Franklin Armory G-S173 Pistol Trigger Review

What You Didn’t Know About the Franklin Armory G-S173 Pistol Trigger

The quest for enhanced firearm performance often leads down a rabbit hole of aftermarket modifications, and my recent deep dive into the Franklin Armory G-S173 Pistol Trigger was no exception. This isn’t just another trigger; it’s an iteration of Franklin Armory’s patented Binary Firing System specifically engineered for the Glock 17 Gen3. My primary objective was to find a way to legitimately replicate the rapid firing capability often associated with full-auto firearms for sport and training purposes, a goal many firearm enthusiasts share. The initial impression upon unboxing was one of robust engineering, with a sturdy feel and seemingly precise machining, though the slightly higher price point certainly set expectations. I had briefly considered other trigger upgrades, but the allure of the binary function was too strong to ignore, making this a standout choice. My first reaction was one of eager anticipation, a feeling that this particular upgrade might just redefine my range experience.

Real-World Testing: Putting Franklin Armory G-S173 Pistol Trigger to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Franklin Armory G-S173 Pistol Trigger was my local indoor shooting range, a controlled environment perfect for evaluating new firearm components. I specifically sought out scenarios involving rapid target acquisition and sustained fire to gauge the binary mode’s effectiveness and the semi-automatic mode’s reliability. The trigger’s operation in both modes was surprisingly intuitive, with the distinct click of the mode selector providing immediate feedback without needing to break my sight picture. However, I did encounter a minor hiccup during installation; the slide fit was noticeably looser than before, which was an unexpected quirk.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several hundred rounds spread across multiple range sessions and a dedicated training day, the G-S173 trigger system has shown a mixed bag of results regarding durability. While the core binary mechanism continues to function as advertised, the aforementioned looseness of the slide on the frame has persisted, even after trying different rail sets, which is concerning for long-term reliability and accuracy. Maintenance has been straightforward, involving regular cleaning and lubrication of the trigger group and firearm as usual, with no specific issues arising from the trigger’s internal components themselves. Compared to standard Glock triggers, the binary function offers a unique experience, but the slide-to-frame fit is a significant drawback that rivals the performance of even budget aftermarket triggers in terms of stability.

Breaking Down the Features of Franklin Armory G-S173 Pistol Trigger

Specifications

The Franklin Armory G-S173 Pistol Trigger is designed to replace the factory trigger group in a Glock 17 Gen3 pistol chambered in 9mm Luger. Its key selling point is the patented Binary Firing System (BFS), which allows for selectable semiautomatic and Binary modes. This system is engineered to produce one round on the pull and another on the release, effectively doubling the rate of fire in Binary mode. A critical design element is the integrated back plate mode indicator, providing visual confirmation of the current firing mode without requiring the shooter to disengage from their target. The trigger itself features a straight trigger profile, a departure from the curved factory triggers, intended to offer a consistent finger placement and pull. While the product page mentions optics-ready capabilities and tritium night sights, these are features of the slide assembly it’s meant to be installed in, not inherent to the trigger mechanism itself, which is an important distinction for potential buyers.

Performance & Functionality

The core functionality of the Franklin Armory G-S173 Pistol Trigger is its ability to switch between semi-automatic and binary fire modes. In semi-automatic, the trigger pull is crisp, though it has a slightly longer travel than some premium aftermarket triggers. The Binary mode is where this trigger truly shines in terms of excitement; it delivers an astonishing rate of fire that, when mastered, allows for rapid follow-up shots. The ability to cancel the release round by simply switching back to semi-automatic while the trigger is depressed is a crucial safety feature that works effectively. However, the primary performance concern is the noticeable looseness in the slide-to-frame fit reported by some users, including myself, which can negatively impact overall accuracy and perceived stability. This issue is significant, as it detracts from the otherwise impressive speed and novelty of the binary function.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Franklin Armory G-S173 Pistol Trigger focuses on integrating its unique firing system into the familiar Glock platform. The straight trigger face offers a different tactile feel and consistent finger placement, which some shooters prefer for its perceived precision. The integrated back plate mode indicator is a clever and highly functional addition, allowing for quick visual confirmation of the selected mode, a crucial feature for safety and tactical awareness. The materials appear to be of good quality, contributing to a solid feel within the firearm. However, the reported issue of a looser slide fit suggests a potential compromise in the way the trigger mechanism interfaces with the frame and slide rails, which is a notable ergonomic and functional concern.

