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Rock Island Armory 1911 5 Full-Size Tactical Builder

The 13 Best Drop-In 1911 Trigger Kit – Editor’s Choice

ImageProductBrand
1911 Drop-In Trigger Unit1911 Drop-In Trigger UnitNIGHTHAWK CUSTOMBUY
Ed Brown Products 1911 Trigger Pull KitEd Brown Products 1911 Trigger Pull KitEd Brown ProductsBUY
Ed Brown Products 1911 Perfection Hammer & Sear KitEd Brown Products 1911 Perfection Hammer & Sear KitEd Brown ProductsBUY
CYLINDER & SLIDE 1911 TRIGGER PULL KITSCYLINDER & SLIDE 1911 TRIGGER PULL KITSCYLINDER & SLIDEBUY
ED BROWN 1911 TRIGGERED BROWN 1911 TRIGGERED BROWNBUY
HARRISON DESIGN & CONSULTING TRI-CAV 1911 TRIGGERHARRISON DESIGN & CONSULTING TRI-CAV 1911 TRIGGERHARRISON DESIGN & CONSULTINGBUY
CASPIAN 1911 TRIK TRIGGERCASPIAN 1911 TRIK TRIGGERCASPIANBUY
WILSON COMBAT 1911 ULTRALIGHT MATCH TRIGGERWILSON COMBAT 1911 ULTRALIGHT MATCH TRIGGERWILSON COMBATBUY
HARRISON DESIGN & CONSULTING 1911 EXTREME SERVICE TRIGGERHARRISON DESIGN & CONSULTING 1911 EXTREME SERVICE TRIGGERHARRISON DESIGN & CONSULTINGBUY
GREIDER PRECISION 1911 V-SERIES MATCH TRIGGERGREIDER PRECISION 1911 V-SERIES MATCH TRIGGERGREIDER PRECISIONBUY
10-8 PERFORMANCE LLC 1911 FLAT TRIGGER10-8 PERFORMANCE LLC 1911 FLAT TRIGGER10-8 PERFORMANCEBUY
WILSON COMBAT 1911 COMPETITION MATCH TRIGGERWILSON COMBAT 1911 COMPETITION MATCH TRIGGERWILSON COMBATBUY
CYLINDER & SLIDE 1911 ALUMINUM TRIGGERCYLINDER & SLIDE 1911 ALUMINUM TRIGGERCYLINDER & SLIDEBUY

Best 1911 Trigger

The M1911 was designed by John Browning as a single-action and semi-automatic pistol, having become best-known for the short recoil principle in its basic construction. The magazine-fed and recoil-operated gun, chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge, is called the Colt 1911 (or the Colt Government).

Why do we need a 1911 trigger?

Over time trigger parts such as spring loosens up; metal to metal components mate more, so they wear in. It’s necessary to constantly check the trigger state to define the high time to upgrade it. After mounting a modern 1911 trigger, the shooting accuracy and general performance will be enhanced.

Best Pick

WILSON COMBAT 1911 ULTRALIGHT MATCH TRIGGER

WILSON COMBAT 1911 ULTRALIGHT MATCH TRIGGER

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Serrations on the shoe face ensure positive finger contact; the stirrup decreases unwanted flex. Trigger shoes fit any finger size. Smooth pull and ultra-crisp let-off are provided due to the trigger’s lightweight.

Budget Pick

GREIDER PRECISION 1911 V-SERIES MATCH TRIGGER

GREIDER PRECISION 1911 V-SERIES MATCH TRIGGER

View on Brownells

The proper length-of-pull (LOP) is on three trigger sizes. The shoe is ported to make the trigger weight lighter. This trigger is good for competition, ensuring Match-Winning Performance.

1# The 1911 Drop-In Trigger Unit

1911 Drop-In Trigger Unit

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Specification

Style: Drop-In, Kit
Trigger pull: 3 3/4 – 4 lb (will vary based on your mainspring weight)

This all-in-one unit replaces an existing hammer with its strut, sear with its spring, and disconnector. Only both existing sear and hammer pins will be necessary for use with the DTS. A single-leg grip safety spring comes with the DTS to replace the traditional three-pronged sear spring; the springs for the sear and disconnector are built into the unit.

