast and the bullet leaves the muzzle while aimed at a spot low and to the left.

Does any of this sound familiar? If it does be sure to check back for our next blog where we will discuss ways to overcome this physiological reaction and keep your hits in the center of the target where they belong.

 

 

 

 

Out With the Old and In With the New

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Many years have passed since I purchased my first carry gun, a used Generation 2 Glock 19. The previous owner had gotten the slide refinished a matte electroless nickel (said to be hard chrome according to the fella behind the gun shop counter) which made it stand out in a sea of black handguns in the display case. The Gen 2’s lack of finger grooves appealed to me since the finger grooves on the “new” Gen 3’s didn’t fit me that well and who needs a fancy rail on the front to carry a light when weapon mounted lights hadn’t really caught on yet.

This gun went with me everywhere. Camping, Hunting, Fly Fishing, late nights in rough neighborhoods while working as a locksmith, local practical shooting matches, it could do it all. Sure I had other guns, but none of them could match the concealability and light weight  of my trusty G19 while still being large enough to shoot with precision. With its smooth action and unique looks there have been several occasions where other guys at the range made offers in attempts to buy it. All of which I politely declined.

It was worn, shiny on the corners, scratched, and dinged with each blemish telling a story of its journey. The tritium night sights have faded to a faint glow and can only be seen in the darkest conditions. I knew it was about time to retire this old piece of equipment but it felt like putting down an old dog.

With the release of each Generation of Glock handgun I just could not justify purchasing a replacement. Each new release was proceeded with such hype about how great they would be but when I got them in my hands although they were nice and some of the improvements were exciting they weren’t “better enough” to replace my trusty G19.

In late 2018 rumors started to circulate the Glock Inc was going to showcase something that peeked my interest at SHOT Show 2019. The story was that they where going to release a compact handgun with the thickness and slide dimensions of a G43 and grip length of a G19 and another with the same frame and a longer slide that is closer to the dimensions of a G19. Both new models boasting a magazine capacity of 10+1. My primary objection to the G43 from the beginning was its limited capacity so these new offerings were something to look into.

As it turns out the rumors where true and on January 2nd 2019 Glock Inc. announced the two new additions to their product line. The Glock 43X and Glock 48

A few days after its release upon reading the specs for both guns I made a decision and picked up my new blaster, The Glock 43X.

I chose the G43X simply because it was shorter and fit into the G43 leather that I already owned from my previous test drive. I didn’t see a distinct advantage in having a longer slide on a CCDW gun.  After getting my hands on this pistol my initial impressions where quite positive. I found the silver PVD coating to be very aesthetically pleasing and the front cocking serrations are handy for the requisite press check. The grip length being similar to the G19 was very comfortable and albeit considerably slimmer than the grip of a G19 it filled my hand adequately for a positive shooting grip giving the control under recoil of a much larger gun.

As with every Glock handgun the sights and trigger needed to be addressed. The sights that came on this gun are the plastic rear with a white “goal post” outline and white dot front that are standard fare for most Glocks from the factory. The trigger pull was tolerable but longer and heavier than I would prefer.

Before its first trip to the range I installed a black serrated Vickers Elite Battle Sight rear and Snag Free Tritium front sight from Wilson Combat resulting in a much more clear, functional, and precise sight picture. Purchasing this gun with the intent that it would fill the role of my EDC gun the steel construction of these Wilson Combat sights gave me much more confidence in their durability over the plastic counter parts that were supplied.

Next on the list was the trigger. Soon after the release of the G43X and G48 it was announced that the G43 Cary Trigger System from Glocktriggers.com is compatible with these new models making it the obvious choice of replacement trigger.  With the G43 Trigger System being assembled using OEM parts and springs I could rest assured there would be no compromise in reliability. After a simple drop in installation the trigger pull was instantly much better. The break was crisp and considerably lighter than the factory trigger. With the reduced pre-travel modification of the G43 “RP” trigger it removed a great deal of the take-up experienced during the initiation of the trigger press as compared to the stock trigger. The difference in quality of the trigger pull after installation was a drastic improvement.

Carried securely in a Bravo Concealment holster, the light weight and slim dimensions of the G43X make it a dream to wear all day. With a capacity of 10+1 and a spare magazine I don’t feel that I am at a disadvantage like I do with the lower capacity G43 or J-Frame revolvers.

All and all I’m very pleased with my purchase and believe that this little gun, with its upgraded sights and trigger, will find itself on my hip more often than many of the handguns at my disposal. As for my old trusty Glock 19, I suppose it can just retire to a padded top shelf in the safe… for now.