Durability & Maintenance

In terms of durability, the internal mechanism of the Franklin Armory G-S173 Pistol Trigger seems robust enough to handle repeated use, provided it’s properly maintained. The Binary Firing System is designed for high-volume firing, and the components appear to be constructed to withstand significant stress. Standard cleaning and lubrication protocols for a Glock pistol should suffice for maintaining the trigger group. The primary concern regarding durability, however, stems from the aforementioned slide-to-frame fit issue. If the looseness leads to increased wear on the frame rails or slide components over time, it could significantly shorten the lifespan of the firearm or lead to more severe malfunctions. At this price point, consistent and reliable operation without compromising firearm integrity is paramount.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Franklin Armory G-S173 Pistol Trigger is designed as a self-contained upgrade to the Glock 17 Gen3 trigger assembly, so it does not typically come with additional accessories beyond the necessary components for its function. The product description does mention compatibility with optics-ready slides and tritium sights, but these are features of the firearm’s slide, not the trigger itself. Therefore, there are no specific accessories or customization options directly associated with the trigger mechanism, beyond the inherent selectable firing modes. Compatibility with other aftermarket Glock parts, such as different grip modules or slide assemblies, would depend on how the G-S173 integrates with the overall firearm platform and whether it adheres to standard Glock tolerances for other components.

Pros and Cons of Franklin Armory G-S173 Pistol Trigger

Who Should Buy Franklin Armory G-S173 Pistol Trigger?

The Franklin Armory G-S173 Pistol Trigger is best suited for experienced Glock 17 Gen3 owners who are specifically seeking the novelty and fun of a legally compliant “fun switch” for recreational shooting and range entertainment. Enthusiasts who prioritize the sheer speed and unique shooting dynamics of a binary trigger over absolute precision at extreme distances will find it appealing. It’s also for those who are comfortable with the potential for aftermarket modifications to require fine-tuning or who have the resources to address any potential fitment issues.

However, anyone seeking a duty-grade trigger, a guaranteed improvement in tight grouping accuracy under stress, or a straightforward drop-in replacement with zero potential for modification challenges should likely skip this product. Shooters who are sensitive to even minor firearm tolerances or who rely on their firearm for self-defense where absolute reliability and minimal deviation from factory specifications are paramount should also reconsider. For those who proceed, ensure you have a trusted gunsmith on hand, and be prepared to potentially invest in additional tuning or parts to achieve optimal slide-to-frame fit.

Conclusion on Franklin Armory G-S173 Pistol Trigger

The Franklin Armory G-S173 Pistol Trigger represents a fascinating leap in civilian-accessible firearm technology, offering the unparalleled thrill of binary fire for the popular Glock 17 Gen3. The core functionality of the Binary Firing System, coupled with the intuitive mode indicator, delivers an undeniably fun and unique shooting experience that few other legal modifications can match. However, this exciting performance comes with a significant caveat: the reported and experienced issue of a noticeably loose slide-to-frame fit. This concern, combined with the considerable price tag, creates a conflict between the product’s innovative spirit and its real-world application for consistent, reliable performance.

From a value proposition standpoint, the $809.99 price is steep, especially when the primary draw – the speed of fire – is potentially compromised by accuracy issues stemming from the fitment problem. While the Franklin Armory G-S173 Pistol Trigger is a marvel of engineering in its binary capability, it falls short of being a universally recommended upgrade due to the unresolved concerns about firearm integration. Therefore, I would recommend it only to a very specific niche of firearm enthusiasts who prioritize the sheer novelty and recreational aspect of binary fire above all else, and who are prepared to troubleshoot or accept the potential limitations. For those who demand flawless precision and rock-solid reliability, safer and more consistent trigger upgrades are readily available.