Replacing springs in CZ pistols (#3): Trigger spring – when to replace – CZ Parts

In our series on springs, we are moving on to a very small spring – the trigger spring. In addition to being very frequently tuned by sports shooters, it is also the most prone to breaking due to wear and tear of all the springs. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about its function, tuning, and replacement.

Springs significantly affect the operation of the firearm and shooting comfort. Be sure to check out our other articles to learn what each spring is responsible for:

Where to find springs on our website

You can find tuning spring kits, individual springs, and original CZ parts in several places:

in the Springs category (focused on tuning sets),
in the Spare parts category (original CZ parts),
and in the Spare parts and Springs subcategories for individual models under the By model category.

TIP: Also check out Pins as well, as they are closely related to springs.

Where to find the trigger spring

You can find the trigger spring hidden inside the trigger mechanism – in the body of the trigger shoe on a small pin inside the frame. Both hammer-fired and striker-fired models have it.

What the trigger spring does

It returns the trigger forward after firing.

When pulling the trigger, you compress its legs, which provide resistance during the take-up. After releasing your finger, the trigger spring ensures the return of the trigger to its original position – the so-called reset. The stronger the trigger spring is, the faster and more aggressively the trigger returns.

The trigger spring determines the trigger pull weight together with the main spring, but each in a different way

You encounter the resistance of the trigger spring right at the beginning during the trigger take-up – it determines the resistance of the so-called slack before you hit the main wall before the shot. If you overdo it with tuning the lightness of the trigger spring, the take-up will indeed be very soft, but on the other hand, a sluggish reset might annoy you.

When to replace the trigger spring

The trigger spring is one of the most stressed springs in the gun. It breaks frequently and is strictly a consumable part: for sports guns, we recommend replacement after 10,000–15,000 rounds because they are weaker.

You can tell a broken trigger spring by the fact that after firing, the trigger does not return forward, and you have to mechanically push it forward for every subsequent shot.

Recommendations for sports shooters

The factory trigger spring is quite stiff to guarantee that the trigger returns reliably to the forward position every time. Sports shooters often install a lighter trigger spring, thereby reducing the trigger pull weight by another 100–200 g. The trigger thus becomes very sensitive.

ATTENTION: If you install a spring that is too weak, the reset will slow down. The goal of proper tuning is to find a happy medium.

Recommendations for self-defense

For guns used for EDC and self-defense, we therefore recommend keeping the factory trigger spring and regularly replacing it with a new one of the same stiffness.

The resistance of the factory trigger spring prevents an accidental discharge in a stressful situation and can overcome a certain amount of dirt in the gun, which a weaker trigger spring might not handle. In addition, you have greater certainty that a stronger spring will not just snap when you need it least.

Can I replace the trigger spring myself?

We recommend beginners visit a gunsmith. A more experienced shooter can handle it at home, even though it is not completely simple. A great helper for replacing the trigger spring is the trigger spring installation tool, which will save you a lot of time and nerves.

TIP: Don't want to deal with every individual spring? Get a complete sports-tuned set right away for CZ TS and CZ TS2 series models or CZ Shadow 2 models.