The Plastic Trigger Housing Pin: Why This Design Choice?

why is the trigger housing pin plastic

The trigger housing pin is a non-load-bearing pin that is made of plastic or polymer. It is used to keep the housing from being inadvertently pulled out during a field strip and to hold the M or L backstrap in place on the Gen 4. Some people speculate that the pin is made of polymer to minimize wear on the holes and to reduce costs. Others believe that it is made of polymer because it runs through a polymer part of the gun. While some people have reported issues with the pin slipping out or breaking, most sources suggest that it is not a common occurrence and that the pistol can function without it.

Characteristics Values
Material Polymer/Plastic
Cost Lower than metal pins
Wear and Tear Less likely to abrade the frame or trigger housing
Malleability More malleable than metal
Durability Less durable than metal
Function Non-load bearing
Ease of Removal Easy to remove and reinsert

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Plastic trigger housing pins are used to minimise wear on the holes

The plastic pin is also used to retain the rear rail module. It is worth noting that the stock pin is usually made of metal, as metal is less malleable and will retain its dimensions and not break when being lightly hammered into place. However, the plastic pin is designed to go through a plastic frame and housing, so plastic is used to minimise wear on the holes.

Some people have reported issues with plastic trigger housing pins, such as the pin slipping out or breaking. In these cases, it is recommended to return the gun to the manufacturer or to purchase a replacement pin. It is also possible to flatten the end of the pin with a hammer to make it fit tighter.

Aftermarket sellers of pin kits usually provide the trigger housing pin as metal or stainless steel. This is because the metal pin is stronger and less likely to break. However, the plastic pin is designed to minimise wear and tear on the holes, which is why it is used in the first place.

Overall, the use of plastic trigger housing pins is a trade-off between durability and minimising wear and tear on the holes. While plastic may not be as strong as metal, it is less likely to abrade the frame or housing, which is why it is used in some gun designs.

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The polymer pin is less likely to abrade the frame or trigger housing

The trigger housing pin is made of polymer, which is less likely to abrade the frame or trigger housing. This is because the polymer pin goes through a polymer frame and a polymer trigger housing and never touches metal. Therefore, the polymer composition of the pin minimizes wear and tear on the holes.

The polymer pin is also advantageous because it is a non-load-bearing pin, which means that the pistol can function without it. However, while the pistol can be fired without the pin, it is not advisable to do so as there may be damage or malfunctions in the long term.

The polymer pin is also beneficial because it is easy to press out and reinsert. It is not held in place by anything but a press fit, and it only performs the light duty of keeping the housing from being inadvertently pulled out during a field strip.

Despite the benefits of the polymer pin, some people opt for a metal pin. This is because the metal is less malleable, so it will retain its dimensions and not break when being lightly hammered into place. Additionally, some people may prefer the aesthetic of a metal pin, and it may be preferable in certain builds. For example, one user reported that a polymer pin included in their kit broke their gun after about fifty rounds.

Overall, the polymer trigger housing pin is well-suited for its purpose, as it is less likely to abrade the frame or trigger housing and can be easily reinserted if it slips out.

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The trigger housing pin is non-load bearing, so it can be made of polymer

The trigger housing pin is a non-load-bearing pin. This means that it does not bear the weight or force of a load. Its function is to keep the housing from being inadvertently pulled out during a field strip and to hold the M or L backstrap in place. It is not held in place by anything but a press fit. As it is non-load-bearing, the trigger housing pin can be made of polymer, a type of plastic.

Glock pistols are known for using polymer pins for the trigger mechanism housing. However, some Glock owners have reported receiving plastic pins in their kits, which they installed without realising, only to find that their pistols would not fire. Polymer pins are also provided with Grip Force backstraps. This is because the pin only goes through polymer parts and never touches metal. Polymer is used to minimise wear on the holes.

Some Glock owners have speculated that the use of polymer for the trigger housing pin is to do with cost. Polymer is likely cheaper than metal, and as the pin is non-load-bearing, it does not need to be made of a stronger material.

The trigger housing pin is easy to move and remove, and some owners have reported that it has slipped out during use. However, the pistol will still function without it, as the trigger housing stays in place by itself when the weapon is assembled. Nevertheless, it is recommended to refrain from firing the pistol until the pin is replaced, as there may be damage or malfunctions over the long term.

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The pistol can function without the pin, but long-term damage may occur

The trigger housing pin is a non-load bearing pin, which is why it can be made out of polymer and why the pistol can function without it. However, it is advised not to use a pistol without this pin, as there may be damage or malfunctions over the long term.

The trigger housing pin is the rearmost pin, the smallest-diameter pin, and is polymer on all Glocks. It is not held in place by anything but a press fit. The polymer material is less likely to abrade the frame or trigger housing after repeated insertion and removal cycles. It is also polymer because the pin goes through a polymer frame and a polymer trigger housing and never touches metal.

The trigger housing pin performs the light duty of keeping the housing from being inadvertently pulled out during a field strip and holding the M or L backstrap in place on the Gen 4. It is easy to move and remove the pin on Glocks, and some users have reported that their pistols have functioned without it for a few hundred rounds. However, it is advised to refrain from firing the pistol until the pin can be replaced.

Some users have reported issues with their pistols after using them without the trigger housing pin. One user reported that their pistol fired one shot, but the slide stayed locked back. Another user reported that their pistol fired five shots in a row without a problem, but they stopped firing as they knew something was not right and they did not want to potentially damage the pistol.

It is important to note that the absence of the trigger housing pin can cause misfires. The hole in the trigger block is precisely positioned to keep everything in alignment, and relying on the overall shape of the trigger block to maintain alignment is unreliable. Therefore, while the pistol can function without the pin, there is a risk of long-term damage or misfires.

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Plastic pins are cheaper than metal ones

While Glock trigger housing pins are made of plastic, it is important to note that this is not the case for all trigger housing pins. Some Glock users have reported receiving steel pins in their kits. Additionally, some aftermarket sellers provide metal or stainless steel pins in their pin kits.

The use of plastic pins in Glock firearms may also be due to the fact that the pins are non-load bearing and do not touch metal. As such, a plastic pin can be used without causing wear and tear on the gun. Glock users have noted that the plastic pin can be easily pushed out or protrudes after repeated use, but this does not seem to impact the functionality of the gun.

While plastic pins may be cheaper and more convenient in some ways, some Glock users have expressed a preference for metal pins. This could be due to the perception that metal pins are more durable and less likely to need replacement. Additionally, some users may simply prefer the look and feel of a metal pin in their firearm.

Overall, while there may be some drawbacks to plastic pins, such as the need for occasional replacement, they are a cost-effective and functional option for Glock firearms.

Materials That Need to Be Plastic

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Frequently asked questions

The trigger housing pin is plastic because it is a non-load bearing pin, which is why the pistol is able to run without it. It is also plastic because that's what works best. The trigger housing pin goes through a polymer frame and a polymer trigger housing and never touches metal.

The drawbacks of a plastic trigger housing pin are that it may slip out and protrude, and it can be difficult to push it back in.

The advantages of a plastic trigger housing pin are that it is less apt to abrade the frame or trigger housing after repeated insertion/removal cycles. It also minimizes wear on the holes.

The alternatives to a plastic trigger housing pin are metal or stainless steel. Metal trigger housing pins are less malleable so they will retain their dimensions and won't break when being lightly hammered into place.

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