FAQs
At Alpha American Firearms, we believe clear communication is just as important as craftsmanship. Below are answers to the most common questions we receive about our pistols, ordering process, finishes, and support.
If you don’t see your question here, our team is always happy to help. When you call or email, you’ll be connected directly with someone from our shop who can answer questions about your build or options.
ORDERING & CUSTOM BUILDS:
How do I order an Alpha American Firearm?
Alpha American pistols can be ordered through one of our authorized dealers (see our dealer locator) or by submitting an order request through our website.
Our Order Request Form serves as a helpful guide through the configuration process, allowing you to select options such as model, finishes, porting configurations, and other features. Once submitted, our team will review your request and follow up to confirm the details of your build.
Are your firearms fully custom?
Alpha American Firearms is a semi-custom shop.
This means our pistols are built on a foundation of proven models and configurations, while still allowing customers to select from a wide range of options such as finishes, porting styles, optics plates, and upgrades.
This approach allows us to maintain consistent quality, reliability, and performance while still offering a high level of personalization.
Do you require a deposit to start a build?
Yes. A deposit is typically required to reserve your build slot and begin the production process. The remaining balance is due before the firearm ships.
Can I make changes to my order after it is placed?
Minor adjustments may be possible early in the build process. Once machining, fitting, or finishing has begun, changes may no longer be possible.
If you need to request a change, we recommend contacting our team as soon as possible so we can determine what options may still be available. Any changes requested more than 14 days after estimate acceptance may result in a modification fee. This fee covers administrative time, production adjustments, and any material or vendor impacts caused by the revision. We strongly encourage finalizing all specifications prior to approval to avoid any delays or additional costs.
Can I check the status of my order?
Once your order has been confirmed and entered into production, our team will contact you if additional information is needed or when your pistol is nearing completion.
Because our shop is focused on building and finishing pistols, we ask that customers limit status inquiries unless there is a specific concern with their order.
We appreciate your patience while your pistol moves through the build process.
Lead times can vary depending on the model, selected options, and current production volume.
Because our pistols are built in batches and configured with different options, exact timelines may vary. When submitting an Order Request Form or placing an order through a dealer, our team will provide the most accurate lead time estimate available at that time.
What is the lead time?
Can someone help me choose the right configuration?
Absolutely. If you have questions about models, finishes, or options, our team or our authorized dealers are always happy to help guide you through the process.
Do you have firearms currently available for purchase?
From time to time, Alpha American firearms may be available through our Vault page on our website.
The Vault features firearms that are available or nearing completion. Because availability changes quickly, we recommend checking that page for the most current offerings.
Most of our firearms are also sold through authorized dealers, who may have inventory available as well.
How can I find an Alpha American dealer?
You can locate authorized dealers by visiting the Dealer Locator on our website.
Our dealer network continues to grow, and this page is updated as new dealers are added.
CUSTOM SHOP SERVICES
Does Alpha American offer upgrade services for existing firearms?
Yes. In addition to building our own pistols, Alpha American Firearms offers a range of custom shop services for 1911 or double stack 1911 platforms.
These services allow owners to enhance the performance, appearance or add upgrades to one of their pistols they already own.
What types of upgrades does the Alpha American Custom Shop offer?
Our custom shop offers a variety of upgrade and refinement services, including:
Double-stack conversions
Finish upgrades/Refinishing Services
Porting Options
Trigger fitting and refinement
Spring replacement and tuning
Frame and slide beveling
Many of the same upgrade options offered on our standard builds
These upgrades can improve recoil control, handling, trigger performance and overall feel of your firearm.
Can Alpha American perform upgrades on firearms from other manufacturers?
In many cases, yes. Our team regularly performs upgrades and refinement work on a variety of 1911/double stack 1911 platforms.
We understand the nuances of fitting, tuning, and refining these pistols for optimal performance.
If you are interested in upgrading your firearm, our team can help determine what services are available for your specific model.
How do I request work from the Alpha American Custom Shop?
To request upgrade work you can submit the form available on the Custom Shop page of our website. This allows you to provide details about your firearm and the services you are interested in so our team can review the project.
If you prefer, you are also welcome to contact us directly by email at alphaamericanfirearms@gmail.com to discuss your project with a member of our team. Once we review your request, we will follow up with available options and next steps.
CRAFTSMANSHIP & BUILD QUALITY
What makes Alpha American Firearms different from other 2011 manufacturers?
Alpha American pistols are built with a strong focus on craftsmanship, quality, and long-term performance.
Each pistol begins with U.S. machined billet steel components that are carefully fitted and refined during assembly. Our team also performs detailed surface preparation, machining mark removal, and hand beveling before the final finish is applied.
Customers can choose from a wide range of finishes and upgrade options, allowing each pistol to reflect both performance needs and personal style.
In addition to the build process itself, Alpha American Firearms focuses on providing direct communication with the shop, responsive support, and a lifetime warranty on every pistol we produce.
The goal is simple: build pistols that perform exceptionally well while delivering the level of quality and service expected from a premium firearms manufacturer.
MADE IN THE U.S.A.
Are your firearms hand fitted?
Yes. Critical components including the slide, frame, barrel, trigger system, and safeties are carefully fitted and tuned during assembly to ensure consistent performance and reliability.
Our team also does hand beveling on key edges of the firearm, helping create a smooth profile while improving comfort during handling.
FINISH & APPEARANCE
What finish options do you offer?
Alpha American offers a wide range of premium finishes, including:
DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon)
Nitride and Battleworn Nitride
Cerakote
Specialty finishes such as camo DLC
These finishes provide both durability and unique visual styling.
Are finishes purely cosmetic?
No. Premium coatings such as DLC and Nitride offer excellent wear resistance, corrosion protection, and long-term durability, while also enhancing the appearance of the firearm.
Can I request a custom finish combination?
Alpha American offers a wide range of finish options that can be combined depending on the model and configuration.
To explore available finishes and upgrade options, we recommend reviewing the Finishes & Upgrades page on our website, where many of the available coatings and combinations are outlined.
If you don’t see the finish combination you’re looking for there, you are welcome to email our team at alphaamericanfirearms@gmail.com to inquire about finish availability.
PERFORMANCE & CONFIGURATION
What is the Double stack 1911 platform?
The double stack 1911 platform is a modern evolution of the classic 1911 firearm. It combines the single-action trigger and ergonomics of the 1911 with the higher capacity of a double-stack magazine and modern features.
Yes. Alpha American offers both single and dual porting configurations designed to help reduce muzzle rise and improve recoil control.
Do you offer porting?
Do you offer optics-ready firearms?
Yes. Our firearms come standard with optics-ready slide cuts and an SRO/RMR plate. Other optic plates are available upon request.
WARRANTY & SERVICE
Do Alpha American pistols come with a warranty?
Yes. Every Alpha American pistol is backed by a lifetime warranty.
What does the lifetime warranty cover?
Our warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the firearm. If an issue arises related to the build or components, our team will work with you to resolve it.
How do I send an AAF in for service?
Contact our team before shipping a firearm for service. We will provide instructions to ensure the firearm is shipped safely and in compliance with applicable regulations.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Who will I speak with if I call or email?
When you contact Alpha American Firearms, you will speak directly with members of our team who work within the shop and are involved in building and supporting our firearms.
How quickly do you respond to inquiries?
We make every effort to respond quickly to emails and phone calls so customers can get the information they need when configuring or maintaining their firearm.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
If you have a question that wasn’t answered above, feel free to contact our team.
