Some things will remain classic and even iconic. That is the case with the venerable 1911 pistol. This masterpiece from John Moses Browning calls to a classic time when “Men were tough, ships were crafted from wood, and guns were made from steel.” When the 100th anniversary of the 1911 hit, there was a new interest in this gun, and the market responded. While some companies have pushed out what I describe as “and also” guns, there are several serious shops making excellent pistols. One such shop is Alchemy Custom Weaponry.

Custom Grade 1911 From Alchemy Weaponry – The Prime 1911

Alchemy offers a no-nonsense lineup of handmade, hand-fit, custom firearms that are a bold and welcome throwback to Old World craftsmanship, classic styling cues, and reliable performance. An interesting fact is that Alchemy is actually a division of the premier 1911 builder Cabot Guns. I had the chance to visit with Cabot owner Rob Bianchin, and he put it quite simply. He was impressed with what Alchemy was doing. The answer in Rob Bianchin’s mind then was that he would buy ACW and work to produce Cabot guns and the beautiful pieces ACW was already making. The product of this teamwork is a gun coming from Alchemy that is not only beautiful and precise but with an affordable price that will make you do a double take.

Prime 1911

One of my favorite guns in the Alchemy lineup is their Prime model. I have a special place in my heart for a gun with classic lines and a respect for a simple design. The gun is uncluttered and is simply beautiful. Alchemy likes to use the term “Resto-Mod” when they talk about their guns. A translation is that these guns are made in the classic style with modern-day modifications that improve function and accuracy. The PrimePrime is a gunsmith crafted government size 1911 with 25 LPI checkering on the front strap and mainspring housing, an extended thumb safety, and low-profile combat sights.

Hand Crafted

The gun has hand-beveled edges for comfort, a hand-match grade five-inch barrel, and bushing. All ignition components have been hand-polished, and the trigger breaks at a very nice three-and-a-half pounds. Lastly, the gun’s blued finish is hand-polished, giving it a nice sheen. When I got my Prime, I first noticed the absolutely perfect fitting that had been done on the gun. There was no play in the gun at all, and lock up was real. The barrel and bushing were hand-fit to the gun and screamed accuracy. In fact, ACW confidently offers an accuracy guarantee of 1.5 inches at 25 yards.

I was excited to hit the range with all of this in one package. While I don’t normally bench handguns, the PrimePrime was just begging for it. I set up at 25 yards with a sandbag and ran three different loads through the gun.  Of the three, I tested the Black Hills 200-gr lead semi-wadcutter, and it won the day with a sub-MOA group of .90 inches. All three flavors of ammo beat the 1.5-inch guarantee, and I believe I could have done even better if I had used a sled or other device. Once the academic work was done, it was time to get into some defensive handgun drills.

Testing on the Range

I ran a series of failure-to-stop drills as well as timed headshots, and the PrimePrime never flinched. The gun was very comfortable to run, and the design allowed me a nice high grip, which minimized muzzle rise and recoil. This design has what ACW describes as “High Grip Ergonomics.” It has a high sweep beavertail grip safety and a relief cut at the juncture of the frame and trigger guard. This allows me the opportunity to get a nice high grip on the gun and get me closer to the bore axis. The part that made me chuckle was that in all the shooting I did, I didn’t experience one malfunction. I know the meme makers on the internet are freaking out right now, but it’s a fact.

The Prime and all the guns from Alchemy enjoy a custom build design and feel at a manufactured gun price. The Prime retails for just over $3500.00, which is shocking considering the craftsmanship put into the gun. No, it is not a $500 polymer grocery-getter gun. ACW has produced a beautiful, serious shooter at a great price. The simple fact is that 1911s aren’t for everyone. 

Alchemy Custom Weaponry

It was once said that there was a way to know if you were a 1911 person. Simply go outside and look at your lawn mower. If it is covered in grass and just pushed off in a corner, you may not be a good candidate for a 1911. However, if your mower is well-maintained, you have the personality to own this classic gun. 1911s need a little more attention than polymer guns, but if you keep them oiled, they will serve you reliably. The Alchemy Custom Weaponry Prime is a beautiful gun and is an exceptional performer on the range.

For more information, visit:https://alchemy1911.com/product/prime/

Note: Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in fps and accuracy in inches for three 5-shot groups at 25 yards.

Specs