Just picked up a "Gen 2 bobtail" S15. Today I put about 150 rounds through it with no issues at all. I used my 147 grain plated reloads. Interestingly, it would not even chamber my "lipstick" powder coated 115s from Acme. I think the OAL was too long and I did not do any plunk tests before shooting with this gun. Love the gun! 15 rounds in the same size as my STI Escort. Not quite as accurate as the sti although that is just a guess with the rounds so far. I did a tear down after the shoot and found some preservative grease looking stuff all over the sear, trigger bow and disconnector. Cleaned this all up, did a light oil job and tweaked the sear spring just a hair, hardly at all. My guess is now I have a sub 3lb trigger. A bit too light for me so I will probably put it back where it was. There are MIM parts in there, but other than the sear and disconnector I have no issues with that. Kinda wish these 2 parts were machined but that would add more $$. Just wanted to thank you for all the reviews and say that I agree with your opinion of this gun. Wish it did not have the rail! WIll probably have it cut for a red dot as my eyes are needing that mod on most of my pistols these days. I like having the slide cut for an optic rather than using the manufacturers cuts/plates and such. The plates just raise the sight higher and the dots can usually be custom fitted for around 125$ to exactly what you want. Will send pics if I have this done. Thanks again for the great reviews!
@goodgorm51, thank you for watching and adding your thoughts on the S15. I tried the "plunk test" with my reloads - 124gr Montana Gold hollow points loaded to 1.125 overall length - and the bullet hit the rifling before the cartridge was fully chambered. But I have the same problem with those loads in several other guns that have short freebore.(Short freebore does seem to help accuracy.) As to optics, I agree that a cut for a specific optic is preferable over a generic cut with plates. I understand that the AF S15 will be available with an optics cut this summer. It should be cut for the RMSc footprint without a mounting plate. Fingers crossed. And I agree that a gun designed for concealed carry doesn't need a rail, but that seems to be all the rage these days. BTW, my initial range review will be out in a couple weeks. Spoiler alert: I'm hitting 8" and 6" plates at 50 yards (off-hand with iron sights) more often with this gun than I was with a Staccato CS with a red dot.
Just a FYI, Shield Arms just dropped their Gen 3 mags today...I got an email notification and ordered a few of them. We'll see how they run in my AF S15.
Just received one of these a couple hours ago, and immediately detail stripped it and did my usual examination with some buff and polish. Did a little work on the trigger , it had far too much spring tension on the sear and disco. Also had to rework the grip safety for an earlier release, as I do on all 19-2011's. Really like the rounded butt and overall feel. What I didn't like seeing was all the MIM internals. The fire control parts appear standard 1911, while the grip safety and thumb safety are proprietary. Looking forward to some range time, and begin the hunt for a holster as it won't fit any of my current 19 or 2011 holsters due to it's wider chassis.
I'm surprised on the MIM internal parts, as Alpha Foxtrot (Dasan Machineries) is known for milling forged parts. As to the holster, the only one I have in all my buckets of holsters is a Weber Tactical Trifecta that was made for my Staccato C, which I no longer see on their website.
@@RidersRange I was as well. The firing pin stop, ejector, sear, disconnector, and hammer. All MIM. The proprietary parts were machined. Another discovery as I know you are a handloader. When I had it apart, I plunk tested my normal training loads with truncated cone bullets and they would not chamber in the AF, it has a quite short throat and the longer exposed bearing surface would dictate they be seated deeper. Much like a CZ 9mm. My round nose handloads dropped in fine, as did factory defense stuff. Just FYI.
Why is everyone so focused on the NIM parts ? Let me know when yours break/wear out. I'm guessing I will never hear from you. I would be interested how you worked the trigger and grip safety.
The mags still have some play, but nothing more than many other guns. As to options, it's my understanding that the threaded barrel and optics cut (RMSc footprint) are both going to be options.