The DTS features a steel housing to secure the trigger.

With a due safety check and minor gunsmithing skills, 1911 DTS mounting will take the same time as for a usual gun cleaning.

Video review

Pros
  • Drop-in upgrade: Drop-In Trigger System (DTS) for 1911 pistols

  • 100 bullet break-in period

  • Fully Machined stainless-steel inner parts

  • Can be paired with 1911’s and 2011’s (according to the quality specs)

  • No sear spring: simple trigger operation

  • Crisp and clean break

  • Easy to mount

  • Safe and well-designed aftermarket trigger

  • The improved fire control

Cons
  • Fitting is required

2# Ed Brown Products 1911 Trigger Pull Kit

Ed Brown Products 1911 Trigger Pull Kit

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Specification

Color: Stainless Steel; Blue

The trigger kit consists of Perfection Hammer and mated Perfection Sear, sear spring, disconnector, and mainspring. The hammers with a chamfer (around the outside and inside the hole) and commander-style spur, finely serrated for positive gripping surface, are fully milled from alloy steel or stainless-steel bar stock, heat treated (Rc 52-54). Lowered strut pinhole in the hammer decreases full-cock spring pressure. The Hammer contact angle has already been prepared for a convenient clearance angle. Sear is made of A2 tool steel, heat-treated to 50 Rc.

The spring with extra length is high-quality and tempered, and on the center leg which allows fine disconnector tuning. The mainspring operates in bobtail housings. It needs to be replaced every 3,000-5,000 rounds, as the spring wears out because of use and over time.

Video review

Pros
  • All parts are guaranteed for life against breakage

  • No drag on slide due to the narrowed sides on the hammer

  • The spring ensures positive sear engagement, preventing disconnector failure

  • Mainsprings provide light and longer-lasting trigger pull, being better than the factory standard ones

Cons
  • Not rated yet

3# Ed Brown Products 1911 Perfection Hammer & Sear Kit

Ed Brown Products 1911 Perfection Hammer & Sear Kit

View on OpticsPlanet

Specification

Color: Stainless Steel; Blue

The Ed Brown 1911 set integrates Perfection Hammer and perfectly mated Perfection Sear. The hammer is constructed with a facet, inside the hole, and around the outside, and commander-style spur, precisely serrated for the practical gripping surface. The perfect profile sear is computer designed and milled from tool steel (A2), heat-treated to 50 Rc (hammer machined from alloy steel or stainless steel, heat-treated Rc 52-54).

Pros
  • Lifetime warranty against breakage

  • Full-cock spring pressure is diminished thanks to the lowered strut pinhole

  • Narrowed hammer sides exclude drag on slide

  • Hammer contact angle will comfortably fit clearance angle

  • The trigger pull comes in very crisp at just under 4 lbs

  • Excellent upgrade for a heavy factory trigger

Cons
  • None yet

4# CYLINDER & SLIDE 1911 TRIGGER PULL KITS

CYLINDER & SLIDE 1911 TRIGGER PULL KITS

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Specification

Hammer weight: 0.39 oz (11.1 g); 0.7 oz. (20g); 0.5 oz. (14 g); 0.52 oz. (14.7 g); 0.35 oz. (9.9 g); 0.5 oz. (14.1 g)
Sear weight: 0.07 oz (1.9 g); 0.09 oz. (2.5 g); 0.09 oz, (2.5 g); 0.07 oz. (2 g); 2 oz. (5.6 g)
Pull weight: 3.5 lb; 3 lb; 4 lb; 4.5 lb; 3 lb; 4½ lb; 5 lb

There are 7 available models: Ultra-Light Kit, Ultra-Light Speed II set, Tactical II Kit, Tactical Match Set, Warp Speed Kit, Duty/Carry 4½ lb. Set, Professional 5 lb. Kit.

Apart from spur hammer and sear, Duty/Carry Kit includes a 0.069 oz (1.9 g)., 23 lb. hammer spring, and sear spring. Professional Kit comes with a hammer (Rc 50-54), sear, disconnector 0.2 oz (5.6 g), 23 lb. hammer spring, and tactical sear spring. It is designed for police and military shooters, delivering full trigger control in high-stress situations. All drop-in sets are tested on a Series 70-style frame to ensure the specified pull weight with little or without fitting.

