Hands On: Atibal e2 and Johnny Glocks 4311 Trigger

ATIBAL e2 SEALED REFLEX

Sealed reflex sights offer advantages over their open-top brethren. They’re far less likely to fog up from temperature changes due to the air jacket, and the LED emitter itself is protected from the elements. So it came as no surprise when we learned Atibal threw their hat into the rapidly growing ring of sealed sights. At the time of writing, Atibal has two different sealed options: the budget-minded SRD-E and the more-premium e2 that we’re looking at here.

The e2 has all the features that are quickly becoming standard, like an easily swappable CR2032 battery with an anticipated lifespan of 50,000 hours (nearly six years) along with a motion-activated “shake awake” function. The e2 is rated as IP67-waterproof, meaning it can handle total immersion but maybe don’t take it SCUBA diving.

The anodizing on the e2 is thicker than on the cheaper sealed optics, making it more scratch resistant and offering a higher-quality feel.

With dimensions of 47.5 by 28 by 28mm, it’s a little shorter and skinnier than some other options on the market. The glass is a squat 24 by 15.5mm rectangle, with a little wider window than currently seen on the market. Speaking of glass, there’s minimal distortion and excellent color rendition — no too blue on this one.

The controls are easy, with simple rubberized buttons to change illumination. The positive button has an extra little nubbin’ on it, so you can discern buttons even in total darkness. The e2 has a memory function, so it turns back on at the same setting as when you last turned it off.

The dot is a nominal 3 MOA, and the click value for adjustments is 1 MOA. While there are audible clicks, the slot for adjustment is exceedingly small — don’t forget a micro flathead on the range because you won’t get a coin into that tiny slot.

As expected, the e2 uses the ACRO footprint, but for those without a plate system on their pistols Atibal offers both an RMR conversion plate as well as one for the RMSc footprint.

JOHNNY CUSTOM GLOCKS 4311 TRIGGER

Many aftermarket Glock triggers aren’t advertised for defensive use, not only for reasons of liability but because some of them subvert internal safety mechanisms in the race for a lighter pull. But let’s not kid ourselves, it’s not like the G43 is a common competition gun. Johnny Glocks specifically states that the 4311 trigger is for carry, and because of this safety was at the forefront during the design process.

The 4311 isn’t just a trigger bar and connector you mishmash with other parts, it’s a complete system. The 4311 comes with every metal-on-metal part to swap out, including the rear housing, plunger, and striker assembly to ensure safety, consistency, and compatibility.

During the final evaluation of the 4311 more than 10,000 rounds were fired without failure, and drop tests were performed with filled magazines and exceeded 20 feet. Johnny tells us he “wanted to be able to literally drive a tank over it and not discharge.” This is especially important because the 4311 uses a fully tensioned striker for a smoother pull. Well, we don’t have a tank, but we do have a rawhide mallet, and we couldn’t manage to make the striker release without pulling the trigger.

None of this matters if the trigger feels terrible, and fortunately for Johnny Glocks (and you) it’s damned good. The 4311 intentionally has take-up like a factory trigger, allowing you to settle in before a predictable 3.5-pound break. The reset is a scant tenth of an inch, and the pull from reset is just below 3 pounds. Admittedly, some will consider it too light, and you should spend time on the range before putting it in your pants.

Installation is a little different from a normal Glock trigger because the 4311 includes a trigger shoe return spring. It’s not bad, just different, and Johnny Glocks has a detailed installation video. This return spring not only makes for a faster reset but as a bonus also has some utility for dry-fire practice.