Ever heard of a DA/SA trigger for Glocks? There’s one out there, and it works as advertised, although there is a bit of a learning curve.
October 22, 2021
By James Tarr, Handguns Editor
I first stumbled across this trigger system when doing a review of the new Tara TM-9X. The Tara is a polymer-framed striker-fired 9mm pistol which stands out from the crowd for a number of reasons, but I’ll pick two—it comes from Montenegro, and it features a fascinating DA/SA trigger system, which I think is a first for a striker-fired pistol.
If this trigger system intrigues you but you don’t have the interest (or budget) for a whole new gun, the Lightning Tap Double Action Trigger for the Glock is this same trigger system, made under the same patent, but for the Glock Gen 1-3 17/19 (etc.) pistols. It’s sold exclusively through RecoilStore.com.
Tara calls this trigger system the DARE (Double Action Rapid Engagement), but a rose by any other name…works exactly the same. This trigger system is interesting because it is a true double-action trigger pull—but notice I didn’t write “double action only”.
All the parts in the Lightning Tap double-action trigger system. The zip ties are so the parts stay in place during shipping. Where you see the trigger at rest is where the DA trigger pull starts. Double action trigger pull is consistent, with only a little bit of stack at the end. Total trigger travel in double-action (measured at the tip of the trigger) is almost exactly three-quarters of an inch. The trigger is easy to stage, and shoot almost like a single action, simply by paying attention to the position of the trigger—it breaks just as it reaches the front of the frame.
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However, unlike with a revolver, to fire the next shot you do not need to release the trigger all the way back to its starting point. It is not a DAO (double action only) trigger system, but instead similar to that found in DA/SA semi-autos. After you fire your first shot double action, you only need release the trigger a bit, as the reset is a surprisingly short 3mm (roughly 1/8”). When this product was first brought to market it had first “short reset” then “fast reset” in the name, before they decided that was too long. Reset on this pistol is shorter than on most striker-fired pistols.
However, I found that the trigger reset spring is quite strong, so riding the reset under recoil takes a bit of practice—at first, you’ll find the trigger resetting all the way. But if you like riding a short reset, once you get used to the reset spring weight you’ll be able to shoot this pistol as fast as most striker-fired pistols with conventional trigger systems. In ersatz single-action/short reset mode the trigger pull isn’t any lighter, just shorter.
Tarr got an early sample of this trigger system, which included “Fast Reset” in the name. That was found to be too long/busy, and it currently is just the Double Action Trigger for Glocks. It ships as seen here. Installation is a bit more complicated than typical Glock trigger systems, as it involves replacing some of the striker parts in the slide as well, and there are a few extra parts in the trigger unit. But if you know your way around a Glock, following the included instructions will get the job done.
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One of the great things about the Glock design is all you need for complete disassembly/reassembly is a “Glock Armorer’s Tool”, otherwise known as a punch. Installed in a Polymer 80 Glock 17 I had lying around this trigger provided a smooth, 7.0-lb trigger pull, with a surprisingly short reset.
The DA/SA trigger system installed in a P80 Glock clone. The aluminum trigger does not feature a safety lever, as it doesn’t need one. Between the Tara and the installation in my P80 I’ve got close to 300 rounds through this trigger system, without an issue. I realize that is in no way an exhaustive torture test, but I can say that the trigger works as advertised.
People forget that “back in the day” the short/lighter/no manual safety Glock trigger system was controversial. The shorter/lighter trigger pull of a striker-fired gun might intimidate some people, especially since most of those pistols don’t have manual safeties. Especially with the increased popularity of appendix carry, where you’re pointing that pistol directly at a delicate, irreplaceable appliance. Other people might be moving over from DA/SA pistols or even revolvers.
A close-up of the Lightning Tap Double Action Trigger installed in a Glock clone. The trigger face is as smooth as the trigger pull. Regarding their TM-9X pistol, TARA says, “The DARE trigger system allows for fast and simple training of new users and for a smooth transition for those who come from old conventional systems…” Lightning Tap says about the so-called Glock “safe action” trigger, “Unlike the Glock factory trigger, the Lightning Tap Double Action Trigger System truly is…unlike the Glock, the Lightning Tap Trigger keeps the striker in a forward position with zero spring tension.” It is completely drop safe.
The Lightning Tap Double Action Trigger for the Glock is the same trigger system as found in this Tara TM-9X, made under the same patent, but for the Glock Gen 1-3 17/19 (etc.) pistols As it is a double-action trigger pull, if for some reason there is a light strike on a cartridge you can just pull the trigger again. The trigger itself is aluminum, with a wide face, and unlike most striker-fired pistols there is no safety lever on its smooth curved face, as it is unnecessary. MSRP on this interesting trigger system is $224.95.
If you have any thoughts or comments on this article, we’d love to hear them. Email us at FirearmsNews@Outdoorsg.com .
About the Author: James Tarr is a former police officer and private investigator, and is a nationally ranked competitive shooter. He has been writing professionally for 20 years, both magazine articles and books.
