[Grin&Barrett]

http://www.gun-talk.com/member_pix/spectre-hybrid.jpg

This is a pic of the recently released Alchemy Arms "Castle Custom Spectre". Only 26 were available to begin with, and 9 of those are already spoken for.

The Spectre is a hybrid design, best features of Glocks & 1911s.

http://www.gun-talk.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=78;t=000026

[Blackhawk]

Why the horn if it's striker fired? :confused:

[Grin&Barrett]

Besides for looks & fit, most likely there to keep hand away from the slide.

[Tecolote]

I've seen those at shows not sure of the caliber but the same design. They looked like they were made of pot metal. The trigger pull was very gritty. I thought they were made by Bryco.

[Blackhawk]

Grin,

Nah. It's like the proverbial milk dispensers on a boar on this gun. The horn was there on the parts this thing is assembled from.

Saying it's a "hybrid" is a bit of a stretch since that term implies deliberate design activities to improve the product....

[Grin&Barrett]

This is a new gun mfg by a new mfgr in the Pacific NW.

I believe they made a few prototypes several years ago but these are not made from parts.

[tgreene]

Actually guys, the "horn", is part of the grip safety.

These are anything but pot metal, since the frames are CNC machined from solid 7075-T6 billet aluminum, and the slide and barrel are both 416 stainless.

This pistol is very much a hybrid, in that it takes the best features of both the Glock and 1911 systems, and mates them together, to create a striker fired 1911 style firearm.

Since the grips are an integral part of the frame, these are able to utilize a 10-rnd double-stack magazine, without compromising width.

Furthermore, due to the new design concepts, the recoil of this 45 is actually less than a 9mm! ;)

[Grin&Barrett]

I've fired them & the recoil is less.

[Nightcrawler]

Well, it's like a Glock and a 1911, after running off to some secluded spot to avoid the scorn of their peers, had a mestizo child that neither camp will accept. They probably had to leave it on the steps of a monastery or something.

This is bound to tick off some 1911 lovers, and especially the Glock Perfection crowd.

I love it!

[SDC]

Is the Spectre still in production? I was hoping to see these at this year's SHOT show, but they weren't there.

[tgreene]

Whether or not it makes any difference, Richard Heinie and Dick Metcalf both seem to like it a lot.

These guys have both fired my personal pistol... :neener:


To get back to the serious side of the design concept, this does actually fill a void that has been created -between- the two schools that currently exist.

Handling one in a shop, or even at a show somewhere is one thing, but to truely appreciate it, you must have the opportunity to fire it. To date, everyone who has had the chance to fire them, has been astounded by the performance and lack of recoil.

I am actually shipping one to Teddy Jacobson today, so he can play with it a little bit, and tune it into an IDPA match ready pistol.


* Dare I mention that Rich Lucibella is also a big fan of these..? ;)

[tgreene]

Is the Spectre still in production? I was hoping to see these at this year's SHOT show, but they weren't there.

Actually, there were 2 of them there...

While Alchemy didn't have a booth this year, they did have litature at a couple of locations, and had both mine and Grin&Barrett's personal pistols there for a photo shoot with Shooters magazine, since we had contracted with them for a custom run of specialized pistols.


Alchemy is a very small company, with a hardcore dedication to making the "perfect" firearm... :)

[Grin&Barrett]

Wasn't it on display in SWAT Mag's booth?

[tgreene]

Swat Magazine = Rich Lucibella

[Jim Watson]

The one I saw at SHOT was at the Dan Wesson display and Jim Cirillo and another man had their heads together over it. Might we see a Spectre with a DW on it?

[tgreene]

Hmmmm, it didn't by chance happen to be serial numbered "TGREENE" did it..? :p

[Grin&Barrett]

More likely it was CAH001......mine:)

[Jim Watson]

I dunno, I didn't get a close look at it. When the discussion was over, Jim C. put the gun away out of sight in the DW display.

[tgreene]

I just took these pics a few minutes ago, so hopefully these images will help a bit...

http://www.gun-talk.com/member_pix/spectre-r.jpg http://www.gun-talk.com/member_pix/spectre-l.jpg

http://www.gun-talk.com/member_pix/spectre-front.jpg http://www.gun-talk.com/member_pix/spectre-rear.jpg

[FlyinGN]

I know when I first fired mine I was amazed on how accurate and how little kick it really had. Feels likea 9mm to me.. This is one sweet gun and Castle has the only new ones that I have seen in a while. They are fresh and just built. I have shot many different firearms over the years and I can say with out doubt it is one of the finest that I have ever had the oppertunity to fire..

Frank

[Jim Watson]

What is the trigger pull?
Weight and character both, please.

[VaughnT]

I was looking into buying one of these a few years ago but was cautioned that they were akin to Lorcin. Now folks are talking good about them? Did the original run have problems with QC and the like?

Heck, I like the looks, though I think the GS could be trimmed down and the muzzle sticks out too far. If I run across one in this area, I'd probably buy one just to have it.