Duly matched spring weights give the specified pull weight and provide forcible ignition. Deep, crisp serrations deliver secure thumb contact for quick, reliable cocking. Uncovered hammer edges on Ultra-Light, Super Match, and Tactical II are faceted to reduce slide drag and wear. Components are wire EDM cut from bar stock, honed, polished, and heat-treated for durable service life.

Video review

Pros
  • The sear nose features due relief angle

  • Tactical Match Set is suitable for carrying pistols

  • Warp Speed Kit is a low mass parts: a relieved hammer to prevent frame rub (in Ultra-Light Kit and Ultra-Light Speed II set as well)

  • Ultra-Light Speed II kit ultra-lightweight minimizes lock time to a minimum

  • Sear spring is narrowed to diminish pull weight

Cons
  • Fitting is required

5# ED BROWN 1911 TRIGGER

ED BROWN 1911 TRIGGER

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Specification

Trigger pull weight: 4lb

The Trigger Pull set consists of Hammer, Sear, Disconnector, Springs for Hammer, and Sear, allowing superb match-quality trigger pull operation without much effort. The hammer is milled from bar stock. Cut-to-height sear hooks are precision surface polished to deliver a crisp, clean-breaking trigger pull with a light stoning. CNC-machined lowered strut pin hole diminishes full-cock spring pressure.

Commander-style opening decreases weight for a prompt fall and even shorter lock times.

Gunsmith installation is needed. Sometimes it can be necessary to adjust the sear length if the hammer contacts the grip safety before lockup. Then ground down (about 125 in-ground off) a projection from the hammer face to help the slide move past it.

Pros
  • Excellent fit and smooth functioning due to the all finished and dimensionally precise surfaces

  • Allows the shooter to get a usable trigger pull without alteration of the OEM components

  • The Perfection Sear is pre-fit to ensure little handwork before mounting

  • Narrowed half-cock notch prevents sear damage

  • All the safeties functional

  • Narrowed spur reduces slide drag

Cons
  • Extra fitting is required

6# HARRISON DESIGN & CONSULTING TRI-CAV 1911 TRIGGER

HARRISON DESIGN & CONSULTING TRI-CAV 1911 TRIGGER

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Specification

Style: Long

The Tri-Cav kit combines traditional H-D Extreme Service triggers’ features with solid, but lightened aluminum shoe (due to three lightning cavities on it). The trigger shoe face is smooth without serrations and holes for the over-travel screw, preventing wear of the trigger finger during long training sessions. These triggers can’t be paired with EMP parts. A knowledgeable installation is recommended. The triggers are crafted from hardened stainless-steel bows, treated with Black DLC coating (“B” triggers are black), the “N” (Natural) triggers are made from aluminum and stainless steel, being silver ones.

Video review

Pros
  • Lighten trigger shoe with a special appearance is oversized in height to ensure individual fitting to the gun

  • Elimination of creep in and render the gun inoperative in an emergency due to the fixed over-travel stop is permanently locked in place

  • Long-size triggers meet size limits

  • The due over-travel amount is achieved by initial adjustment and re-testing

  • Micro-polished surfaces minimize friction

Cons
  • Not yet rated

7# CASPIAN 1911 TRIK TRIGGER

CASPIAN 1911 TRIK TRIGGER

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Specification

Style: Flat, Skeletonized
1911 Model: Commander, Government, Officers

The Trik Trigger consists of a skeletonized Aluminum shoe and a Stainless-Steel bow; considered a .45 ACP caliber-specific component. This top-notch and precision-machined 1911 trigger is appropriate for action-pistol, target, and tactical applications. It needs a gunsmith’s fitting.