So in a previous video, he compares this gun to a Dan Wesson ECO which is 5in in total height and it was pretty much the same height. I personally considered grip size to be a big indicator if I should buy this 2011 because I’m a small statured person lol.
It's my understanding that the threaded barrel is an option. And the S15 is a LOT slimmer than the Bul. As much as I like Bul Armory pistols, there is no comparison, particularly for concealed carry.
I don't have any MagPul mags for the Glock 43x/48, so I can't answer the question. However, stock G43x/48 mags work just fine, so I presume the MagPul should work well.
"Better" is subjective. For me, the S15 feels better in my hand than the CS does, and even with iron sights on the S15, it seems to be more accurate for me at greater distances (shooting steel, not bullseye targets). As for recoil and split times, they seem to be about the same. Finally, the grip width and profile of the S15 make it a little more concealable for me. But each person has their own subjective criteria.
I've been carrying a Staccato C for a while, but I'm planning to switch to this AF S15 once I finish the 1,000 review. It's getting close and still not a single malfunction.
Simplicity. Thanks for watching. And spoiler alert, so far the updated S15 is every bit as accurate and reliable as the original. Stay tuned for the range review.
Again, it looks like I failed to mention caliber. Though using Shield Arms S15 mags that were designed for the Glock 43x/48 should be a pretty good hint that it is 9mm.
You are correct that I didn't mention that it was chambered in 9mm. However, there were some clues throughout the video, the Shield Arms S15 mags being the first clue - those mags, designed for the Glock 48/43x are only available in 9mm. The direct comparison to the Staccato CS (only available in 9mm), and the weight with 147 grain ammo (pretty much only available in 9mm) are other clues. But to your point, I should have mentioned the caliber up front. Thanks for watching.
I see a lot of expensive tactical pistols come standard without an ambidextrous safety, yet practical tactical training involves operating the firearm with either hand.
I messed up my right shoulder the other day, so I had to do a range session with this gun using only my left hand. It only took a few manipulations to be able to use it well without an ambi-safety.
@@RidersRange When it comes to combat drills with the 1911 pistol I have to respectfully disagree. Using the left hand to disengage or engage the manually operated thumb safety is slower than using an ambidextrous safety and it requires a loose grip on the firearm which prevents disengagement of the grip safety. This allows an adversary to wrest the pistol from you.
I agree. I was anxiously awaiting the DWX, but when it took almost three years to actually hit the market. And now that it's out, my thoughts are "yawn......." While the ergonomics of the DWX may be a little better, it isn't in the same class as this S15. Thanks for watching and commenting.
It is really nice and love the size. However, wow it is ugly. Why not some fancier CDC work like the Wilson SFX? Theirs looks like art, yes more expensive, but while on the machine just let it run a while longer for a more aesthetic look.
They are a non starter for with them being ghosts with their customer service. Idk how you can contact them when no one else can. Paythat much money with ZERO CUSTOMER SERVICE is a death blow to a company.
@@RidersRange How do you get them? None of the dealers that I know can contact them. I've tired contacting them. Plenty of others on the internet have tried. NO ONE is able to get ahold of them. Spending that kind of money on ANYTHING and getting left out in the cold is bad. VERY bad.
By the way, I'm 100% in agreement on having a rail on my carry pistols...don't need or want it. But man, the one on the S15 is particularly obnoxious 🤮
Just gotta say, your voice and presentation style gives big Massad Ayoob vibes, and that's 100% a compliment 👍
To be mentioned in the same comment as Massad Ayoob is humbling. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Very nice review. Glad you got it
It took a while for Alpha Foxtrot to come through, but better late than never.
Thanks for the additional look at this interesting double stack!
KnifeMaker
Range review in the works. So far, it is just as amazingly accurate and reliable as the original. Thanks for watching.