What type of cost are we looking at? What's the average group size at 25yd? Is it available in single-stack or just double? What's the finish on the slide? Does it have a firing pin safety? Are there aftermarket parts available for it? Will it fit a Glock duty holster? What's the overall length/width/thickness? What's the barrel length? Weight Loaded/Unloaded?

[ahadams]

okay what do they cost and where do I get one. [and keep it quiet, okay? my wife thinks I'm saving for another rifle!]

well I am saving for another rifle but this is an emergency! right?

[FlyinGN]

absolutly NOT/ Its more on the lever of a Kahr or a Glock IMHO. You have to see one to know what I mean. Don't listen to what people say. Most are just taking stabs in the dark on something they have not seen.

Frank


@@I was looking into buying one of these a few years ago but was cautioned that they were akin to Lorcin@@

[braindead0]

Who would want a gun that you can't change the grips on though?

[tgreene]

The cost is $750 + shipping

These fit beautifully into the Heinie/Allesi G-21 holsters.


Length: 7"
Width : 1"
Height : 5.1"
Barrel : 4.5"
Weight: 32oz

The trigger is adjustable, and I haven't put trigger scale to it yet, since I can't seem to find mine... :uhoh:

{EDIT} Teddy Jacobson received 1 to play with yesterday. I just spoke w/ him and asked he he could put his trigger scale to it --- 7.5# out of the box. BTW: So far, he really seems to like what he sees, but will be getting us a detailed report, after he has the opportunity to fully disect and play with it.

Out of the box, the groups will obviously vary depending upon shooter and ammo... I haven't put mine to paper yet, but Richard Heinie did, and he seemed impressed w/ his 3 shot group. Dick Metcalf also ran a course of speed plates with mine, and smacked 15 plates w/ 15 rounds... That's a damn site better than I was able to do, but I'm not a pistol shooter either! :banghead:


For detailed info, contact me personally...

Tim Greene
217-223-5082

[Tecolote]

tgreene,

With all due respect, are you selling these pistols? I ask because it seems fair to let readers know your connection to Spectre.

[tgreene]

With all due respect, are you selling these pistols? I ask because it seems fair to let readers know your connection to Spectre.

YES, but we are not trying to "pimp" them. Rather we are getting the word out about the concept of a hybrid, and looking for honest feedback...

When we discoved these at the 2002 Shot Show, we fell in love with the design concept. We contracted with Alchemy Arms to build a limited number of these specifically for Castle Arms, Hence the "Castle Custom" engraving.

[FlyinGN]

I can't wait to see Teddys opinion on these. i know they wil be good:)
I feel these are the in the group with the best out there..

Frank

[Rich Lucibella]

Glad to see they've modified the safety on these to lock the slide. I think there are a couple other mods on the board, including an Ashley Dot Sight option and cut-away for checking mag seating.

In any case, this gun shows enormous promise. I'm still holding out for the Ti version, which may be some time (they were having a problem with cycling speeds too fast). Last I checked, Rob and I still owned numbers 1 and 2 of that model! :D
Rich

[tgreene]

Rich,

The standard models do use the Ashley sights... As far as I know, only our version is using Heinie's Straight-8's.

The biggest refinements lately, are based upon the trigger and actions being cleaned up a lot.

Over the past year, I have obviously handled a lot of these, and every new batch is just that much better...

FWIW: I too am patiently waiting for that Ti version, because I have seen the prototype, and me likes it much! :D

On another subject, you should plan to attend the BRC (www.rifle-convention.com), since William (Alchemy) will be there, and he is hoping to have Ashley with him... The dates are June 5-8 this year.

[USGuns]

When is the Spectre going to be widely available? I haven't seen one in any gunshop anywhere? Anyone else?
They need to update their website...

[tgreene]

We have plenty of them in stock... :p

[FlyinGN]

I might add too that Tim has "special" Spectres in stock.. Not just the average run of the mill ones that is available to the general public. Take a look at em, they are gorgous!

Frank

[USGuns]

How much more for the Titanium version? Is it worth the extra cost? Anyone shot this version?

[Tag]

How about a polymer frame? Don't the aluminum frames have a shorter service life than say steel (or polymer)?

cool looking gun, but I think my next purchase will be a Walther P99 9mm

[tgreene]

USGuns: No price or even an ETA on the Ti version yet, but I can tell you it's extremely lightweight...

Tag: I agree with your intent to buy a P99... I have one in 40sw, and keep it as my nightstand gun! ;)

The Spectre is a flashy hybrid that doesn't appeal to everyone at first glance, but once you've had the opportunity to handle one, you'll soon be needing to wipe the drool from your chin! :p

[seeker_two]

1. Can you use 1911 or Glock mags in it?

2. Any other calibers planned?

3. Is it classified DAO?

4. Any chance that prices will go down in the future?

5. What is the single best reason you can give a person to purchase this gun?

[stevelyn]

This is bound to tick off some 1911 lovers, and especially the Glock Perfection crowd.

