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Gen 5 Glock VEX Trigger Setup: Remove Overtravel & Shorten Reset
Dialing In Your Gen 5 VEX Trigger (Combat or Competition)
Video Walkthrough: Watch on YouTube
If you’re running a Gen 5 Glock and want to get the most out of your Johnny Glocks VEX Trigger, this step-by-step guide walks you through dialing it in — whether you’re setting it up for combat reliability or competition performance. This process is similar to zeroing your optic — small adjustments can make a big difference.
We ship our triggers set to work on most Glock frames right out of the box, but with a few careful tweaks, you can often remove more overtravel and achieve the shortest possible reset for your specific frame.
What You’ll Learn
- Difference between Combat and Competition setups
- How to adjust the pre-travel screw
- Step-by-step overtravel and reset adjustment
- Fine-tuning the sear engagement for a crisp break
- Reset optimization for faster follow-up shots
- Safety checks to confirm a proper install
Step-by-Step: Removing Overtravel & Achieving the Shortest Reset
1️⃣ Adjusting the Set Screw
Use the included 0.035" hex wrench. Insert it into the rear set screw of the trigger shoe — this controls overtravel and reset.
2️⃣ Turn Clockwise to Tighten
Tightening reduces rearward trigger bar movement, which shortens reset and removes overtravel. Go slow — an eighth of a turn makes a big change.
3️⃣ Check for Break
Test the trigger. If it won’t break, you’ve tightened too far — no problem, we can fix it.
🔄 Two Ways to Fix an Over-Tightened Screw
- Option A: Rack the slide halfway, hold the slide stop up, pop off the rear cover plate, remove the striker, then take the slide off.
- Option B: Use a small jeweler’s screwdriver. Insert it through the backplate, press down on the cruciform, manually break the trigger, and take the slide off.
4️⃣ Back Off Slightly
Loosen the set screw just 1/4 to 1/8 turn. We’re talking tiny increments here. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the trigger breaks reliably.
5️⃣ Check for Real-World Reliability
Push down on the slide while pulling the trigger.
- ✅ If it breaks cleanly without hesitation — you’re good to go.
- ⚠️ If not, back off the screw slightly more.
6️⃣ Competition vs. Combat Setup
Competition: Set for minimal travel and reset, but still safe and reliable.
Combat: Give the trigger a little more breathing room to ensure maximum reliability under all conditions.
General Trigger Tuning Takeaways
- Know Your Purpose – Combat setup prioritizes reliability; competition setup focuses on speed.
- Small Adjustments Matter – Eighth or quarter turns can drastically change performance.
- Test Under Pressure – Apply downward pressure on the slide to simulate real use during checks.
- Function Checks Are Non-Negotiable – Always live-fire test after adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will these adjustments void my warranty?
A: No, if done within recommended limits.
Q: Can I switch between combat and competition settings?
A: Yes — always re-test after making changes.
Q: Is this trigger Gen 5 specific?
A: This guide is for Gen 5, but VEX Triggers are available for other generations.
Watch the Full Walkthrough
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