Got my Alpha 9mm Revolver delivered in the mail today exactly 1 week after I ordered it! Great service from Rusty Wood on this transaction. Won't be able to take it out to the range for about a week, but a couple of initial thoughts:
1. Finish is a little bit below that of my Ruger Blackhawk. Most of the edges are nicely rounded. The only sharp edge I found was on the barrel lug cut-out for the cylinder ejector rod. The bluing is nicely done in an even matt finish.
2. The stock grips are ok. Nice and firm, but a little plastic feel for me. Glad I added the wood grips to my order.
3. Cylinder lockup is a little looser than my Rugers.
4. Some of the lettering and proof marks look a bit crude.
5. I measured the trigger pull in single action at just under 5 lbs (10 tests ranged 4lb 12 ozs to 5lb 2 ozs). Has just a bit of creep in it. For reference, the single action trigger pull on my Ruger Blackhawk is 3lbs, 10 ozs (think it had been worked on by the previous owner), and 4 lbs 5ozs on my stock Ruger Super Blackhawk.
6. Couldn't measure the double action trigger pull as my Lyman Trigger pull scale only goes up to 12 pounds. Seems like maybe 14 pounds and fairly smooth. For reference, the only other double action handgun I have is a CZ Shadow. That measures out at 11lb 8ozs in double action and noticeably smoother.
7. Rear sights are pretty basic, adjustable for windage and elevation. I am LOVING the bright orange plastic insert on the front sight though. Much easier sight picture for my tired old eyes. Going to see if I can get something similar for my Rugers.
Overall verdict so far is I'm really liking this Alpha Revolver. It's not going to an heirloom quality gun that I will hand down to my kids. It's a great value revolver at a price that's 1/3 of a new Smith and Wesson and going to be part of my regular rotation at the range. Will have to wait until my next range outing to see how well it shoots.
Will add some pics in a bit.