Laugo Arms Alien Retro
Laugo Arms · Pistol · In Production · 2023
Also known as: Alien Retro
Overview
The Laugo Arms Alien Retro is a Czech-made 9x19mm semi-automatic competition pistol, a variant of the Laugo Alien built to comply with the IPSC Production Optics division. Unlike the standard Alien, whose non-reciprocating top rail keeps the optic stationary, the Retro uses a reciprocating optic mount so the red dot travels with the slide as required by that division. It retains the Alien's signature fixed-barrel gas-delayed blowback action and extremely low bore axis, together with an interchangeable top rail, interchangeable backstraps and grip plates, and an ambidextrous magazine catch.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1009 g (35.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 210 mm (8.27") |
| Barrel Length | 124 mm (4.88") |
| Action Type | Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 17 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 360 m/s (1181 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 481 J (355 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Slide Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Hard Anodized |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Trigger Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Fixed Barrel, Gas Delayed Blowback, Lowest Bore Axis, Reciprocating Optic Mount, Interchangeable Top Rail, Interchangeable Backstraps, Interchangeable Grip Plates, Ambidextrous Magazine Catch, Accessory Rail
Base model
Production
Production years: 2023-present
Low-volume, hand-built production in the Czech Republic
Origin
Country of origin: Czech Republic
Designer: Jan Lucansky
Notes
The Retro pairs the Alien's mechanicals with a distinctive two-tone retro-styled aesthetic. The gas-delayed blowback system and fixed barrel keep the sights and optic aligned with the bore, and the bore axis sits roughly 1.7 mm below the top of the grip, among the lowest of any production handgun.
Background
The Alien's designer, Jan Lucansky, spent nearly a decade developing its fixed-barrel gas-delayed action before the pistol debuted at IWA 2019; the Retro edition later reworked the optic mount to make the radical design legal for IPSC Production Optics competition.