ORDERING CUSTOM: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU SPEC OUT YOUR AAF BUILD
When you order an Alpha American Firearm, you’re not buying a cookie-cutter pistol, you are investing in a hand-fit, American Made tool engineered for a purpose. Our semi-custom approach gives you performance upgrades and cosmetic choices that matter. This guide walks you through key decisions - barrels, grips, porting, safeties, magwells, stippling, and finishes. We want you to confidently carry your pistol for your mission: Competition, Carry, Duty, or a Flagship Showpiece.
DESIGNED FOR YOUR INTENT
COMPETITION/TARGET: You want Speed, Flat Tracking, Optics, Heavier Grips are common
CARRY/DUTY: You want Reliability, Corrosion Resistance, Lighter Weight, Conservative or No Porting
RANGE/SHOWPIECE: You want Aesthetic Finishes, Polished Flats, High Polished Small Parts, Wild Finishes, Premium Accents
BARREL CHOICES: BULL VS BUSHING
Barrel selection can affect recoil behavior, accuracy, and the overall character of the firearm.
BULL BARREL (Our Standard): It’s what we have chosen to be our default Barrel - It is heavier, stiffer, and optimized for match performance and flat tracking. Ideal for the 5” Warfighter and competition builds where faster follow-ups and enhanced accuracy are priority.
BUSHING BARREL: Lighter, traditional fit that some shooter prefer for a classic 1911 look and feel and an every so slightly difference in recoil impluse. Great for shooters who want a more classic timing or prefer a specific barrel/slide fit dynamic.
CROWNED BARREL: We’ve made this option standard on our Warfighter and Vanguard model. It is available as an upgrade on our AAF 3 and AAF 4 Models and recommended for protecting the muzzle and ensuring consistent accuracy potential.
SLIDE AND FRAME GUNSMITHING OPTIONS
These choices can slightly change handling and durability as much as they change the look.
HAND SERRATED REAR OF SLIDE: Shallow cuts can break up reflections off the rear face and add an intentional look without being aggressive
CHAMFERED FRAME: Designed for unobstructed seamlines clean lines on the frame, a more streamline profile
HEAVY BEVEL (BOTTOM OF SLIDE): Cuts down slide bite and refines draw ergonomics
POLISHED FLATS: Premium aesthetic and provides a beautiful shine finish
CROWNED BARREL: Recommended for accuracy
THUMB STIPPLING: Adds a textured surface on the frame where the thumb rests or where you naturally index your hand
MAGWELL: (Standard VS Optional) Magwell choice affects reload speed and holster fit. Magwells come standard with the Warfighter for faster, smoother reloads and is an upgrade for the Vanguard, AAF 3 and AAF 4 Models.
PORTING: SINGLE OR DUAL TOP PORTING
Porting reduces muzzle rise and speeds sight return.
SINGLE TOP PORTING: Balanced control with fewer trade offs; great for 4.25” or compact builds (comes standard on our Vanguard model)
DUAL TOP PORTING: Maximize muzzle control and flattest follow-ups; ideal for match oriented full sized firearms like our Warfighter model
GRIP MATERIAL AND DEFAULTS
STEEL GRIP: Standard on our 5” firearms, a steel grip has heavier mass, reduce muzzle flip, and a premium, “dead” feel for extreme control
ALUMINUM GRIP: Standard on our 4.25” firearms, an aluminum grip has a lighter overall weight, better for carry or nimble handling
POLYMER HYBRID GRIP: Lightweight and tough, our Polymer Hybrid Grip is ideal for carry or daily use builds that need reduced weight without sacrificing control. Generally used for an after market upgrade
You can customize your firearm to meet your needs - Many AAF customers select steel for full sized builds and aluminum for commander/compact carry, but personal preference rules. We will help you choose if you are unsure.
SAFETY OPTIONS: AMBI VS SINGLE SIDE
Control vs Simplicity:
STANDARD AMBIDEXTROUS SAFETY: Great for competition, duty and left handed shooters. It provides redundancy and flexibility
SINGLE SIDED SAFETY (AVAILABLE): Lighter and simpler for shooters who prefer minimalist control set up or want a cleaner slide silhouette
FINISHES: WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUELY YOURS
AAF offers finishes for durability and aesthetics:
STAINLESS STEEL BEAD BLAST: Low glare, classic look stainless steel finish
DLC (STANDARD): Extremely hard, wear resistant, low friction
NITRIDE/BATTLEWORN NITRIDE: Deep black, durable; Battleworn adds a smokey lived in look with functional protection
ROSE GOLD/GOLD TIN: Luxe accents and small parts for showpiece builds
CAMO DLC: Bold durable pattern that has both matte and polished accents
SINGLE COLOR CERAKOTE: Huge color range to mix it up however you like
MULTICAM/TIGER STRIPE CERAKOTE: Durable pattern work for themed builds
SMALL PARTS: (Safety, pins, magwell, barrel, hammer, etc) Can be finished in Rose Gold, Gold TiN, Silver, DLC to match or accent your build.
Complex pattern DLC or Rose Gold, Gold or Silver finishes can extend the lead time.
DEPOSITS & LEAD TIMES
A deposit secures parts and scheduling. Lead times can vary by complexity and finish demand. Rose Gold, Gold, Silver and Camo DLC patterns can add time. Confirm deposit and estimate lead times with your sales rep when placing the order.
BUILD WITH CONFIDENCE
Ordering custom should be straight forward. At Alpha American Firearms, our gunsmiths will tailor the build to fit you perfectly.
Don’t see an option you’re looking for? Let us know! We’ll do our best to make it happen.
Email us to start your custom build at: alphaamericanfirearms@gmail.com
Or give us a call:
479-312-2002 | 870-654-1065