Trigger Debate: Is a Flat or Curved Trigger Better?

Have you noticed that there are different styles of triggers across the multitude of firearms available? Triggers can be flat or curved, and the design is driven by personal preference and what the gun is being used for. There are some obvious pros and cons to each that we can break down. 

The Curved Trigger

Pros

We can’t ignore the fact that the ergonomics of a curved trigger usually feels better in the hand. The dip of the curve can help you index and place your finger on the same point of the trigger every time. When you are using a firearm for personal protection, you may benefit from an option where the trigger guides your finger to the same point every time in high-stress situations. 

A curved trigger can give your finger more surface area for control. In turn, heavier trigger presses can be more manageable with the curve in the trigger. 

Cons

A curved trigger is usually associated with a longer, heavier trigger pull than a flat trigger. This is not always the case, but is an important piece to consider when deciding between two options. 

A curved trigger is harder to change your trigger finger placement because the curve drives your finger to the lowest point. This might cause you to feel as if the gun isn’t quite made for you. It can also cause the pad of your trigger finger to roll under the trigger as you reset the trigger. That can lead to some pain or a blister. 

The Flat Trigger

Pros

Where a curved trigger is great for forcing you to have the same trigger placement every time, a flat trigger gives you more flexibility with your trigger finger placement. You can test out different finger placement positions and find the most functional placement for you.

The way a flat trigger is built helps to leverage the poundage required to pull the trigger back. One of the perceptions that goes along with a flat trigger is that the trigger pull feels lighter. This can give you an advantage in your shooting performance when competing in shooting competitions. 

Cons

The ergonomics of a smaller hand with a flat trigger can create issues for some shooters. If the shooter is unable to reach the flat trigger with the full pad of their trigger finger, they may be pushing the gun naturally to the nondominant side of the target. 

Flat triggers can be harder to learn on than the traditional curved trigger. Since you are able to experiment with placement, the “right way” to pull the trigger back is less intuitive. You need to take time and learn what works best for you with a flat trigger.

How to Pick a Trigger

When you are picking a trigger, make sure you follow all firearm safety rules. Ask the gun store associate if you can test the trigger before you test firearms. In the gun stores, you have the advantage of testing triggers side by side. Some guns only come with one type of trigger and you will have to find an after market trigger to replace it with. This is an additional cost, but may be worth it depending on your preference. To replace a trigger, you may need to enlist a local gunsmith to help install the new trigger.

If you have a Mantis X10, X3, or X2, you can take your research a step further. By mounting a MantisX onto the firearm, you can see which type of trigger you perform better with from the start. Your scores will directly correlate with how well your shooting performance is with that firearm and trigger setup at the range. You can choose the Compressed Surprise Break Drill in the app. This will help show you more of the issues you may have with the trigger, because you are adding in that timing element.