Video review

Pros
  • Made in the USA

  • Fits 1911 Auto

  • Helps return the existing pistol to factory specs or just upgrade firearm to fit the shooter’s exact needs

  • Flat face ensures positive finger pad placement

  • Great competition flat trigger

  • Allows establish a clean straight back trigger release

  • The take-up and travel is very little and yet very crisp

  • Perfectly changes the look and feel of the pistol

Cons
  • Takes some time for proper fitting (use a ceramic stone)

8# WILSON COMBAT 1911 ULTRALIGHT MATCH TRIGGER

WILSON COMBAT 1911 ULTRALIGHT MATCH TRIGGER

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Specification

Style: Competition, Curved, Skeletonized
Size: Long, Medium, Short
Weight: 0.2 oz (6g)
Finish: Unfinished (natural); Stainless Steel

The match-grade trigger for 1911 autos integrates Aluminum shoe and Stainless-Steel stirrup, being suitable for competition and tactical pistols. The sturdy shoe is precision machined from high-grade Aluminum alloy, with a nice-looking, low-luster finish. There are well-defined clean serrations on the shoe face for positive finger contact and neatly radiused edges to prevent abrading fingers. Heat-treated stainless steel stirrup decreases unwanted flex. Only minor fitting may be needed.

Video review

Pros
  • Trigger shoes fit any finger size

  • Lightweightness ensures a smooth pull and ultra-crisp let off

  • The polished, high-gloss stirrup finish provides minimal friction with the frame

  • Fits hand perfectly for consistent trigger pulls

  • The adjustable trigger is great for competitive shooting

  • Easy to customize overtravel to the gun with the adjustable overtravel screw (hex wrench included)

  • Perfect drop-in snug fit

Cons
  • None yet

9# HARRISON DESIGN & CONSULTING 1911 EXTREME SERVICE TRIGGER

HARRISON DESIGN & CONSULTING 1911 EXTREME SERVICE TRIGGER

View on Brownells

Specification

Shoe width: 0.25 in (6.4mm)
Short Length: 2.1 in (5.3cm)
Medium Length: 2.2 in (5.6cm)
Long Length: 2.25 in (5.7cm)
Length is measured from the middle of the curve in the shoe face to the bow back.

The trigger build includes a hardened stainless-steel non-flex bow, constantly staked to aluminum shoe to ensure smooth and consistent trigger pull. Durable shoe delivers a comfy, natural finger position, allowing to prevent uneven pressure, thereby improving accuracy. The adjustable shoe and pull lengths: collect the pull force on the trigger centerline.

While mounting the trigger the overtravel amount can be set precisely due to the fixed, inner overtravel stop without backing out over time. The sear nose clears the hammer hooks and half-cock notch better if to file a little the stop tip. There are 6 models, three of them are covered in black IonBond DLC finish, the rest is just natural silver.

Pros
  • Strong, reliable, precise, and comfortable trigger pull

  • No finger wear due to the smooth, curved face with radiused edges

  • No friction with the frame due to the mirror-polished bow surface

Cons
  • Needs heavy stoning of the actual trigger to get it to fit in the pistol

10# GREIDER PRECISION 1911 V-SERIES MATCH TRIGGER

GREIDER PRECISION 1911 V-SERIES MATCH TRIGGER

View on Brownells

Specification

Short Length: 2 in (5.1cm)
Medium Length: 2.125 in (5.4cm)
Long Length: 2.25 in (5.7cm)
Length is measured from the middle of the curve in the shoe face to bow back.

Three trigger sizes are available with the proper length-of-pull (LOP) for shooters. The trigger shoe is CNC-milled from a high-quality Aluminum billet with a silver finish. The shoe is ported with three holes to make the pistol weight lighter; it is a bit oversized for individual fitting. The bow is manufactured from original Videki tooling stainless steel (Class A, 400 series) with polished coating.

Video review

Pros
  • Lightweight

  • Great for competition – Match-Winning Performance

  • Diminishes drag and pull weight for extra smooth engagement and quicker return

  • Stop screw excludes overtravel

  • Grooved face delivers superior control

  • Proven Videki Speed Trigger design

  • Rock-solid bow

Cons
  • The trigger reduces much of the vertical slack, it’s difficult to get a proper fit

11# 10-8 PERFORMANCE LLC 1911 FLAT TRIGGER

10-8 PERFORMANCE LLC 1911 FLAT TRIGGER

View on Brownells

Specification

OAL: 2.2 in (5.6cm)
Weight: 0.3 oz, (8.6g)

The aluminum trigger shoe (with silver, anodized coating) features a flat, serrated face for uniform LOP. Full width, stainless steel bow with polished finish excludes flex. Stainless steel overtravel stop screw is installed in the shoe rear; it doesn’t need staking or thread locker to keep it in place.

