faq

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is your lead time?

Lead times change daily based on new arrivals and throughput. They typically average around 4 weeks for standard offerings, but can be 6-8 weeks, or even longer, for custom work. The work we do is highly specialized and takes time. If you only have one firearm and are concerned about the length of time it may take to have it customized, we would recommend you consider purchasing a backup before considering the customization route.

Is Alpha Dog Arms affiliated with Glock, Inc?

NO. “GLOCK” is a federally registered trademark of GLOCK, Inc. and is one of many trademarks registered by GLOCK, Inc. and GLOCK Ges.m.b.H. Neither Alpha Dog Arms, nor its parent company, Alpha Dog Design, LLC, are affiliated in any manner with, or otherwise endorsed by, GLOCK, Inc. or GLOCK Ges.m.b.H. The use of “GLOCK” on this page is merely to advertise the sale of GLOCK pistols, parts, or components. For additional genuine GLOCK, Inc. and GLOCK Ges.m.b.H products and parts visit www.glock.com.

Can I get a status report on my order?

Yes, status reports are sent via email automatically by our system.  As your item moves though the process, the system is updated and you will receive email notification.  Examples: “Your G19 frame has arrived and in the queue”, “Your slide has been milled for a Holosun 509T”, “Your Frame was prepped for laser stipple”, “Your frame has been laser stippled with our “Stinger” pattern”, etc.

In some instances, our update emails may land in your SPAM folder or get rejected by by your email’s spam settings.  We highly recommend entering “info@alphadogarms” into your address book to avoid these issues.  For those using GMAIL , it is recommended to “WHITELIST ” info@alphadogarms.com in your GMAIL account settings.  Instructions for how to do this can be found HERE

Please do not call or email for status updates!  We have a small crew and 100% of our efforts are focused on completing work thats here. Calls and emails requesting progress updates take us away from completing work and will go unanswered.  Please remain patient and check your emails regularly for updates from the system.

Do you offer LE/MIL? First Responder Discounts?

Yes, absolutely.  We offer a 10% discount  for LE/MIL/First Responders.  Process your order as normal and do one of the following:

1. Send a copy of your Service ID to info@alphadogarms.com and we will send you a 10% off MIL/LE discount code to use at checkout

2. Send a Branch, Unit or Department patch in with your order as we welcome new additions to our patch wall!!!!

Thank you for serving.

Can I pay extra to have my work completed sooner?

This question can be interpreted numerous ways. We’ll try to answer all of them so our position on this is crystal clear.
~ Are you willing to screw your other customers who have been waiting patiently for their items? Hell No.
~ Are you willing to work additional hours, above the 10-12 hrs per day, 7 days per week that you already work, to get my stuff done sooner? Nope.
~ Can you prioritize my work over others because I want it sooner? Not gonna happen.
~ But, it’s my only gun…see the previous response AND thats not our problem!

I'm local. Can I drop off and pick up?

Yes, however we are by appointment only. Appointments are scheduled during specific times every day and are only made via our online booking. You can make an appointment by clicking this link.

Are you a gun shop that I can visit?

We have a small showroom, but we don’t carry a traditional inventory firearms for sale. Our facility is primarily a manufacturing facility that is not conducive to walk in customers. For this reason, we are by appointment only as mentioned in the previous question.

Are you an FFL? Can I transfer a firearm I purchased online through you?

Yes, we are a 07 FFL (Manufacturer) with our SOT. We welcome local transfers of any firearm type including NFA items. If you are looking to have us conduct a transfer for you, please send us an email with the sellers info, your order number (if applicable) so that we can send them a copy of our paperwork.

Stippling Questions

Can you Stipple a non-Glock frame?

No.
Not all polymers are the same. Black Glock frames are made from a special material that can be laser stippled with a Fiber laser like ours. All other frames are a nylon/fiberglass hybrid material that require a completely different type of laser than ours. If we put those frames under our laser they would turn into a pile of goo. Therefore, we can only laser stipple Black Glock Frames.

Do the stippling patterns look the same on all sized Glock frames?

No.  The stippling patterns are not one size fits all.  We do our best to “savor the flavor” of the stippling patterns design, but the pattern does alter based on the available real estate.  If your curious how a particular pattern will look on the frame you have we suggest you scroll through our social media feeds to find a visual reference.

Whats your grippiest Laser Stippling texture?

We rate our stippling textures from Mild – Aggressive.  Our most aggressive texture is our “80 Grit”.  It is significantly more rough than skateboard grip tape.

Can I request changes to your stippling patterns?

Yes, absolutely.  Any modifications to our stock offerings will require entirely new CNC programing for that item.  This is the case no matter how big or small the change request is.  We bill at $150/hr for custom programming with a minimum of 1 hour billed.

