Alfa Proj any good ?

Brewster20

Brewster20

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Hi folks, I'm seriously looking at an Alfa Proj 38/357 revolver. Price wise they seem a fair bit less than a 686, so I'm wondering what the build quality, trigger, accuracy, fit and finish are like. I would appreciate any comments.
Thanks
 
Built quality: Avoid 3 digit models, always go with the 4 digit ones. 3 = steel sleeved potmetal , 4 = real steel or stainless steel

CG
 
I had 3 AP revolvers. The aluminum framed guns are the 3 digit and in Canada are available in only 22lr, 22wmr, and 38 special. The 4 digit are available in all the calibers though they don't make a dedicated 38 in 4 digit but rather 357mag. I had 2 22lr/22wmr and one 357mag. All were 4 digit steel frames. I have 2 friends with 3 digit aluminum models. One is 22lr/22wmr and the other is 38 special. The 3 digit work fine. However the 4 digit are not that much more money.

As for how they work. The guns have decent single action but the double is a bear. I know reduced weight springs exist but in my experience and one friend the spring must be maxed out and them bushing added to ignite 22wmr in DA. Ultimately I sold all the guns because I inherited nice S&W's. The biggest issue is the small grips. They allow the shooter's knuckle to rest behind the trigger guard. The result is a badly smashed knuckle when you touch off a 357mag. If you use 38 special it is OK.

Cheers
Moe
 
I have a blued 4.5 inch 9mm. I bought it used with a reduced power mainspring. Because of the reduced power mainspring, it only shoots Federal ammo or Federal primers (if you reload). Love the fact that it is so fast to reload with moonclips.

I have a S&W 686-3, 66-8 and 17-3. I like Smith design (old fashioned fart) and triggers better, but do not dislike the AP design and trigger. I don't feel the need to sell the AP just because others think it is lower quality.

As far as "build quality, trigger, accuracy, fit and finish", the nod still goes to S and W. But for the price, and the above mentioned 9 mm on clips' convenience, speed and fun, it's worth its price and for myself, it's a keeper.
 
I have the Alfa Proj 2251 stainless .22/22 Magnum, 4 1/2" barrel version, bought used but like new on the E/E, and had it out yesterday for the first time (due to Covid caused range closures).
I put about 200 rounds of mixed manufacture long-rifle ammunition through it, and it ran flawlessly. I didn't shoot any 22 Magnum through it.
I found the single action trigger pull was clean-breaking and light enough for me. The double action pull was a little heavy, but it staged well with very predictable let-off, much like my Ruger GP-100. I found it to be as accurate as any of the revolvers I currently have, or have had.
As my daughter was also shooting it, I had the small rubber grips on it, but next time out I'll install the larger wooden grips which fit my hand better, and she can stick with her own 22.
Mine is a solid, well made revolver, and it's heft and balance suit me just fine.
If it is typical of the Alfa Proj stainless revolver products, I'd have no hesitation in buying a stainless 357 version if I was in the market for another 357.
 
After shooting 2 of my buddies (9mm and 38/357) i bought one. For the $ the triggers have no right to be that good.... maybe i just got lucky 3x but i find them exceptional for the $
 
I had a couple in 9mm short and long cylinders. Also owned Taurus, Ruger and Smith and wesson. I would place Alfa at the back of the pack.
 
I had one in 357 magnum. Put wooden grips on it and liked it more. I feel they are good revolvers for the price. If you are more of a casual revolver shooter that isn't shooting 3000 rounds of 357 a year, it's probably a good pick.
 
Made in Czech Republic. Which is good. I don't have one but will get one. Heard the all steels were good units.
 
Have a model 3561 for a few years now... excellent revolver , no problems and after putting wooden grips feels good in hands.
 
I have two, a .357 6” and a 9mm 4.5”. I like them but don’t love them. My .357 was DOA and went back for warranty right away and is having trouble again. No issues with the 9mm. I find the 6” a bit unwieldy. The factory rubber grips are too small, wood grips are pretty good. The trigger reset is weird, and double action is terrible, but overall for the price I think they’re pretty good. If you’re just looking for a plinking revolver and don’t plan to compete they fit the bill. I plan on get a .22LR and/or .22 WMR. They’re good for teaching new people about revolvers.
 
I got tired of chasing brass around the range, so I figured I needed a revolver. I went to a dealer to look at what was available. The dealer kindly let me handle and dry fire a S & W, a Ruger GP100, an AP and an Armenius (all in .357, all new guns). Fit and finish were much better on both the Smith and Ruger, but the big difference was the triggers. Both the Smith and the Ruger were far superior; the pulls were "different" from each other; but I would not say one was better than another. Both of the lower cost revolvers would work, but if you are going to shoot double action, accuracy will suffer greatly on account of the triggers.

Since I shoot PPC on occasion, and must shoot double action; I decided that a Smith or a Ruger (without bias). It also would need a barrel 5" or shorter for "service Pistol" class. I ended up with new, unfired Ruger 4.2" GP100 that had previously served as a counter demonstrator in a gun shop for a great price. I have no regrets. After a couple thousand rounds, I think the trigger is better now than it was when I bought it. < $100 more than an Alpha.

It has a few features that Smith does not have; triple lock-up (not a big deal IMO); but as a revolver, it can be completely field stripped for times when you want to do a full clean and lubrication. I am very happy with it, and I think there could be a Redhawk .44 in my future.
 
I have four. Two 357/38spec, one 22 and one 9mm. Never had any problems with any of them. Changed all grips to wood, the originals are too small.
 
I have short barreled in .22 and long one in 9mm …
triggers are amazing in SA, finger gets really tired quite quickly in DA … quite heavy …
I like them both ...
 
My buddy has a .357, but he can only shoot 38spl in it. If he shoots 357 the cylinder pops open. Tried to get warranty, was told it was a problem they were looking into. 1.5 years later and no closer to resolution.......
 
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