 

 

Ken Hackathorn’s Thoughts on Glock Handguns

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Ken Hackathorn and Glocktriggers’ Adam Hjermenrud at a class in Ohio.

Ken Hackathorn gives us an insight on his history with Glock handguns along with his opinions on modifications to the platform.

Ken writes,

Upon pressure from Pete Kokalis, then small arms editor for ‘Soldier of Fortune’ magazine I got my first Glock 17 pistol in early 1986. I have to admit that I was not very impressed with it, and never thought it would become popular. Today it is the world standard for service pistol use. Annual production numbers of Glocks dwarf all other manufactures’.  I  have been somewhat vested in the small arms training business for over 40 years. I have witnessed the rise in popularity of the Glock product line to the point that it is the leading pistol design in the 21st  Century. Lots of other companies have entered the polymer service pistol market, and while many of these designs are very fine pistols……none remotely threaten the  sales of Glock world wide.

I have always believed that an instructor should use the same weapon that the students are using. So, I have become very comfortable with either a G17 or 19 in my holster. A self defense handgun must be reliable. Here is where the Glock 9X19mm pistols really excel over all other designs.  I have trained a few folks using Glocks in my day, and one the observations I have made is that if a Glock does malfunction, it is probably the fastest and easiest pistol to clear. Generally an immediate action drill (tap-rack-bang) will get the Glock back into action with most common feed way failures.

Assuming your pistol is reliable, the only critical requirements to using it well is the need for good sights and a trigger you can manage well. Sadly the Glocks first marketed had plastic sights that were not very rugged and were easily damaged. The selection of aftermarket sights is quite vast with many really good sight combinations available. Years ago I talked Rick Callahan of Ameriglo sights to make a set of sights that met my needs. His ‘Hack’ sights remain one of his best sellers. Latest Gen5 Glocks (the best Glocks ever made) are now available with Ameriglo ‘Bold or Agent’ sights. They are superb. All the ‘cool kids’ have embraced the mini red dot pistol sights. Fads come and go……I think the red dot sight for pistols is the wave of the future. But, when you add up the pluses of current designs with minuses, I’m not ready to wade into that swamp just yet.

Ken Hackathorn’s Signature trigger system available exclusively at GlockTriggers.com

Besides good sights, you need a good trigger. With a Glock, the trigger has always been a good and bad  marriage. Most of the good shooters I know have learned the Glock trigger pretty well. I see many folks run the Glock with skill levels that are outstanding. I have run Glocks from every Generation. Gen 1 Glocks actually had pretty good triggers and if you had been a double action revolver shooter, the first G17’s were easy to transition to. Gen 4 Glocks in my experience were the worse trigger pulls…which is what led me to Jeff Wilson and GlockTriggers.com. Using factory stock parts, he came up with a trigger system that was tuned to perfection and produced a really good trigger. Jeff’s right hand man Adam Hjermenrud is a magician with Glock triggers and their trigger systems are what I use and recommend.

In the last few years I have started to see more problems with Glocks than ever before. First was the issue of the Gen4 pistols. Fortunately Glock has corrected most of the faults that the Gen4 possessed. None the less, my personal experience with Gen4 Glocks has left me cold. The new Gen5 Glocks are to the other extreme, they are the best Glocks I have ever used and recommend over all others. The operator error that is most prevalent is the practice of installing a light striker spring to get a light trigger pull. Don’t do it unless your gun is only used as a paper punch and you use only Federal primers. Even then don’t be surprised if you get an occasional click instead of a bang.

Of all the things that I have experienced and observed that caused issue with the Glock design is the fact that for many shooters (myself included) when wearing gloves it is common to not get the trigger safety lever fully depressed and not be able to fire the gun. Sometimes you can kind of muscle your way through the trigger pull, but the hit will generally be not what you want. While I don’t suffer this problem when not wearing gloves, combine cold hands and gloves and the first shot can be an issue. Seems to be a problem whether you use a standard or flat style Glock pistol trigger. Kind of like getting the grip safety on a 1911 pistol depressed when in a hurry.  Getting a really good grip on the pistol when first grasping the pistol in the holster seems to really help, but cold hands and gloves often times will compromise this function. Again more of an operator error than gun oriented flaw, but it does continue to haunt me and many other shooters I see trying to run the gun with gloves.

I look at much of the ‘custom touches’ currently being done to Glock pistols with amusement. I get the fact that for many folks this look is ‘cool’. But I do not want extra holes and slots in my slide. The one in the front and the one on the top seem to be enough for me.

Until the next time, good shooting and stay safe.

