Glock handguns use a modular trigger system composed of the trigger shoe, trigger bar, connector, and multiple engagement surfaces that coordinate during the firing and reset cycle. Replacing a factory trigger with an A.R.T. trigger involves removing the factory trigger assembly as a unit and installing the A.R.T. trigger assembly in its place.

From a functional standpoint, correct installation and fitment must ensure:

    •    Free, uninterrupted trigger movement through the full firing and reset cycle

    •    Proper interaction with all internal safeties

    •    Clean engagement and disengagement between the trigger bar and reset lever

The trigger should move smoothly without hesitation or resistance. 

Any abnormal feel, resistance, or inconsistent behavior indicates that fitment, geometry, or lubrication must be addressed.

A.R.T. Trigger Operation and Shooter Input

The A.R.T. trigger system does not fire automatically.

    •    Each shot requires a deliberate trigger pull

    •    The trigger must be completely released before the next shot can be fired

    •    One trigger pull equals one shot, with a deliberate reset between each shot

Failing to allow full trigger release will interfere with reset engagement and will present a malfunction.

A.R.T. Trigger System Design and Fitment

A.R.T. triggers are engineered around controlled mechanical interaction during the firing sequence to assist in the reset cycle. This design approach places a higher emphasis on surface interaction than passive trigger systems.

Because of this:

    •    Engagement geometry is critical

    •    Contact surfaces must remain consistent

    •    Proper lubrication is mandatory

When fitment and geometry are correct, the system delivers a smooth, predictable, and repeatable reset. When they are not, friction, timing irregularities, or inconsistent cycling behavior can occur.

Reset Lever Geometry and Surface Rounding

The reset lever is one of the most critical components in the A.R.T. system and a primary focus during fitment.

If inspection or refinement requires rounding of the reset lever surface, it is essential that the existing rounded engagement angle is preserved exactly as designed.

Key fitment principles:

    •    Maintain the original radius and engagement angle

    •    Do not flatten the surface profile

    •    Avoid introducing sharp edges

The reset lever’s geometry determines how the trigger bar disengages and re-engages during cycling. Even minor changes to this geometry can affect reset timing, consistency, and long-term reliability.

Preserving the original rounded profile ensures:

    •    Predictable reset behavior

    •    Smooth interaction under live fire

    •    Consistent performance across different ammunition loads

Modular A.R.T. Reset Lever Fitment

A.R.T. trigger systems are designed with interchangeable reset levers to address fitment variations across Glock platforms, frames, and trigger bars.

This modular approach allows correct engagement without altering geometry. Glock tolerances vary slightly between frames and components, and the A.R.T. reset lever system is engineered to accommodate those variations while maintaining consistent engagement timing.

Installation and Fitment Procedure

Phase 1: Make the Firearm Safe and Field Strip

    1.    Clear the Weapon

Remove the magazine, lock the slide to the rear, and visually and physically verify the chamber is empty.

    2.    Dry Fire

With the firearm pointed in a safe direction, pull the trigger to release striker tension.

    3.    Remove the Slide

Pull the slide rearward slightly (approximately 1/10th of an inch), pull down on the slide lock tabs on both sides of the frame, and push the slide forward off the frame.

Phase 2: Remove Frame Pins and Components

    1.    Remove the Locking Block Pin (Top Pin)

Using a punch, push out the small top pin located just above the trigger.

    2.    Remove the Trigger Pin (Lower Pin)

Push the larger trigger pin from right to left.

Tip: Gently wiggle the slide stop lever while applying pressure to help the pin clear the grooves.

    3.    Remove the Slide Stop Lever

Lift the slide stop lever out of the frame once the trigger pin is removed.

    4.    Remove the Locking Block

Lift the locking block out of the front of the frame. Light prying with a punch may be required.

    5.    Remove the Trigger Housing Pin (Rear Pin)

Push out the rear pin located in the grip behind the magazine well.

Phase 3: Remove the Trigger Assembly

    1.    Lift the Trigger Mechanism Housing

Grasp the rear of the trigger mechanism housing and pull it upward.

    2.    Remove the Trigger Assembly

Lift the complete trigger assembly—trigger shoe, trigger bar, and housing—out of the frame.

Phase 4: Install the A.R.T. Trigger Assembly

    1.    Prepare the A.R.T. Trigger Assembly

Verify the trigger assembly is fully assembled and oriented correctly:

    •    Trigger shoe facing forward

    •    Trigger bar aligned along the right side

    •    Rear housing legs aligned with the frame rails

    2.    Insert the Trigger Assembly

Lower the A.R.T. trigger assembly straight into the frame.

Guide the trigger shoe through the trigger opening and seat the housing fully into the rear of the grip.

    3.    Verify Proper Seating

Press down on the rear housing until it sits flush with the frame.

Confirm the trigger bar moves freely and rests correctly on the connector.

Phase 5: Reinstall Frame Components and Pins

    1.    Reinstall the Locking Block

Place the locking block back into the front of the frame and press it down until fully seated.

    2.    Reinstall the Slide Stop Lever

Position the slide stop lever with the spring resting on top of the locking block pin channel.

    3.    Reinstall the Trigger Pin (Lower Pin)

Insert the trigger pin from left to right.

Tip: Wiggle the slide stop lever slightly while pushing the pin through.

    4.    Reinstall the Locking Block Pin (Top Pin)

Push the locking block pin in until centered and flush.

    5.    Reinstall the Trigger Housing Pin (Rear Pin)

Insert the rear pin to secure the trigger mechanism housing.

Phase 6: Reinstall the Slide and Perform a Function Check

    1.    Reinstall the Slide

Guide the slide onto the frame rails and pull it fully rearward until it locks into place.

    2.    Function Check (Unloaded Firearm)

    •    Rack the slide

    •    Pull the trigger to test for clean striker engagement

    •    Rack the slide again keeping your finger on the trigger

    •    during the beginning of the slide movement, you should feel the active reset assist with therelease of the trigger and verify the A.R.T. active reset engages completely and disengages smoothly

    •    Pull the trigger again to confirm proper operation

A properly installed A.R.T. trigger will reset positively and consistently, confirming correct installation and fitment.

Lubrication and Ammunition Requirements

Because A.R.T. systems rely on controlled contact during the reset cycle, proper lubrication and ammunition selection are not optional.

Insufficient lubrication or incompatible ammunition can negatively affect:

    •    Reset consistency

    •    Cycling behavior

For detailed guidance, refer to our dedicated guide:

➡️ https://advancedresettech.com/blog/recommended-ammunition-lubrication-for-art-trigger-systems/

That guide explains:

    •    Why A.R.T. systems should be run wet during use

    •    Ammunition characteristics that support reliable operation

    •    Common causes of reset-related issues

Following these recommendations significantly reduces wear and helps with part longevity.

When installed correctly and configured with the appropriate reset lever, lubrication, and ammunition, A.R.T. trigger systems are designed to operate smoothly and consistently.

Most issues stem from:

    •    Improper installation or incomplete fitment

    •    Running the system dry

    •    Using unsuitable ammunition

Addressing fitment first ensures:

    •    Consistent reset behavior

    •    Smooth cycling

    •    Long-term reliability

A.R.T. trigger systems are precision components. Fitment is the foundation of performance.

Correct installation, maintaining reset lever geometry, selecting the appropriate modular reset lever, and following lubrication and ammunition guidelines are essential to achieving the performance the system was engineered to deliver.

Precision in fitment leads to precision in performance