Just picked up a "Gen 2 bobtail" S15. Today I put about 150 rounds through it with no issues at all. I used my 147 grain plated reloads. Interestingly, it would not even chamber my "lipstick" powder coated 115s from Acme. I think the OAL was too long and I did not do any plunk tests before shooting with this gun. Love the gun! 15 rounds in the same size as my STI Escort. Not quite as accurate as the sti although that is just a guess with the rounds so far. I did a tear down after the shoot and found some preservative grease looking stuff all over the sear, trigger bow and disconnector. Cleaned this all up, did a light oil job and tweaked the sear spring just a hair, hardly at all. My guess is now I have a sub 3lb trigger. A bit too light for me so I will probably put it back where it was. There are MIM parts in there, but other than the sear and disconnector I have no issues with that. Kinda wish these 2 parts were machined but that would add more $$. Just wanted to thank you for all the reviews and say that I agree with your opinion of this gun. Wish it did not have the rail! WIll probably have it cut for a red dot as my eyes are needing that mod on most of my pistols these days. I like having the slide cut for an optic rather than using the manufacturers cuts/plates and such. The plates just raise the sight higher and the dots can usually be custom fitted for around 125$ to exactly what you want. Will send pics if I have this done. Thanks again for the great reviews!
I found the chambering issue as well with my truncated cone handloads (like the XTP for example). This barrel has a short throat.
@goodgorm51, thank you for watching and adding your thoughts on the S15. I tried the "plunk test" with my reloads - 124gr Montana Gold hollow points loaded to 1.125 overall length - and the bullet hit the rifling before the cartridge was fully chambered. But I have the same problem with those loads in several other guns that have short freebore.(Short freebore does seem to help accuracy.) As to optics, I agree that a cut for a specific optic is preferable over a generic cut with plates. I understand that the AF S15 will be available with an optics cut this summer. It should be cut for the RMSc footprint without a mounting plate. Fingers crossed. And I agree that a gun designed for concealed carry doesn't need a rail, but that seems to be all the rage these days. BTW, my initial range review will be out in a couple weeks. Spoiler alert: I'm hitting 8" and 6" plates at 50 yards (off-hand with iron sights) more often with this gun than I was with a Staccato CS with a red dot.
Just a FYI, Shield Arms just dropped their Gen 3 mags today...I got an email notification and ordered a few of them. We'll see how they run in my AF S15.
Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I just ordered three and I'll talk about them when I do the 1,000-round review.
@@RidersRange lets hope you have better luck than I did.
It certainly looks great!
And feels great in the hand, and shoots great. Thanks for watching.
I have the polished DLC 1911 in .45 from them and I absolutely love it. Really interested in this.
The full-size .45 was my first AF pistol. Great for the range, but the S15 is more suited for concealed carry. Thanks for watching.
The CS is very nice , but a great review of the Alfa Foxtrot. 🇺🇸👏
As much as I really like Staccato pistols, having handled and shot both the CS and the AF S15, the S15 is hands down my favorite.
@@RidersRange Very good 👍 I would love to shoot the SAS ll for comparison and it looks very similar to the Foxtrot.
I have the Gen 2. The one thing that is missed and needed is an undercut trigger guard imho. Other than that, great piece.
I haven't found the need for an undercut, but the extra 1/16" could be nice.
Yeah comparing them in store it was pretty apparent how much slimer and more compact the s-15 was over the cs.
The Staccato CS is a step in the right direction compared to the C2, but the S15 is SOOOO much better - at least in my opinion.
Just received mine (optic ready) and looking forward to some range time with her. Have you found a holster that fits it yet?
Hi: Thanks for a great review. Any MIM parts? Still using a two piece guide rod?
Yes on the NIM... BUT its not a big deal. 1000's of rounds have been put through these with zero issues. You're focusing on the wrong thing.
Yes, there are.... but so what ? There have been 1000's of rounds put through them with zero issues. You're focused on the wrong things.
Very nice 👍
As always, thank you for watching and commenting.