GlockTriggers.com “Edge” Competition Trigger System

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The Founder of GlockTriggers.com, Jeff Wilson, gives an account of how “The Edge” competition trigger system was developed.

“When we started to shoot competitively, the only thing available for Glock at that time were several different aftermarket parts.  We got all kinds of different results when we used those parts. After that experience I got the idea that if I was going to build a trigger for myself that the best thing to do was to keep the reliability that Glock built into the pistol and use the parts that they had produced because we know that they are reliable.

Another issue that I needed to address is that I have very small hands and a really short trigger finger. I knew that I needed to move the trigger back further but then I also knew that I needed to make sure that I didn’t compromise any of the safeties in the process.

These modifications where then developed into the first trigger produced by GlockTriggers.com, The Edge Competition trigger system. This was a trigger that I can now use easily with my short trigger finger. Every time out of the holster when I press the trigger to break a shot, I get perfect function every time.

Included in this system is a completely assembled lower unit that drops in the frame. It is comprised of a trigger with trigger bar modified to reduce pre-travel, trigger housing with adjustable over-travel modification, trigger spring, and connector. Also included is a hex tool for over-travel adjustment, set of three different reduced power striker springs (4.0, 4.5, and 5.0 pound), and polished safety plunger with competition spring.

Many companies will offer just a single component to throw in your gun. You will not get the same results as you will with a complete system that is already tested for function and reliability, as well as safety.”

 

You can buy “The Edge” as well as our other products at GlockTriggers.com

Skimmer vs Guardian Trigger System

Skimmer vs. Guardian Trigger Comparison

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Comparing the Skimmer and Guardian Duty/Carry Trigger Systems: Which One is Right for You?

Both the Skimmer and Guardian duty/carry trigger systems have been in use by responsible armed citizens and several local and government law enforcement agencies across the country for nearly a decade.

For those who go into harms way in order to keep us safe, it is essential that they have the equipment that enables them to reliably and accurately deliver hits when the shot counts.

The Skimmer and Guardian duty/carry trigger systems are both manufactured with 100% Glock OEM parts that are refined and polished for the smoothest operation possible and include Glock OEM springs for reliability.

While the Guardian Trigger System has the same travel as the factory trigger and is perfect for law enforcement applications where SOP’s dictate that there cannot be any reduction in trigger travel, The Skimmer features a non-adjustable pre-travel reduction modification that eliminates nearly half of the take-up experienced at the beginning of the trigger pull.

Our unique pre-travel modification featured on the Skimmer trigger system reduces pre-shot muzzle movement allowing the operator to have greater control and enhanced accuracy.

Many of our customers have reported instant improvements in their accuracy after installing our trigger systems, giving them the confidence that they are able to effectively use their Glock handgun responding to the threat with the speed and precision needed in a critical situation.

The Skimmer and Guardian trigger systems include a polished Glock OEM ‘minus’ connector installed for a crisp, clean break and reduction in trigger weight. Both models are also available with the option of a 5.5# ‘standard’ connector if the factory weight trigger pull is desired.

When the shot counts you can rely on the consistency, reliability, and increase in accuracy offered by The Skimmer and Guardian duty/carry trigger systems.

Vogel vs Guardian Competition Trigger

Vogel vs. Edge Trigger Systems

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Comparing our Top Competition Triggers: Which One is Best For You?

In the quest to find that single piece of gear that will give them that “Edge” over the competition, many of our customers find themselves making a decision between The Vogel and The Edge trigger systems. 

The Vogel and The Edge competition trigger systems are both produced using Glock OEM parts that are hand refined and polished to a mirror finish. Both trigger systems feature an over-travel reduction modification which can be adjusted by the user with the supplied allen key and a full set of 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0 pound Wolff reduced power firing pin springs allowing you to tailor the trigger pull weight to your ammo and shooting style.  The enhanced control and shorter reset of these competition trigger systems will give you the ability to deliver faster, more accurate hits on target.

The difference between the two systems is that while The Vogel has the same pre-travel as the Glock factory trigger, The Edge has our proprietary pre-travel reduction modification eliminating nearly half of the take-up experienced at the beginning of the trigger pull making it ready to go as soon as your sights are on target.

Both models are approved by USPSA and IDPA for use in ALL divisions and are a great choice for any sport shooting activities.

With the reduced pre-travel and adjustable over-travel of the Edge trigger system it has the shortest travel of all the triggers in our line up.

Both trigger systems are intended for competition and range use only. Our competition trigger systems are not recommended for duty, carry, or any other critical application.

So if you are ready to take your competition shooting to the next level with an increase of speed and accuracy, get your Vogel or Edge trigger system today.