AlphaFoxtrot Romulus

Alpha Foxtrot AF1911 Romulus Review: Modern Muscle in a Classic Frame

The 1911 platform has seen a major resurgence in recent years, especially as manufacturers combine its classic ergonomics with modern upgrades. Enter the Alpha Foxtrot AF1911 Romulus — a full-size, 9mm, optics-ready pistol designed for shooters who want traditional 1911 styling paired with 2025 performance.

This review is based entirely on first-hand experience. I purchased the Romulus with my own money, ran it through a series of range sessions, and evaluated it with an honest and objective eye.

First Impressions & Build Quality

At a listed price of $1,620, the Romulus sits in the mid-tier category — above budget options, but below top-tier competition guns. The pistol features SUS416 stainless steel for both the frame and slide, finished in a sleek black DLC coating that offers both durability and a clean, no-nonsense aesthetic.

From the outset, the Romulus delivers a solid feel in hand. The lines are classic 1911, but the additions like a tactical rail, optic cut, and polymer grip module with a flared magwell make it clear this pistol is purpose-built for the modern shooter.

Barrel & Porting

The Romulus features a 5-inch bull ramped ported barrel, also DLC coated, with a 1:10 twist. The forward porting is functional — reducing muzzle rise during follow-up shots without excessive flash. It offers just enough compensation to help maintain sight picture and stability in rapid fire drills.

Optic Compatibility & Sight Picture

Alpha Foxtrot includes optic adapter plates for both Trijicon RMR and Holosun footprints, eliminating the need to source plates separately — a welcome touch.

The iron sights include a tritium front sight and a blacked-out, serrated rear sight — ideal for quick target acquisition while minimizing distractions. However, once a red dot is mounted, co-witnessing is not possible with the factory irons. If that's an important part of your setup, you may want to look into taller aftermarket sights.

Trigger Feel

One standout feature of the Romulus is the trigger. My trigger gauge measured a clean 2.5-pound pull, which matches higher-end options like the Staccato XC. The break is crisp, the reset is short, and the consistency adds to both precision and speed during drills.

Range Performance

Over multiple range sessions, the Romulus proved to be accurate and easy to control. The ported barrel and full steel frame work together to tame recoil, keeping the muzzle flat and allowing for quick target transitions. Accuracy held up even after extended strings of fire, and groups remained tight at varied distances.

Reloads were smooth thanks to the flared magwell, and the ergonomics — while not overly aggressive — offered solid grip retention throughout.

Two Notable Issues

While the Romulus delivers in many ways, I did run into two specific issues:

1. Magazine Release Sticking

Initially, the magazine would not seat properly and the mag release felt stiff. Upon disassembly, I discovered polymer shavings in the magwell. After cleaning everything out and reassembling, the issue has not returned — but it’s something to be aware of, especially on newer models with polymer components.

2. Optic Zeroing Issue

When trying to zero the red dot, I found the point of impact was 6–8 inches below point of aim, even with the elevation maxed out. I brought it to the armorer at Scottsdale Gun Club, who fabricated a shim to help angle the optic correctly. That resolved the issue, but it left me wondering if the root cause was the optic, the mounting plate, or the slide cut itself. I’ll continue to monitor it and update if more clarity comes.

Things I’d Improve

While overall performance was strong, here are a few areas for potential improvement:

Grip texture: Slightly more aggressive texture would enhance retention during extended drills or sweaty conditions.

Slide serrations: Deeper serrations would help with press checks, especially when wearing gloves.

Guide rod: The Romulus uses a two-piece guide rod, which functions fine, but a Dawson-style tool-less recoil system would make takedown smoother.

Final Verdict

The Alpha Foxtrot AF1911 Romulus brings a compelling mix of classic 1911 DNA and modern tactical performance. With a ported bull barrel, optic-ready slide, steel frame, and excellent trigger, it checks a lot of boxes for shooters looking for a high-performing, feature-rich 9mm 1911.

Yes, it had a couple of minor issues out of the gate, but both were resolved and haven't returned since. For the price point, it holds its own among competitors — especially when factoring in the included plates, quality materials, and clean trigger work.

Would I Recommend It?

If you’re in the market for a modern 1911-style pistol that’s ready to perform out of the box and doesn’t break into the ultra-premium category, the Romulus is absolutely worth a look.

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