Just received one of these a couple hours ago, and immediately detail stripped it and did my usual examination with some buff and polish. Did a little work on the trigger , it had far too much spring tension on the sear and disco. Also had to rework the grip safety for an earlier release, as I do on all 19-2011's. Really like the rounded butt and overall feel. What I didn't like seeing was all the MIM internals. The fire control parts appear standard 1911, while the grip safety and thumb safety are proprietary. Looking forward to some range time, and begin the hunt for a holster as it won't fit any of my current 19 or 2011 holsters due to it's wider chassis.
I'm surprised on the MIM internal parts, as Alpha Foxtrot (Dasan Machineries) is known for milling forged parts. As to the holster, the only one I have in all my buckets of holsters is a Weber Tactical Trifecta that was made for my Staccato C, which I no longer see on their website.
@@RidersRange I was as well. The firing pin stop, ejector, sear, disconnector, and hammer. All MIM. The proprietary parts were machined. Another discovery as I know you are a handloader. When I had it apart, I plunk tested my normal training loads with truncated cone bullets and they would not chamber in the AF, it has a quite short throat and the longer exposed bearing surface would dictate they be seated deeper. Much like a CZ 9mm. My round nose handloads dropped in fine, as did factory defense stuff. Just FYI.
Why is everyone so focused on the NIM parts ? Let me know when yours break/wear out. I'm guessing I will never hear from you.
I would be interested how you worked the trigger and grip safety.
Great job with being to the point. Do the mags still rattle in this Gen 2? Will there be the ability to get it with a non threaded barrel? Thanks
The mags still have some play, but nothing more than many other guns. As to options, it's my understanding that the threaded barrel and optics cut (RMSc footprint) are both going to be options.
No rattle with the mags
Nice!
How does the alpha compare to a sig p365xl in size?
So in a previous video, he compares this gun to a Dan Wesson ECO which is 5in in total height and it was pretty much the same height. I personally considered grip size to be a big indicator if I should buy this 2011 because I’m a small statured person lol.
Its wayyy bigger/heavier then the P365 XL. Its a great gun to shoot and carry sometimes. I like this wayyy better then the Staccato
is there a non-threaded barrel? I can't decide if I want this or the Bul Armory ultralight.
It's my understanding that the threaded barrel is an option. And the S15 is a LOT slimmer than the Bul. As much as I like Bul Armory pistols, there is no comparison, particularly for concealed carry.
This thing with a dot and a light would be one hell of a carry gun, come home and put a can on the end and you have a nightstand gun too!
Do you know if a 1911 ambi safety can be fitted to this gun?
That was my question. I need an ambi safety or none at all. I'm intrigued by the ~4 inch double stack 1911s
@@starwolf0018 I needed it because I'm wrong-handed.
@@qnguyen-dot-pm same
Not unless Alpha Foxtrot decides to make one, as it's a far different part than legacy 1911 safeties.
@@highxj Well, they said the trigger and some other stuff are standard 1911. So I am just hoping.
Nice lookin pistol
Nice looking and great shooting. Thanks, as always, for watching.
Does the MagPul Glock magazines fit in the Alpha Foxtrot 1911 -S15 ?
I don't have any MagPul mags for the Glock 43x/48, so I can't answer the question. However, stock G43x/48 mags work just fine, so I presume the MagPul should work well.
I’m confused…. Who’s page is this? Cuz it sounds like Hicock45 without the dad jokes lol
@Hickok45 would say I have an accent.😎 Thanks for watching.
Very nice gun. But is it better than stacatto SC?
"Better" is subjective. For me, the S15 feels better in my hand than the CS does, and even with iron sights on the S15, it seems to be more accurate for me at greater distances (shooting steel, not bullseye targets). As for recoil and split times, they seem to be about the same. Finally, the grip width and profile of the S15 make it a little more concealable for me. But each person has their own subjective criteria.
@@RidersRange Thank You for great answer. When You put range session new S15?
Not with MIM parts it isn't!