Can I request changes that you leave the Glock logo on my frame?

No.  When we prep your frame for stippling we remove all of the factory texture and polish the frame smooth.  This typically takes 30 min to accomplish.  If we needed to delicately sand and polish around the Glock logo (or patent numbers, etc) the required time top accomplish would be significantly extended.  Additionally, similar to the previous question, any modifications to our stock offerings will require entirely new artwork files and CNC programing for that item.  At our normal billing rates this “simple” request would nearly triple the cost for the stippling, therefore, we do not entertain requests to leave the Glock logo.

Can I request that you do not put your logo on my frame?

No.

Some people/companies who offer frame stippling remove the factory markings on the frame which the ATF considers equal to serial number ablation, a serious offense.  To avoid any confusion our local ATF office has asked that we mark all of the frames that we stipple with our brand to avoid confusion with frames others have stippled.

My Glock frame is a registered NFA item, can you still stipple it?

Yes, absolutely.

HOWEVER, any NFA item must be sent with an approved Form 5 for gunsmithing.  The ATF issued a “recommendation” for gunsmithing on NFA items awhile back.  The “recommendation” was that a Form 5 be submitted and approved prior to shipment of a NFA item for gunsmithing.  Although merely a “recommendation” our local ATF field office is requiring their FFL’s to have this paperwork during an inspection.  This may not be the case for other field offices, but we are forced to follow the guidance of our local examiners to avoid violations.  All NFA items being shipped for gunsmithing (stippling, milling, laser engraving or cerakote) must be accompanied by an Approved Form 5.

Can you copy a design I found online?

We won’t copy someone else’s work.  If you are looking to use someone else’s design as inspiration for custom work, thats acceptable, but if you want us to copy their work 100% we won’t do it.  You are better off going to them directly for the work.

Can you use any logo for engraving or stippling?

The short answer is yes, but there is a HUGE caveat.  You must be the intellectual property owner for us to use a logo that you provide.  If you are not the intellectual property owner, we can not legally use another brands logo without their expressed written consent.  You will need to provide a one time use authorization from the brand’s owner, on their letterhead for us to engrave or stipple a logo that you do not own.  Any further questions about the legal use of a trademarked logo can be found HERE.

Do I ship my entire pistol or just the frame?

Ship only the items being worked on.  If you are getting stippling only, you only need to ship us the frame.

Milling Questions

Can you machine a non-Glock slide?

No.
Our milling services are exclusively done by CNC milling.  CNC milling requires a significant amount of 3D CAD development, programming and custom fixture creation prior to milling a slide.  Currently, we have made this investment for Glock slides only.  This applies to optic milling on non-Glock slides as well!

Do the milling patterns look the same on all sized Glock slides?

No.  The milling patterns are not one size fits all.  We do our best to “savor the flavor” of the milling patterns design, but the pattern does get altered based on the slide model (size) and generation.  Some examples include: smaller slides will have smaller features in the milling pattern, larger caliber slides may have reduced design features to preserve overall slide strength, and, slides with factory front serrations will have the milling pattern altered to work with or around them.   If you’re curious how a particular pattern will look on the frame you have we suggest you scroll through our social media feeds to find a visual reference.

Can you mill my Glock slide into an MOS?

No.  The Glock MOS models have the dovetail moved rearward to accommodate for the length of the MOS pocket.  MOS milling is not possible on non-MOS models

Can I request changes to your milling patterns?

Yes, absolutely.  Any modifications to our stock offerings will require entirely new CNC programing for that item.  This is the case no matter how big or small the change request is.  We bill at $150/hr for custom programming with a minimum of 1 hour billed.

Can I request that you do not put your logo on my slide?

No.

All slides that we mill will be marked with our logo.

My Glock is a registered NFA item, can you still machine it?

Yes, absolutely.

HOWEVER, any NFA item must be sent with an approved Form 5 for gunsmithing.  The ATF issued a “recommendation” for gunsmithing on NFA items awhile back.  The “recommendation” was that a Form 5 be submitted and approved prior to shipment of a NFA item for gunsmithing.  Although merely a “recommendation” our local ATF field office is requiring their FFL’s to have this paperwork during an inspection.  This may not be the case for other field offices, but we are forced to follow the guidance of our local examiners to avoid violations.  All NFA items being shipped for gunsmithing (stippling, milling, laser engraving or cerakote) must be accompanied by an Approved Form 5.

