Centennial Defense Systems Competition Trigger Spring Kit Review

First Impressions of Centennial Defense Systems Competition Trigger Spring Kit

The Centennial Defense Systems Competition Trigger Spring Kit promises a lighter, smoother trigger pull for Glock pistols, specifically tailored for competition use. As someone who’s spent years tinkering with and optimizing firearms for various purposes, from tactical applications to competitive shooting, I was intrigued by the potential this seemingly simple kit offered. Centennial Defense Systems claims premium silicon wire construction and USA-based manufacturing, adding to the initial appeal.

Having competed in various shooting disciplines, a crisp, predictable trigger is paramount for achieving tight groupings and shaving off those crucial fractions of a second. My aging Glock 17, while reliable, has always suffered from a somewhat mushy factory trigger. This kit presented an inexpensive opportunity to refine its performance without investing in a complete trigger replacement.

The kit’s contents are simple: a 4lb striker spring, a 6lb trigger spring, and a reduced power firing pin safety spring. My initial impression upon unboxing was that these springs looked very similar to factory ones, but slightly different in color and coil tightness. They seemed well-made and free from any obvious defects.

Compared to completely replacing the trigger system with something like a ZEV Technologies or Agency Arms trigger, the Centennial Defense Systems Competition Trigger Spring Kit is far more budget-friendly. I chose this kit primarily for its affordability and the promise of a noticeable improvement without requiring extensive gunsmithing knowledge. The appeal was a drop-in upgrade for noticeable gains.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. Spring kits can be hit or miss; some dramatically improve trigger feel, while others offer negligible change or even introduce reliability issues. I hoped this would be one of the successful transformations, turning my Glock into a more competitive platform.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Centennial Defense Systems Competition Trigger Spring Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Centennial Defense Systems Competition Trigger Spring Kit at my local indoor shooting range. The range offered a controlled environment to evaluate the trigger pull and reset without external distractions. I ran several drills focused on speed and accuracy, comparing my performance before and after installing the spring kit.

The difference in trigger pull was immediately noticeable. The initial grittiness of the stock trigger was significantly reduced, and the overall pull felt lighter and smoother. I did experience one failure to ignite during the first 50 rounds, which raised a flag.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds, the Centennial Defense Systems Competition Trigger Spring Kit has held up reasonably well. The trigger pull remains lighter than stock, and the reset is more positive. However, the initial failure to ignite was not a one-time issue.

While infrequent, I experienced a few additional light strikes, occurring roughly once every 100-150 rounds. The springs themselves show no visible signs of wear or deformation, but the intermittent reliability issues are concerning. I thoroughly cleaned and lubricated the firing pin channel, hoping to mitigate the light strikes.

Comparing this experience to installing a complete aftermarket trigger, like a Timney Alpha Competition trigger, the Centennial Defense Systems Competition Trigger Spring Kit falls short in reliability. The Timney, while significantly more expensive, offers a consistently light and reliable trigger pull. This spring kit provides improvement but with a reliability trade-off.

Breaking Down the Features of Centennial Defense Systems Competition Trigger Spring Kit

Specifications

• The kit includes a 4lb striker spring, designed to reduce the force required to release the striker. This contributes to a lighter trigger pull.
• A 6lb trigger spring is included, further decreasing the trigger pull weight and smoothing the initial take-up. It complements the striker spring for overall improvement.
• The reduced power firing pin safety spring lessens the resistance encountered when the firing pin safety is disengaged. This helps create a smoother, more consistent trigger feel.
• The kit is specifically designed for Glock pistols and is marketed as “Universal,” suggesting compatibility across multiple generations and models. This could be a positive or negative, as “universal” rarely means “optimized”.
• The springs are constructed from premium silicon wire and manufactured in the USA by Centennial Defense Systems. This is stated to offer improved durability and consistent performance.

These specifications matter because they directly influence the feel and reliability of the trigger system. Lighter springs can significantly reduce trigger pull weight, but they can also compromise ignition reliability if they are too weak or inconsistent. The quality of materials and manufacturing processes are crucial for ensuring consistent performance and longevity.

Performance & Functionality

The Centennial Defense Systems Competition Trigger Spring Kit does improve the trigger pull weight and smoothness compared to the stock Glock trigger. However, the improvement comes at the expense of absolute reliability. The lighter striker spring can sometimes result in light strikes, particularly with harder primers.

The strengths of the kit are its affordability and ease of installation. It offers a noticeable upgrade for a minimal investment of both time and money. The weakness is the potential for decreased reliability, which makes it unsuitable for duty or self-defense applications.

The kit partially meets expectations. It delivers a lighter trigger pull but falls short in providing the consistent reliability demanded for serious use.

Design & Ergonomics

The kit consists of simple springs and does not directly alter the design or ergonomics of the Glock pistol. The springs are drop-in replacements for the factory components.

The kit is user-friendly and requires only basic gunsmithing skills to install. There is no noticeable learning curve beyond ensuring correct installation.

Durability & Maintenance

The springs themselves appear to be durable, and after several hundred rounds, there are no visible signs of degradation. However, the reduced power of the springs may lead to more frequent cleaning of the firing pin channel to ensure reliable ignition.

The kit is easy to maintain; regular cleaning and lubrication of the firing pin channel are recommended to prevent light strikes. No specialized tools are required for maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Centennial Defense Systems Competition Trigger Spring Kit doesn’t offer extensive customization options. It is primarily a spring replacement kit designed to work with the existing Glock trigger components.

While the kit itself is not customizable, it is compatible with various aftermarket trigger shoes and connectors that further refine the trigger feel. However, it’s important to select compatible components to avoid compromising reliability. Be sure to do thorough research.

Pros and Cons of Centennial Defense Systems Competition Trigger Spring Kit

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Who Should Buy Centennial Defense Systems Competition Trigger Spring Kit?

The Centennial Defense Systems Competition Trigger Spring Kit is perfect for competitive shooters looking for an affordable way to lighten their Glock trigger pull for range use only. It may also appeal to recreational shooters who prioritize a lighter trigger over absolute reliability for range sessions.

This product should be skipped by anyone who relies on their Glock for duty, carry, or self-defense purposes. The potential for light strikes makes it unsuitable for high-stakes situations.

A must-have accessory for this kit is a set of extra factory-weight striker springs. This allows for easy reverting to a reliable setup if light strikes become problematic. Consider also a thorough cleaning kit for the firing pin channel.

Conclusion on Centennial Defense Systems Competition Trigger Spring Kit

The Centennial Defense Systems Competition Trigger Spring Kit offers an inexpensive way to achieve a lighter, smoother trigger pull on a Glock pistol for competition use only. While it does deliver on its promise of improved trigger feel, the potential for decreased reliability makes it unsuitable for duty or self-defense applications. The kit is a classic example of getting what you pay for.

The price is justified if you understand the limitations and intend to use it exclusively for range or competition purposes where a slight chance of a misfire has minimal consequences. However, if reliability is paramount, investing in a higher-quality aftermarket trigger system is a better option.

I would recommend this kit to those seeking a budget-friendly trigger upgrade for range use, but with a strong caution about its reliability limitations. Explore other complete drop-in trigger kits if reliability is your most important criteria. Remember that trigger work should be done by a trained and certified gunsmith for safety reasons.