The Spectre: The jackalope of the handgun world. :evil: :neener: :barf:

[Tag]

"The Jackalope of the gun world"


:D :D LOL:D :D

[hksw]

As polarizing the Glock and the 1911 are, it's a wonder the Spectre doesn't explode from hating itself.

[tgreene]

1. Can you use 1911 or Glock mags in it?

2. Any other calibers planned?

3. Is it classified DAO?

4. Any chance that prices will go down in the future?

5. What is the single best reason you can give a person to purchase this gun?


1) This uses 10-round double stack modified Witness mags.

2) Eventually, they are looking at 40sw and 9mm.

3) Correct me if I'm wrong, but "I think" all striker fired systems are classified as DAO...

4) I can't answer this one, as it's a question for Alchemy Arms...

5) It's a 10-round 1911 having recoil being equivalent to a 9mm, that incorporates the best features of both the 1911 and Glock schools....

Basically, it's an LEO or IDPA shooters wet dream! :D

[Sean Smith]

Some questions:

1. What is the point of making it striker fired instead of just single action like the 1911? So there isn't a cocked hammer to scare people? So cops that aren't allowed to use single-action 1911s can use it?

2. A 7.5 lb trigger is pretty bad. If you can't get a good 1911-style trigger pull (5 lb and crisp or less) out of the thing, you've arguably lost the 1911's most important feature.

3. Why does it "recoil like a 9mm"? What part of the design reduces felt recoil?

4. I would assume that the grip would be fatter than a standard 1911 with the double-stack mag. I find this bothersome, because one of the 1911s best features is its ergonomics (once the hammer doesn't bite you, anyway).

[tgreene]

1. What is the point of making it striker fired instead of just single action like the 1911? So there isn't a cocked hammer to scare people? So cops that aren't allowed to use single-action 1911s can use it?

2. A 7.5 lb trigger is pretty bad. If you can't get a good 1911-style trigger pull (5 lb and crisp or less) out of the thing, you've arguably lost the 1911's most important feature.

3. Why does it "recoil like a 9mm"? What part of the design reduces felt recoil?

4. I would assume that the grip would be fatter than a standard 1911 with the double-stack mag. I find this bothersome, because one of the 1911s best features is its ergonomics (once the hammer doesn't bite you, anyway).


1) I have no clue, but I really, really like it! :D

2) They are getting better and better with each batch we receive...

3) I'm not an engineer, but as I recall, it has to do with the specially designed lockup and weight balancing mechanisms.

4) The grip is the same as the 1911, if not actually a bit thinner. This is possible because there are no external grips being attached, since the grips have been CNC machined directly into the frame.

[FlyinGN]

Tim is right.

I have a 1911 and this Spectra feels *BETTER* then it..

The recoil is way less then any other .45 that I have ever shot. In fact its way less then my Kahr K40 too..

This thing is everything and MORE then you can ever imagine. Its *that* good guys..

Frank

[tgreene]

I have had several 1911's in the past (there's a void in the vault where 1911's typically sit), and currently have a Walther P99 in 40sw...

While I hate Glocks with a purple passion, I do love my Walther, and use it as my "house gun". I also love 1911's, but I'm a small guy and therefore I don't care for the weight of them, and the bitey recoil that is so typical.

The Spectre honestly removes recoil from the equation, and is very lightweight, while maintaining the full sized frame of a 1911.

We'll be setup in Tulsa this weekend, along the very back wall of the upstairs section... I'll make sure that we have a couple Spectres along for the ride, in case anyone would like to see and handle them... ;)

[Chris Rhines]

Hmmmmmm.

You know, I'm pretty happy with the ol' CZ75, but I might have to check one of these out.

I could do without the grip safety, though.

Titanium? Hmmmmmmm.

- Chris

[Sean Smith]

A titanium slide could be problematic, since the light weight would make it cycle too fast to be reliable (and beat the gun up in the process). It isn't impossible --the SV TiKi is all-titanium-- but alot trickier. A titanium frame, however, would almost be as light as aluminum, but WAY tougher. Caspian and SV have had good luck with titanium frames in 1911-type guns.

Make it with a titanium frame, heavy steel slide, and in 10mm Auto, and you might be onto something. :D

[seeker_two]

3) Correct me if I'm wrong, but "I think" all striker fired systems are classified as DAO...

OK. Lorcin, Jennings, & Hi-Point firearms are striker-fired & classified as single-actions.

6. What kind of modifications do you have to make to Witness mags for them to work in the Alchemy?

[tgreene]

I was very wrong about the "DAO" thing, as my Walther P99 is Double/Single... (I should have known better beforehand)

The mags are now made by MecGar, and the mod is the location of the cutout for the mag release. Since these are now "production" mags, it's just a matter of using the blank Witness mag bodies.

As mentioned earlier, if you planning to attend the Tulsa show this weekend, drop by our table and check them out... :)

[TreeSquid]

Isn't the Springfield XD an SA striker-fired gun, as well?