Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Apex, Agency, and Overwatch Precision Tac Triggers

Here are some quick observations  on the Agency Arms, Apex, and Overwatch Precision TAC triggers for Glock handguns.  In this test I used my Gen4 Glock 19.  All springs are stock.  All triggers were used with an OEM "minus" connector.  All triggers came with a Gen3 trigger bar.  I measured the trigger pull weights with a Lyman Digital Trigger Pull Gauge.  Below are the averages of 10 pulls.  Due to the flat profile of each trigger, it was impossible to consistently pull from the center of the trigger.  I pulled the triggers parallel to the slide from the "hook" at the bottom of each trigger.  Since this is at a point lower than where your finger would actually rest, the readings are about 10oz lighter than you would actually feel.  For reference, I measured my HK VP9 at 4 lbs 14oz.

Apex - 4 lbs 0.3 oz

Agency - 4 lbs 4.7 oz

Overwatch Precision Tac - 4 lbs 4.1 oz

Next I measured total trigger pull distance.  I've seen people try to measure take-up and reset but short of a Dvorak TriggerScan, there's really no way to accurately measure every stage of a trigger pull.  The Apex was installed in my G19 Gen4 training gun, the Agency in my EDC G26 Gen4, and the Tac in my EDC G19 Gen4.  All have Ghost 3.5 Evo connectors, Vickers Mag Releases, and Vickers Slide Stops.  All other internal parts are stock.  The Ghost connectors have fitted over-travel stops so each of these represents the shortest distance I could achieve without sacrificing reliable ignition.

G19 - Apex - ~9.5mm

G26 - Agency Arms - ~5.5 mm

G19 - Overwatch Precision Tac - ~6.5 mm

Each trigger has it's stengths and drawbacks.  The Apex uses mechanical advantage to reduce pull weight, but has 30-40% more travel than the Agency and Tac.  It also has the longest trigger reach.  I wear size L Mechanix and have no problem reaching the Apex trigger, but smaller handed individuals may want to look else where.

The Agency feels the most comfortable.  The edges of the trigger are more rounded and the "hook" at the bottom is more pronounced.  This raises your trigger finger slightly higher than the Apex or Tac.  The Agency also has the shortest trigger reach.

The Overwatch Precision Tac trigger is the smoothest.  The trigger bar is polished and NP3 coated resulting in a buttery smooth pull.  The less pronounced trigger "hook" meant I noticed my finger dragging on the trigger guard and the edges of the trigger are almost square.

All three trigger passed a "drop safety" test.  I used a cut-down slide plate from Ghost Inc and tried to press the trigger bar down with a 1/16'" punch to release the striker.  Neither of these triggers allowed the cruciform to move down in the trigger housing unless the trigger was pulled.

I have the most trigger time behind the Apex, followed by the Agency and the Tac.  I always liked long triggers on my 1911's and preferred longer trigger reaches on my double stack guns and rifles.  However, my trigger techniques has evolved to use the "inch worm" method and I now gravitate toward shorter triggers.  While the Agency and Tac are extremely close, I have to give the nod to the Agency.  All three are great for shooting one hole groups but at speed, the Agency is the easiest for me to shoot.  The trigger itself just feels nicer and the short pull and reset offset the slightly heavier weight.  

-Carry On