KnifeMaker
The price is $1,000 less (or so) and the performance difference is not $1,000 less.
I have shot both and Im buying the Alpha Foxtrot!!!
For the price, which would you prefer for a carry weapon?
I've been carrying a Staccato C for a while, but I'm planning to switch to this AF S15 once I finish the 1,000 review. It's getting close and still not a single malfunction.
Have you had a chance to take it to the range yet? I'm about an inch from ordering one..
Two quick range trips so far with more than 250 rounds through it. It's everything I expected - runs 100%.
@@RidersRange I couldn't take it, had to order one. Your are a good salesman!
I would expect series 70.
Simplicity. Thanks for watching. And spoiler alert, so far the updated S15 is every bit as accurate and reliable as the original. Stay tuned for the range review.
Website says "Threaded barrel not included"? :(
I've seen two on Gunbroker from the same seller, one with and one without.
@@RidersRange Thanks!
Caliber?
Again, it looks like I failed to mention caliber. Though using Shield Arms S15 mags that were designed for the Glock 43x/48 should be a pretty good hint that it is 9mm.
Nice looking , not a fan of the extended barrel look
I understand that the threaded barrel is going to be an option, along with an optics cut.
3 minutes and 30 seconds in and I still don't know what caliber it is I give up
You are correct that I didn't mention that it was chambered in 9mm. However, there were some clues throughout the video, the Shield Arms S15 mags being the first clue - those mags, designed for the Glock 48/43x are only available in 9mm. The direct comparison to the Staccato CS (only available in 9mm), and the weight with 147 grain ammo (pretty much only available in 9mm) are other clues. But to your point, I should have mentioned the caliber up front. Thanks for watching.
I see a lot of expensive tactical pistols come standard without an ambidextrous safety, yet practical tactical training involves operating the firearm with either hand.
I messed up my right shoulder the other day, so I had to do a range session with this gun using only my left hand. It only took a few manipulations to be able to use it well without an ambi-safety.
@@RidersRange When it comes to combat drills with the 1911 pistol I have to respectfully disagree. Using the left hand to disengage or engage the manually operated thumb safety is slower than using an ambidextrous safety and it requires a loose grip on the firearm which prevents disengagement of the grip safety. This allows an adversary to wrest the pistol from you.
Scratch the DWX off the list.
I agree. I was anxiously awaiting the DWX, but when it took almost three years to actually hit the market. And now that it's out, my thoughts are "yawn......." While the ergonomics of the DWX may be a little better, it isn't in the same class as this S15. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@RidersRangeTBH I've been holding out for your review before ordering one. She checks all the boxes without the hype 👍
It is really nice and love the size. However, wow it is ugly. Why not some fancier CDC work like the Wilson SFX? Theirs looks like art, yes more expensive, but while on the machine just let it run a while longer for a more aesthetic look.
The photos don't do it justice, though it still isn't as aesthetically pleasing as the Wilson. But it sure does shoot nice. Thanks for watching.
I think it looks absolutely great... very appealing. Perfect as is.
They are a non starter for with them being ghosts with their customer service. Idk how you can contact them when no one else can. Paythat much money with ZERO CUSTOMER SERVICE is a death blow to a company.
I have been assured that they are improving their customer service, though I have no direct relationship with the company.
@@RidersRange How do you get them? None of the dealers that I know can contact them. I've tired contacting them. Plenty of others on the internet have tried. NO ONE is able to get ahold of them. Spending that kind of money on ANYTHING and getting left out in the cold is bad. VERY bad.
@@terdog55 what are you talking about? I emailed them on their website and they got back to me almost instantly?
@@areyou0k98 I tried calling and emailing about 6 months ago No response. Same with many others.
@@terdog55 try now they've gotten better.
By the way, I'm 100% in agreement on having a rail on my carry pistols...don't need or want it. But man, the one on the S15 is particularly obnoxious 🤮
The rail does seem to be more noticeable than other rails. but is standard 1913 size.