Johnny Glock explains his issues with the ACE

Published on August 19, 2025
Duration: 38:07

This video features Johnny Glock discussing his concerns and findings regarding the TriggerTech ACE trigger for Glock firearms. He highlights potential safety issues stemming from the trigger's design, particularly its angled sear and lack of a replicated external safety lever, which differs significantly from traditional Glock mechanisms. The discussion covers installation challenges, USPSA rulings, and the importance of understanding how modifications can affect firearm reliability and safety, especially when deviating from stock configurations.

Quick Summary

The TriggerTech ACE trigger for Glock firearms presents safety concerns due to its angled sear and lack of a replicated external trigger safety lever, making it less secure against inertial forces and non-compliant with USPSA rules. Modifications can further impact reliability.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Controversy
  2. 01:33TriggerTech ACE Release & Initial Impressions
  3. 03:09Ben Stoeger's Observations & Concerns
  4. 04:10Trigger Tech's Response & Mallet Test
  5. 05:29Differences in TriggerTech vs. Glock Triggers
  6. 07:25Mechanism: Connector Elimination & Sear Drop
  7. 08:04Achilles Heel: Free Falling Sear & Angle
  8. 09:06Glock vs. ACE Sear Angle & Tolerances
  9. 10:14Magazine Slam & Accidental Discharge
  10. 11:01Carry vs. Competition Use
  11. 12:14Inertial Testing & Cutaway Gun Insights
  12. 13:14Sear Angle vs. 90-90 Engagement
  13. 14:13Testing & Installation Challenges
  14. 15:17Reliability, Predictability, Safety
  15. 16:28USPSA Ruling on TriggerTech ACE
  16. 18:26Importance of the Trigger Safety Tab
  17. 19:02Vertical Extension & Transfer Bar Separation
  18. 20:30Safety Dingus Function Check
  19. 23:02Modifying the Safety Lever
  20. 25:23OEM Springs vs. Aftermarket
  21. 26:32Trigger Safety & Inertial Tests
  22. 27:30Striker Fired Gun Safeties
  23. 28:03Adding a Trigger Safety Tab
  24. 28:22ACE Trigger Break & Travel
  25. 31:19Variation in Outcomes & Reliability
  26. 33:23Recommendations for Owners
  27. 34:47Apex Trigger Recall & Glock Reliability
  28. 36:04Johnny Glock's Nickname Origin
  29. 37:08Viewer Excitement & Future Triggers
  30. 37:55Final Thoughts: Vigilance & Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main safety concerns with the TriggerTech ACE trigger for Glock?

The primary concerns revolve around its angled sear, which is more susceptible to issues from frame tolerances and magazine insertion, and the absence of a replicated external trigger safety lever, which is a key inertial safety on stock Glocks.

Why is the TriggerTech ACE trigger not legal for USPSA competition?

USPSA has ruled the ACE trigger illegal because it does not replicate the Glock's external trigger safety lever. This lever is considered a primary safety feature, and its absence makes the trigger non-compliant with USPSA rules for certain divisions.

What is the difference between a traditional Glock trigger and the TriggerTech ACE trigger?

A traditional Glock trigger has a 90° striker lug face for solid engagement. The ACE trigger uses an angled sear, which can be less secure due to firearm tolerances and lacks the external trigger safety lever found on stock Glocks.

What are the potential reliability issues with the TriggerTech ACE trigger?

Issues can arise from the trigger's design, especially when combined with aftermarket modifications or non-OEM springs. The ACE firing pin safety spring, in particular, has been identified as a potential failure point when used with other modified parts.

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