I am a huge GLOCK fan. The grip angle is just right for me and they always run. One of the great things about GLOCK pistols is the sheer volume of aftermarket options to make them your own. This time, I’m upgrading my GLOCK with the Certified Special ACE Trigger System from TriggerTech and will show the shooting and TriggerScan results!
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About the TriggerTech ACE Trigger System
The ACE system features TriggerTech’s Zero Creep, TKR, and CLKR technology, allowing for very specific adjustments. This system is compatible with GLOCK Gens 1-5 in standard frame 9mm and 40 S&W (Models: 17, 17L, 19, 19x, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 34, 35, 45 and 47.)
TriggerTech offers two ACE models, the Certified Special and the Legacy (coming soon!). Both options run about $250 and feature a fully-configurable 2.5 – 6.0 lbs. trigger pull weight. The Certified Special is USPSA-approved for use in competition with a pad-type safety whereas the Legacy has a lever-type safety and is currently in the process of receiving IPSC approval.
From TriggerTech:
The Certified Special is a monolithic Glock trigger featuring a pivot safety for a clean engagement, encouraging consistent trigger breaks.
Pull Weight: 2.5 – 6.0 lbs.
Lever: Flat
A Revolution in Glock Performance
The ACE Trigger System for Glock pistols is a breakthrough in trigger performance, reliability, and safety. This is not just an upgrade — it redefines what your Glock is capable of.
Why You’ll Love It
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- Unmatched Performance Gains: The ACE Trigger System delivers the largest margin of improvement of any product we’ve ever launched.
- Fully Tunable Feel: Adjust break weight and reset to your exact preferences.
- 1911-Inspired Precision: Designed to feel like a high-end 1911, with a pull weight range of 2.5–6.0 lbs.
- USPSA approved, and permitted in IPSC Standard, Optics, and Open divisions.
Engineered for a New Standard
The ACE Trigger System completely reimagines Glock trigger mechanics by eliminating the parasitic movements that plague standard designs.
Key Design Innovations:
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- Separate Disconnect Module (backplate) and Sear Module — not a one-piece connector
- True pivoting firing pin safety eliminates grit and drag
- Patented Zero Creep Technology™ for an exceptionally crisp break
- CLKR Technology™ lets you fine-tune pull weight with precision and confidence
Fully Modular. Fully Adjustable.
The ACE Trigger System includes three modular components:
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- Lever Module
- Sear Module (with CLKR Technology™)
- Disconnect Module (backplate)
Customize to your liking:
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- Ships with heavy lever take-up spring pre-installed
- Includes light take-up spring and plunger safety spring
- Combine spring sets and use the CLKR screw to dial in your ideal feel and set your pull weight between 2.5–6.0 lbs
Built to Perform. Built to Last.
Every ACE Trigger System is built using premium materials and protective coatings, chosen for durability in harsh conditions and extensive use with no degradation in reliability.
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- Zero Creep Technology™ is contamination-resistant and built for long service life
- Field-tested across high round counts and diverse environments
Safety-First Design
Performance without compromise. The Certified Special features a pivot safety on a monolithic trigger lever for a clean engagement, encouraging consistent trigger breaks.
Main features:
1) Frame-decoupled safety – We engineered the lever and transfer bar to provide the safety function independent of frame tolerances.
2) Redesigned safety stop – Updated geometry of the trigger lever broadens compatibility across real-world frame tolerances.
3) TMDE pad – A small feature on the lever module that helps range officers verify the lever safety is functioning properly.
The trigger’s Disconnect Module (backplate) also includes a relief pocket that increases clearance to the striker under extreme shock conditions.
What’s Included
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- Certified Special ACE Trigger System (3 Modules)
- Light + Heavy Lever Take-Up Springs
- Light Safety Plunger Spring
- Pin Tool
- 5/64″ Allen Key
Compatibility
Compatible with Glock Gens 1-5* in standard frame 9mm and .40 S&W only. The models are: 17, 17L, 19, 19x, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 34, 35, 45 and 47.
*Gen 5 requires removal of small tab on the frame (see instructions)
Use only with OEM Glock firearms and components (including standard OEM Glock magazines).
Not compatible with Gen V and Gen 6.
What’s in the Box
The primary trigger components come with a disconnect, installation tool, replacement springs, Allen key, printed materials, Velcro patch, and a TriggerTech card game! (This card game comes with the chance to win a free trigger!)
My GLOCK Pistols + Install
I have four GLOCK pistols: a G43 for carry, a customized G17, a police trade-in G21, and a G20 SF. While the G20 SF is a 10mm, I do have other barrels for it for easy caliber conversions!
In my opinion, the two greatest shortcomings of factory GLOCKs are the trigger and sights. While utilitarian, the factory GLOCK trigger leaves some to be desired, particularly when I’m so spoiled by great rifle triggers!
I decided to install the ACE system on my GLOCK 17, making sure it was clear before securing it in my Arrow Products rock vise. I used the Picatinny clamp on the vise accessory rail to hold the pistol.
The installation process was pretty straightforward. If you want to see each installation step in detail, TriggerTech already has an in-depth installation video.
The ACE trigger system has a plunger and two spring set options—light and heavy—for even greater customization. The heavy spring comes installed, but I wanted a lighter trigger pull, so I swapped the extractor plunger spring and the take-up spring.
The installed silver take-up spring is for a heavier pull weight; the gold is for a lighter pull weight.
Before even adjusting the CLKR screw, I was immediately impressed with the improved feel and short reset of the ACE system. This was a major upgrade from the factory trigger and the Ghost trigger I had previously installed in my G17.
TriggerScan
I used the TriggerScan TS-11 to quantify the differences between a factory GLOCK trigger and the TriggerTech ACE Certified Special. This tool uses a motorized trigger actuator and records forces at different distance intervals to create a full profile showing creep, peak force, and more.
For this test, I ran three tests on both my upgraded G17 and my factory G20 SF.
The ACE system test had incredibly consistent results with a peak force of approximately 2.94 lbs. Travel to actuate was between 0.108” and 0.109” and overtravel came in between 0.066” and 0.067”. All the results were very close.
The factory trigger graphs were not nearly as smooth or consistent. The peak force required was consistent around 7.564 lbs. and the travel to actuate was about three times that of the ACE system.
Shooting
I did some steel shooting in the industrial yard with both the 10mm G20 SF and the 9mm G17.
Obviously, the 10mm had greater recoil than the 9mm, but the TriggerTech ACE Certified Special made the G17 even more pleasant to shoot. It was consistent and predictable, allowing me to focus on my shots.
Get the Gear
TriggerTech Certified Special ACE Trigger System for GLOCK
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Thanks,
Gavin Gear
