Is there a measurable difference, or does it just come down to personal preference?
Lets tackle this question by going back in history a bit.
The 1911 was initially designed with a curved trigger.
Flat vs. curved: does one trigger style offer performance benefits over the other? This is the question the author attempts to answer. Springfield Armory Ronin on the left, and Emissary on the right.
For some, that means that is all the 1911 needs.
Custom gun makers have also incorporated flat triggers in EDC and competition guns.
Sometimes called a straight trigger, some shooters believe it improves their finger placement when firing the gun.
When testing flat and curved triggers, the author used a pair of Springfield 1911 pistols to optimize consistent placement of the finger position.
I am not an early adopter of things new and shiny.
But, I do think flat triggers look awesome.
On the other hand, Ive used a curved trigger in my 1911 pistols exclusively.
The Springfield Armory SA-35 uses a curved trigger, whereas Springfield’s 1911 pistols are made with both flat and curved variations.
If its not broken, dont fix it, right?
So, I wanted to see for myself how a flat trigger versus a curved trigger impacted my shooting.
Who knows, maybe I have been wrong all these years?
The Springfield Armory Emissary features a wide range of cool features, including a flat trigger.
Both pistols are full-size Government models with 5 barrels and chambered in .45 ACP.
Both have large sights with a dot front sight.
The trigger reach is 2.7 on both pistols.
With a curved trigger, the author coaxed excellent performance out of the Springfield TRP.
Weight varied by two ounces: the TRP is 42 ounces, and the Emissary is 40.
Trigger Talk
The unique thing about a 1911 trigger is it slides.
It doesnt pivot like it does on a Hellcat or SA-35.
The author found that his initial shots with the flat trigger pushed slightly left. Changing his grip returned the hits to the center of the target.
On a 1911, the trigger slides in grooves machined inside the frame.
With the hammer cocked, you will notice a 1911 trigger has some take-up or pre-travel.
This is when the trigger is pushing against the disconnector, which pushes against the sear.
A factory-fresh 1911 typically has a 6- or 7-lb.
trigger pull weight after a trigger job.
Less creep means a crisper trigger.
This is called overtravel.
Ever notice the set screw in the face of some 1911 triggers?
That is the trigger overtravel screw, which limits the amount of trigger overtravel.
Limiting trigger overtravel can enhance accuracy since the trigger has a definitive stopping point.
The last phase of a 1911 trigger pull is the reset.
In quality-built 1911s, that reset click can be heard and felt.
It should be positive and the trigger should be slick as it resets.
The pull weight on the TRP was 4.4 lbs., and on the Emissary it was 5.1.
I use the first joint of my trigger finger to press the trigger.
With the curved trigger, my hits were dead center.
It could be a situation of an old dog trying a new trick and simple familiarity.
But the design of the curved trigger forces your finger to the center of the trigger for smoother movement.
Am I changing my 1911s over to one trigger throw in?
Ill continue to use both trigger types.
It is all about preference.
Whats the bottom line for me?
So, try out both and decide for yourself!
Go to forum thread
1911TRPTM Series
1911Emissary Series
1911Ronin Series
