Drop tested my Glock with the Timney trigger installed...

[Trey Veston]

I did this earlier when it was in my G23 carry pistol and I discovered that the trigger would release. So, I assumed it was not drop safe.

So, I removed it from the G23 and put it in my G35 match gun and did the same test. Again, the trigger would release.

Then, I heard that due to the safety plunger, it would prevent the firing pin from striking the primer and causing an AD.

There has been much debate over this, so tonight, I decided to take some empty cases and put primers in them, chamber them, and toss a Glock.

I videoed the results and the videos are currently uploading. I live in a small rural town, so I only have 18 mbps internet. It takes a few hours to upload a video to YouTube. The good news, is that on the 23rd, I get fiber to the house and will then have 220 mbps, so my videos will be much faster and can be edited.

So... What happened?

I did two videos. In the first, I explained what was going on and did multiple drops from all different angles. No primer went off.

But, when I tried to pull the trigger, it would not release and was dead. I racked the slide and the cartridge had a very light primer strike on it, but it did not fire when dropped.

In the second video, I did multiple drops and then when I pulled the trigger, it was still set and the gun fired (well, the primer was ignited as usual).

Here is a picture of three cases. The one on the left was the one that was fired when the trigger was pulled. The one in the middle was the one with a small dent after multiple drops. The one on the right is a case before any testing was done:



So, is the pistol drop safe? I think so.

Even when the trigger released and there was a mark on the primer, there was not enough force to ignite the primer and cause a negligent discharge.

I'm sure this will not end the debate as to whether or not the Timney trigger is drop safe or not, but I would be comfortable using it as a carry gun, provided I was comfortable with the extremely light trigger pull, which I am not. Even with the heavier (.) connector, which gives it a 3.75 lb pull compared to the 2.5 lb pull with the (-) connector, it is just a bit too light for MY comfort.

So, the G23 now has a factory Glock trigger that has been polished and has the (-) connector installed, which gives it a nice and reasonable 4.5 lb pull.

Sorry about the video not being available, but I will post a link to it as soon as it is ready.

Here is the original video of my G23 drop test...

 

[Trey Veston]

Video loaded.

 

[Trey Veston]

Both videos are now available to watch. Crude, but, whatever...

 

[12Bravo20]

Thank you for taking the time to test and post videos. Yes the Timney trigger issue is hotly debated. I personally would not want to rely on just the safety plunger by itself to prevent an accidental discharge. As you have shown, the primer still gets hit by the firing pin. Even though it was not enough in your tests to setoff the primer, I would not want to chance it myself.

 

[1KPerDay]

Interesting. Thanks. I’ve been curious.

 

[tarosean]

As you have shown, the primer still gets hit by the firing pin.

On a carpeted surface at that. Would a drop on concrete result in a bullet to the gut??? I am not finding out...


(For the Record. I have 3 Glocks that have competition triggers that I wouldn't ever carry)

 

[Zerodefect]

This trigger isn't for me. Drop safety is key.

If I want a hair trigger, I likely want a heavier pistol as well. Like a 2011 or CZ TS2. (I use OEM drop safe parts in those, not the unsafe extended CZ firing pins)

All of my comp triggers are lightly massaged OEM. G35 triggers in the 23's.

 

[barnetmill]

What concerns is the small dent on the primer. I thought a firing pin safety block would prevent any impact contacting the primer. Below are the specs for the timney trigger.
Maybe i need to test my OEM glock safety firing pin block with primed cases by pulling back on the hammer and letting it fly.

FOR GLOCK GEN 3 / 4 SPECS:

• Three-pound pull weight
• Crisp trigger break
• Teflon nickel (NP3) - trigger bar and sear (this process virtually eliminates friction, allowing for an extremely smooth feel)
• Straight aluminum trigger with safety blade (anodized)
• Uses all stock Glock parts and springs
• COMPATIBLE WITH STOCK GLOCK PISTOLS.

 

[.455_Hunter]

And this trigger is desirable for a carry gun WHY?

 

[12Bravo20]

And this trigger is desirable for a carry gun WHY?

It is NOT desirable for a carry gun. I caught a lot of flack here and on other forums when I first posted about the Timney trigger not being drop safe. And Trey's testing proves it yet again. I also have to agree with tarosean, there is a good chance that the round would fire if the pistol is dropped onto a hard surface versus a carpet floor with padding.

@Trey Veston, your video and a link to this thread has been shared by myself and others on different forums. And both have convinced the die hard Glock/Timney fans on Glock Talk that the trigger should not be used in a carry pistol.

 

[barnetmill]

.455_Hunter said: ↑
And this trigger is desirable for a carry gun WHY

It is NOT desirable for a carry gun. I caught a lough of flack here and on other forums when I first posted about the Timney trigger not being drop safe. And Trey's testing proves it yet again. I also have to agree with tarosean, there is a good chance that the round would fire if the pistol is dropped onto a hard surface versus a carpet floor with padding.

@Trey Veston, your video and a link to this thread has been shared by myself and others on different forums. And both have convinced the die hard Glock/Timney fans on Glock Talk that the trigger should not be used in a carry pistol.

There are many people that say even if a light trigger is safe, consider it dangerous as a carry pistol. I would like it 4.5 lbs for a carry pistol and 3 for a combat rifle.

 

[JohnKSa]

What concerns is the small dent on the primer. I thought a firing pin safety block would prevent any impact contacting the primer.

It definitely SHOULD. You are right to be concerned.

What I suspect is going on is that the new trigger part reduces the trigger travel slightly and therefore the firing pin block is partially disengaged in the trigger-forward position.

I mentioned this in the previous thread:

The design of the firing pin and plunger is such that the impact of the firing pin shouldn't apply any force to the plunger in a direction that could drive it upwards unless it is almost all the way out of the way of the firing pin already.

It appears that it IS almost all the way out of the firing pin already for some reason.

My assessment is that in EXACTLY the current configuration, the pistol is probably drop safe in EXACTLY the conditions under which it was tested.

If the firing pin safety/firing pin safety spring or firing pin wears a bit, or the pistol is dropped in different conditions, it's hard to say whether it will be drop safe or not.

 

[Zerodefect]

3 pound trigger?
Bwa Hahaha (laughs in CZ).

Why risk Glock leg for just that? Might be worthwhile for 0.9 pounds. Then again, my full Zevtech Glock would bump fire. Which wasnt much fun.

The Glock is simply the wrong pistol for this. A mildly tuned G35 has been crushing all, for decades now, in USPSA. This is way over thinking it.

Cleaner lighter break? Sure, I'm cool with that.

Less travel? Not cool, since it defeats the striker safety, without any reward. The amount of travel has never been a problem. The OEM amount of travel works fine.

 

[Pat Riot]

I have been curious about this. Thanks for doing the tests @Trey Veston
I will probably stick with my factory trigger on my G45 but someday may change out the triggers on my G34s.

 

[Trey Veston]

I have been curious about this. Thanks for doing the tests @Trey Veston
I will probably stick with my factory trigger on my G45 but someday may change out the triggers on my G34s.

In my G35, it is an absolutely wonderful trigger!