Pros
  • Permanent Length-Of-Pull (LOP) despite index finger position

  • Lightweight

  • Overtravel stop screw never loose after setting

  • A constantly stacked bow to the shoe ensures extra durability, becoming the best option for self-defense and duty pistols

Cons
  • The trigger bow is long

12# WILSON COMBAT 1911 COMPETITION MATCH #1 TRIGGER

WILSON COMBAT 1911 COMPETITION MATCH TRIGGER

View on Brownells

Specification

Finish: Natural (Matte silver)
Style: Long

Updated design of #1 Competition Match 1911 Trigger needs little-to-no fitting, only minor final custom adjustment. The trigger integrates an aluminum pad with a serrated face, stainless steel bow with take-up tabs, allowing shooters to adjust trigger pre-travel length, and overtravel screw to regulate backlash.

Video review

Pros
  • No trigger bounce after the hammer falls

  • Lighter than factory triggers due to three holes

Cons
  • None yet

13# CYLINDER & SLIDE 1911 LONG ALUMINUM TRIGGER

CYLINDER & SLIDE 1911 ALUMINUM TRIGGER

View on Brownells

Specification

OAL: 2.40 in (6.1cm)

The pull force of the trigger shoe is directed straight rearward, preventing improper sight alignment and enhancing accuracy. The shoe is constantly fixed and drilled in a 3-hole configuration to lighten the trigger weight.

Pros
  • Provides proper index finger placement for the best accuracy

  • No trigger flex or drag due to the highly polished stainless-steel bow

  • USMC Approved

  • Works with many pistols

  • Adjustable overtravel stop screw helps prevent creep

  • Fine line serrations on the shoe face ensure better trigger control

Cons
  • Takes about one hour to fit in Norinco

FAQ

Why do they call it 1911?
The “1911” is called in such a way because of the year 1911 when the United States Army adopted this pistol. From the beginning, the gun was manufactured by Colt Manufacturing but was made by many other companies during World War II.
What is the trigger pull on 1911?
It is 3 1/2 pounds of NRA minimum weight for Colt 1911. It is 2 1/2 pounds for other centerfire pistols.
Why does Colt 1911 have such a heavy trigger?
Being a military firearm primordially, now it is used not only by soldiers but shooters with rather limited training. The trigger features a bit heavy trigger pull, which allows to diminish the chance of accidental discharges.
Are all 1911 45 calibers?
Colts 1911 are mostly chambered in .45 ACP. Although with the modern build you can use 9 mm or .40 S&W calibers as well.
Are 1911s still popular?
1911 is an extremely dependable gun with a firm framework, it is made almost completely of quality metals. The M1911 might be retiring from the army, but it’s been known and still widely used among civilians.
Is 1911 a good home defense?
1911 is very precise and features a manageable kick despite a low muzzle flash. 45 ACP caliber delivers superior stopping power, making it comfortable for home defense when every shot counts.
Is a Glock or 1911 better?
The Glock will fit the best for shooters, who want to transit from double-action revolvers. The Glock is easier to fire than 1911, but after mastering the 1911 trigger, they are both accurate at the shooting range. Glocks can fire thousands of bullets without damage or malfunction; 1911 is not as corrosion-resistant as the Glocks.

Conclusion

Reliable triggers should feature a corrosion-resistant material, sleek trigger pull, well-polished surfaces to ensure pulling action for smoothing the trigger up, affecting correct performance.

Improper trigger pull weight can result in the pistol deviating from the target after pressing the trigger. Check the real trigger pull weights, as they can be different from advertised ones to prevent unpleasant surprises.

Tags: #best 1911 trigger / #best 1911 trigger kit / #best 1911 drop-in trigger kit / #best trigger kit 1911 / #1911 best trigger kit / #best drop in 1911 trigger kit

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