Guncrafter Industries
Guncrafter Industries was founded by Alex Zimmermann and introduced the .50 GI cartridge alongside its Model No. 1 1911 at the 2004 SHOT Show. The company built hand-fit custom single-stack 1911s and, starting with the Hellcat X2 in 2018, double-stack 2011-platform pistols, along with .50 GI conversion uppers for large-frame Glock pistols.
In April 2026 Wilson Combat (Berryville, Arkansas) acquired the Guncrafter Industries brand and assets, stating that existing Guncrafter product lines will continue with support from Wilson Combat's manufacturing and distribution. Zimmermann remains involved in an advisory and developmental role.
What sets Guncrafter Industries apart:
- Inventor of the .50 GI cartridge (0.500" bullet, rebated rim matching the .45 ACP rim diameter)
- Hand-built, hand-fit pistols with 'Extreme Reliability Work' and full dehorning on every gun
- Proprietary features: BattleCrown super heavy-duty barrel bushing, FRAG grenade-pattern grip texture, Polara directional serrations and tri-top slide
- Heavy configurator-based customization: finishes (Cerakote, DLC, Melonite, hot salt blue, charcoal blue, color case hardening), barrel coatings (TiN, DLC, rose gold, rose copper), sights, optic cuts, porting, ambi safety
- Two fitted and tuned magazines and a black GI logo Cordura case included with custom pistols
- Backed by the Guncrafter Lifetime Satisfaction Assurance
Cajun Gun And Gear in Lafayette is an authorized Guncrafter Industries dealer. Below you will find every current Guncrafter Industries model line with specs, base pricing where the maker publishes it, and answers to the questions we hear most. Any current model can be ordered even when it is not in stock.
Guncrafter Industries Models at a Glance
| Model line | Category | Calibers | Maker base price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hellcat X2 | Double-Stack 9mm | 9mm, .38 Super, .40 S&W, .45 ACP (Commander option), 10mm (Government option) | $5,700 |
| X3 Officers | Double-Stack 9mm | 9mm, .38 Super, 9x23mm | $5,995 |
| Polara | 1911 | .45 ACP, 9mm, .38 Super, 9x23mm | $5,095 |
| BC-17 Hellcat | 1911 | .45 ACP, 9mm, .38 Super, 10mm (Government) | $4,250–$4,295 |
| FRAG | 1911 | .45 ACP, 9mm, .38 Super, 10mm (Squared and Long Slide) | $4,195–$4,495 |
| No Name | 1911 | .45 ACP, 9mm, .38 Super (Commander) | $3,495–$3,695 |
| M Series | .50 GI | .50 GI, .50 GI with .45 ACP conversion (+$495), .45 ACP | $4,595 |
| .50 GI for Glock | .50 GI | .50 GI | $845–$1,245 |
Base prices as published by the maker before options; confirm current pricing with us.
Guncrafter Industries FAQ
Is Cajun Gun And Gear an authorized Guncrafter Industries dealer?
Yes. Cajun Gun And Gear in Lafayette is an authorized Guncrafter Industries dealer. Visit us at 108 Youngsville Hwy, Lafayette, LA 70508 or call 337.999.0373.
Who makes Guncrafter Industries pistols?
Guncrafter Industries was founded by Alex Zimmermann and is known for inventing the .50 GI cartridge. In April 2026 Wilson Combat acquired the brand and assets; existing Guncrafter product lines are continuing, and Zimmermann remains in an advisory and developmental role.
Where are Guncrafter pistols made?
Guncrafter built its pistols in Huntsville, Arkansas. Since the Wilson Combat acquisition, the company's site lists a Berryville, Arkansas address, home of Wilson Combat.
Is Guncrafter Industries owned by Wilson Combat?
Yes. Wilson Combat announced the immediate acquisition of the Guncrafter Industries brand and assets on April 22, 2026, with each brand keeping its own identity.
What is the Hellcat X2?
The Hellcat X2 is Guncrafter's double-stack 2011, released in 2018. In 9mm it holds 17+1 rounds and weighs 32 oz unloaded, and it comes in Government (5" slide) and Commander (4.25" barrel) sizes.
What is the difference between the Hellcat X2 Government and Commander?
Both are 9mm 17+1 double-stack 2011s at 32 oz. The Government has a 5" slide and comes standard with a Bomar adjustable rear sight and fiber optic front. The Commander has a 4.25" barrel with tritium sights.
What is the X3 Officers?
The X3 Officers is Guncrafter's newest compact pistol. It has a 3.75" stainless bull barrel, a ported slide, 15+1 capacity and a 30 oz unloaded weight, and it comes standard with an IOS optic cut. Calibers are 9mm, .38 Super and 9x23.
Is the Polara single-stack or double-stack?
The Polara is a single-stack, single-action steel-frame 1911, offered in Government and Commander sizes in .45 ACP, 9mm, .38 Super and 9x23.
What is the .50 GI cartridge?
The .50 GI was designed by Alex Zimmermann and introduced at the 2004 SHOT Show. It fires a 0.500" bullet from a straight case with a rebated rim that matches the .45 ACP rim diameter. Published loads range from 185 to 300 grains.
Can I shoot .50 GI from my Glock?
Guncrafter sells a drop-in .50 GI conversion upper for Gen 1-4 Glock 20, 21, 40 and 41 frames, plus a complete .50 GI pistol built on a Gen 3 Glock 20SF or 21SF frame. Both come with a 9-round magazine.
What warranty comes with a Guncrafter pistol?
Guncrafter pistols are backed by the company's Lifetime Satisfaction Assurance. Detailed terms are not published on the website.
What comes in the box with a Guncrafter custom pistol?
Custom 1911 and 2011 models ship with two fitted and tuned magazines and a black GI logo Cordura case.
How long is the lead time on a custom Guncrafter build?
The site lists current lead times of 24-26 weeks (4-6 months) for built-to-order pistols.
Can I order a Guncrafter Industries model you do not have in stock?
Yes. We can order any current Guncrafter Industries model — call 337.999.0373, email us, or stop in.
Do you ship Guncrafter Industries firearms out of state?
Yes. We ship to your local FFL dealer, who completes the transfer paperwork.
Buy Guncrafter Industries in Louisiana
Cajun Gun And Gear is an authorized Guncrafter Industries dealer in Lafayette, Louisiana. Our shop is at 108 Youngsville Hwy, Lafayette, LA 70508 (Mon–Fri 9–6, Sat 10–2). Stock comes and goes, and we can order any current model even when it is not on the shelf — call 337.999.0373, email us, or stop in. Out-of-state buyers: we ship to your local FFL dealer, who completes the transfer paperwork.