Striker-fired pistols are some of the most popular pistols in America. Known as affordable, accurate, and bombproof reliable, striker-fired pistols are almost universally used by law enforcement agencies across the country. They are also extremely popular among Citizens interested in home defense and personal protection. Millions have been sold in the United States.

The reliability of these pistols is undeniable. They will run and run, clean dirty, with good ammo or poor; Glocks, M&Ps, CZs, and Walther pistols just work. They also have a well-deserved reputation for accuracy. Though they aren't target guns, in skilled hands they can yield some very accurate shooting. These pistols also come in a variety of calibers and sizes to meet just about every shooting need.

Unfortunately, they certainly aren't perfect. Chief among the complaints against these guns is the triggers. Making a precision instrument out of flexible plastic is difficult. This is abundantly clear in the stock triggers of these guns. The Glock, with factory trigger, feels like a shooting a staple gun. and the M&P's OEM trigger is soft, mushy, with a barely perceptible reset...absolutely atrocious.

Overwatch Precision makes the finest aftermarket after-market triggers available for Glock and M&P pistols. One question we frequently get is, what is the difference between our TAC and DAT triggers? This article will answer that question, but first, let's talk about how these triggers are similar.

Similarities: DAT vs. TAC Trigger 

Both the TAC and DAT triggers share a lot of similarities. The difference between the two is actually quite small, and we'll discuss that further down. Both of these triggers are full, drop-in aftermarket triggers that replace your OEM trigger.

The stock trigger on both Glocks and M&Ps is curved, and the Glock's is serrated. Conversely, both the TAC and DAT feature a flat face. A flat face trigger promotes accuracy by providing a more consistent trigger press, and by providing better leverage against the trigger. The face of the trigger shoe is smooth, which is more comfortable during a long day at the range. The trigger and safety tab are made of the same, high-quality materials and can be had in matching or contrasting colors.

The trigger shoes on both the TAC and the DAT Overwatch Precision Triggers are made of metal. Rather than mushy, imprecise plastic, both triggers are machined from 7075-T6 aluminum. This reduces flex and helps to improve the tripper pull, and both are Type III hard-coat anodized to military specification. Both the TAC Trigger and the DAT Trigger come with a steel trigger bar. The trigger bar is polished or coated with NP3, making it buttery smooth and improving the trigger smoothness of the trigger still. The NP3 coating provides virtually impenetrable corrosion resistance for durability and longevity.

The biggest improvement offered by Overwatch Precision Triggers is the reduction in pretravel. Pretravel is the distance the trigger travels before it begins to encounter resistance provided by the connector and return spring combination, otherwise known as “The Wall”. The Overwatch Precision Triggers offer a 20% reduction in pretravel over a Glock stock trigger, and as much as 35% in the M&P family. The TAC and DAT triggers for the S&W M&P pistols also reduce over travel by as much as 35%. The TAC and DAT triggers are also much smoother and crisper, and offer excellent tactile reset feel. They also maintain a comfortable margin of safety. These triggers have the same safety features of the OEM trigger, including the safety tab.

Another important similarity is the warranty that covers these outstanding triggers. Both the DAT and TAC are covered by Overwatch Precision's lifetime warranty. This includes coverage against defects in materials or craftsmanship for as long as it exists, whether you're the original owner or not.

The Difference: DAT vs. TAC Trigger 

Obviously, there are a ton of similarities between the TAC Trigger and the DAT trigger. But there is also a difference. We've teased it to this point, so let's get to it. The TAC (TACtical Applications Trigger) has a small indexing hook, a curve at the bottom of the trigger shoe. The DAT Trigger does not have this feature. The indexing hook provides a reliable, repeatable index for finger placement. This allows the shooter's finger to touch the trigger at the same place, for every round fired. This promotes consistency and accuracy.

The DAT (Defensive Application Trigger) does not have the indexing hook. That is it; every other feature of the DAT Trigger is the same as the TAC trigger. Both of these Overwatch Precision triggers offers an outstanding upgrade over a stock trigger. Both can improve your precision and accuracy. Both are bombproof reliable. And both are appropriate for self-defense, home defense, and law enforcement applications. The choice between the two depends almost entire only personal preference for the small indexing hook on the Overwatch Precision TAC Trigger.

Some shooters like a trigger with a curved profile to a flat trigger. A curved trigger can decrease the trigger reach slightly, and may feel more natural to some. If you want a curved trigger, check out the Overwatch Precision FALX Trigger. Functionally it is identical to the TAC and DAT Triggers. the only difference with the FALX is its curved profile. It is made of the same high-quality aluminum alloy, includes the same trigger safety, and has the same lifetime warranty...but it has a curved trigger shoe.

Upgrade Your Glock with Overwatch Precision!

An Overwatch Precision Trigger is one of the best upgrades you can make to your Glock pistol. It will improve the trigger pull, reducing pretravel and making the pull crisper. Our flat-faced triggers will improve the feel of your gun and help you shoot more accurately. Our TAC trigger, with its indexing hook, can provide an index for finger placement for those who prefer it. There is an OP trigger for every Gen of Glock, and almost every model of Smith & Wesson M&P. The TAC Trigger is also available for the CZ P10 and Walther pistols.

It is important to note that the installation of a DAT, TAC, or FALX Trigger alone will not lighten your trigger pull. You can lighten your Glock’s trigger pull weight with the addition of an OP Minus Connector. Our aftermarket connectors reduce pull weight up to one pound. In addition, they make the trigger smoother, crisper, and shorten the reset. They pair exceptionally well with our triggers to improve pull weight.

Both the DAT Trigger and TAC Trigger will serve you well. Both will improve the trigger pull, making it crisper and smoother. The difference is the indexing hook present on the TAC models, making it just a matter of personal preference.