Can you leave the serial number on my slide?

if a milling pattern needs to be altered to leave a serial number, the milling pattern needs to be redesigned and the CNC programing must be rewritten.  As mentioned previously, this is possible, however is billed at $150/hr with a minimum of 1hr.  Alternatively, we recommend adding Text Engraving to your order.  With Text Engraving, we can put the serial number back on the frame after it has been milled.

Can you copy a design I found online?

We won’t copy someone else’s work.  If you are looking to use someone else’s design as inspiration for custom work, thats acceptable, but if you want us to copy their work 100% we won’t do it.  You are better off going to them directly for the work.

Do I ship my entire pistol or just the slide?

Ship only the items being worked on.  If you are getting slide or optic milling only, you only need to ship us the slide.

Shipping Questions

Do I have to ship through an FFL?

The short answer is no.
Federal Law permits firearm owners to ship their serialized parts into a licensed FFL for Service or Gunsmithing directly, without the need of going through a third party FFL. We are an FFL and your serialized parts gets logged into and out of our ATF Gunsmithing books. Once the work is completed, we are permitted by law to ship your serialized part directly back to you. We are only permitted to ship to the same address listed on our work order.

What's your shipping address so I can ship my frame to you?

Shipping instructions, including our shipping address, are provided in your order confirmation email.

We don’t post our shipping address or shipping instructions on the website because some people have a tendency to ship items to us without having placed an order, or, without including their name, or,  without including instruction on what work they would like done, etc.  All of the aforementioned require a bunch of wasted time trying to contact the individual and extract what work they expect us to do.  We do  not have the manpower or desire to work that way.

Should I just ship my pistol in the original Glock case?

No.  Do NOT ship us your Glock case, or, any other type of pistol case.  If you ship us a Glock case, or pistol case (even a soft case) it will NOT be returned to you.

Use the smallest box possible to ship your item.  Our flat rate return shipping prices are based off of our custom 9″ x 6″ x 2″ boxes.  All shipping carriers use dimensional weight calculations for shipping. A box large enough to fit a Glock case is not kept on hand and would cost significantly more than the flat rate shipping prices we offer.  Please do not ship Glock cases!

Do you recommend a particular shipping carrier?

Yes.

We only use Fedex with Adult Signature Required for any serialized component.

Do NOT ship a serialized pistol frame via USPS.  It is a violation of federal law to send pistols or pistol receivers via USPS.

We do NOT recommend using UPS.  They have suspended service for many firearm retailers (including us) with no warning or reason provided.  Supporting companies, like them, who openly practice political inspired bias should be punishable by death.

Can you ship to a PO Box?

We can not ship any part with a serial number to a PO Box.  If you are having frame work done, you must use a physical address at checkout.  ATF mandates FFL’s performing Gunsmithing enter serialized parts into our ATF Gunsmithing log and return ship them to the physical address provided ONLY.  Serialized parts must also ship with adult signature service.

We can, however, ship NON-SERIALIZED parts to PO Box’s.  If you are only having slide work done, you can use a PO BOX address at checkout.

Can you return ship my item to a different address for me?

No.

Per ATF regulation, we are only permitted to return ship your item to the same address it was received from.

I selected EZ Ship for my order, why am I being asked about shipping again at checkout?

With our EZ Shipping service we send you a pre-paid and labeled box for the item you are having us work on.  This will get your item to us.

The shipping option at checkout returns your completed item to you.

How much shipping insurance should I select at checkout?

You should select shipping insurance equal to the replacement value of your firearm + the value of the work we did for you.

EXAMPLE:  The Glock 43X cost is $615 + $189 stippling + $75 Cerakote + $40 trigger guard undercut + $35 shipping = $954…insure for $1000.

We highly recommend not trying to cut costs by selecting low insured value.  If you firearm or parts are lost or stolen during transit, you will only be reimbursed by the shipping company for the amount you insured for.

What happens if my firearm or parts are lost or stolen during shipping?

You need to do the following:

  1.  Advise us as soon as possible that your item did not arrive.  As an FFL, we must contact local authorities and the ATF when a serialized part is lost or stolen.
  2. Contact the shipping company and file a lost/stolen claim. (you will be provided your tracking number upon shipping) Provide all of your receipts for the contents of the package. (firearm purchase, as well as, receipt for the work we performed)
  3. Stay on top of the shipping company regarding your claim.  Once your claim is processed and approved, you will be sent reimbursement for the insured value.

We are not responsible for items once they leave our facility!  We will not chase the shipping company for you.  We will not pursue reimbursement for insured value and we will not replace your parts if a shipping company looses them.  We have no control over what happens when they leave our custody.

Engraving Questions

Can you do NFA engraving?

Yes, absolutely.  Visit our engraving page(s) to order.  We offer a “while you wait” service for locals who prefer to bring their item in person.

You MUST place an order online prior to making a “While you wait NFA Engraving” appointment!  It takes time to get the laser setup and we do this prior to your arrival.

Can I legally ship my NFA item in for NFA engraving?

Yes, absolutely.

However, the ATF has issued a “recommendation” that all NFA items being shipped for gunsmithing be accompanied by an approved Form 5.  Form 5’s where traditionally used for a non-tax transfer to a Department or Agency.  They are now also used for a non-tax transfer of NFA items for gunsmithing.  Even though this is an ATF “recommendation”, our local ATF examiners are requesting we have the approved Form 5 on file during an audit.  The Form 5 can be submitted digitally through Eforms and is typically approved quickly.  Once work on your item is complete, we will Form 5 your item back to you.

Can you engrave my logo?

Yes, absolutely.  On the order pages for Slide Milling, Laser Stippling and Logo Engraving you will have the ability to add a logo to your order.

Can you use any logo for engraving or stippling?

The short answer is yes, but there is a HUGE caveat.  You must be the intellectual property owner for us to use a logo that you provide.  If you are not the intellectual property owner, we can not legally use another brands logo without their expressed written consent.  You will need to provide a one time use authorization from the brand’s owner, on their letterhead for us to engrave or stipple a logo that you do not own.  Any further questions about the legal use of a trademarked logo can be found HERE.

What is the difference between a Vector and Raster file?

Vector files are images that are built by mathematical formulas that establish points on a grid. Laser programing requires a Vector file.  The most common types of vector files are:

.ai: Short for Adobe Illustrator, this file is commonly used in print media and digital graphics, such as logos.

.eps: Encapsulated PostScript is an older type of vector graphics file. .eps files don’t support transparency in the way more modern file formats like .ai do.

.pdf: The Portable Document Format is built for the exchange of documents across platforms and is editable in Adobe Acrobat.

.svg: The Scalable Vector Graphics format is based in XML (a markup language used widely across the Internet that’s readable by both machines and humans). It’s useful for the web, where it can be indexed, searched, and scripted.

Raster files are composed of the colored blocks commonly referred to as pixels.  They are not usable for laser engraving other than a reference file from which a vector file can be created.

.jpg or .jpeg: Stands for “Joint Photographic Experts Group“, which is the name of the group who created the JPEG standard.

.bmp: Also known as bitmap image file, device independent bitmap (DIB) file format and bitmap, is a raster graphics image file format used to store bitmap digital images,

Policies

Firearm Transfer Policy
Purchaser must advise us of incoming firearm shipments and will be notified when their item arrives.

Purchasers must email a copy of their CT Pistol Permit and Drivers License to info@alphadogarms.com in advance of their items arrival.

Firearm transfers are by appointment only.  Appointments can be scheduled online after you have been notified that your item is ready for pickup.  Once notified that an item is ready for pickup, the purchaser has 7 days to retrieve their item. After 7 days a $1/per day storage fee will be added to their invoice.

 

Local Pick up / Drop off Policy

Drop offs are by appointment only.  If it appears you can not make your appointment or are running late, please call 657-215-0440 to advise accordingly.

Pickups are by appointment only.  Appointments can be scheduled online after you have been notified that your item is ready for pickup.  Once notified that an item is ready for pickup, the purchaser has 7 days to retrieve their item. After 7 days interest will accrue weekly on unpaid invoices and a $1/per day storage fee will be added to their invoice.

Missed drop off or pick up appointments with no notification call prior to the appointment will have a $20 cancellation fee added to their invoice.

 

PDF Downloads

Customers looking for engraving should use the below .PDF's to communicate engraving location to us.

Engraving Placement - NFA SBR

Download this .PDF for placement instruction for NFA engraving on your Form 1 suppressor.

SBR PDF

Engraving Placement - NFA Suppressor

Download this .PDF for placement instruction on NFA engraving for your Form 1 suppressor.

Suppressor PDF

Engraving Placement - Glock Slide

Download this .PDF for placement instruction for engraving on your Glock Slide.

Glock PDF

DISCLAIMER: “GLOCK” is a federally registered trademark of GLOCK, Inc. and is one of many trademarks registered by GLOCK, Inc. and GLOCK Ges.m.b.H. Neither Alpha Dog Design, LLC, nor this site are affiliated in any manner with, or otherwise endorsed by, GLOCK, Inc. or GLOCK Ges.m.b.H. The use of “GLOCK” on this page is merely to advertise the sale of GLOCK pistols, parts, or components. For additional genuine GLOCK, Inc. and GLOCK Ges.m.b.H products and parts visit www.glock.com.