Design
The barrel sits at the top of the grip, and the recoil assembly rides above the barrel. This is what gives it such a unique recoil impulse. The impulse feels like a push into the meat of your palm.
On traditional guns, the barrel is situated above the recoil assembly. Because the bore axis is above the line of your hand and wrist, it imparts torque that makes the wrist bend and flips the gun up. We call this “muzzle rise,” and most guns produce 10 to 15 degrees of deflection, if the gun is gripped properly.
The Laugo pistols reverse standard pistol construction so that the bore is in line with your hand and wrist, thereby minimizing muzzle rise and creating a super flat-shooting pistol. Laugo pistols have a deflection of around 5 degrees.
Gas-Delayed Action
The operation system is basically a gas-delayed operating system as opposed to the usual recoil system. The Alien has no traditional barrel lockup. Instead, the gases from the round going off slow down or “delay” the opening of the breech.
This gas operating system has the benefit of bleeding off the energy in-line with the bore, which reduces recoil and keeps the whole system on target and more accurate. There is also some element of gas regulation, since the more powerful the ammunition, the more the gases will control the gun’s operation and soften the blow. This system works better with high-pressure ammunition. The more powerful the round, the lighter the gun will shoot.
The reciprocation mass is also much less than in traditional guns, because it doesn’t need the slide weight to lock the breech. Less moving mass equates to less perceived recoil.
This gas system itself is not new. The concept has been around since World War II and is similar to the HK P7 but flipped upside down. This reduces the common overheating problem with the P7, as the heat is dissipated through the top of the gun.
Sights & Trigger
In addition, the top plate of the slide does not move, so the sighting system does not move during recoil. Tracking the iron sights or red dot is incredibly easy, because they never leave your sight picture.
The Creator Limited Edition package comes with two top rails: one with adjustable fiber-optic iron sights and one with a Laugo red dot sight. So, you have both sighting options in the box.
Finally, the trigger is very light and crisp with a short reset. All these elements put together means that, theoretically, you can shoot this gun faster and more accurately than any other pistol.
Alien Creator
Laugo Arms’ original design, called the Alien, was released in the U.S. in 2020. New for 2023 is the Alien Creator, which is basically the Alien with a few changes based on user feedback.
First, Laugo changed the grip angle from the original Glock grip angle to a more 1911-style grip angle. Second, the grip is completely modular. All four side of the grip can be swapped to different modules for a customizable feel, and only one screw must be removed to change the panels.
Third, deeper slide serrations were added for more purchase during slide manipulations. In addition, vents were cut in the top rail to improve heat dispersion from the barrel.
Finally, the magazine base pads were redesigned to a lower profile so they don’t interfere with each other when stacked close together on a competition belt.
The Package
The Alien Creator will be available in the United States in a limited-edition run of only 500 units, sold as a full kit for around $7,000.
The full kit includes:
- The pistol
- Three 17-round mags
- Two top rails, one with irons and one with red dot
- Several grip panels and backstraps
- Standard and competition mag wells
- Holster
- Cleaning supplies
- Tool kit
- Dry-fire training chamber insert
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Custom hard case
Pros
Okay, okay, so what do I actually think of it? Well, first off, it like nothing I’ve ever felt. The recoil impulse is just unbelievable! The dot never leaves the window. You have to try it to understand. I believe if you get used to this system, you have the potential to shoot it faster than any other pistol.
Getting into the specifics, the balance is great. It’s a heavy gun, which also helps absorb recoil, but the weight is all in the grip, so it feels very solid and transitions very quickly from target to target.
The front and back checkering is perfect – extremely secure. Slide serrations are great. There is a very good single-action trigger. This one averaged 2 pounds, 12 ounces.
Feature-wise, I love the super easy field stripping, and the fact that all the tools you need some in the kit.
The adjustable competition holster included with the gun is actually really good. Most "included" holsters are trash, but this one is strong, secure, and adjustable. I would use it in competition.
Cons
I think the biggest quirk most people notice is the heat issue. All guns get hot, but after running three magazines quickly through the Creator, it does heat up a bit faster than traditional guns. It won’t instantly burn you, and the grip and your gun hand is fine, but the trigger guard was warm enough for me not to want to grab it and hold it. If you start manipulating the slide near the front where the gas port is located, you can still hold and cycle it, but you won’t want to hold it for a long time.
In competition, I don’t think this is a problem, because strings of fire are not long enough to build up too much heat. But during practice, if you want to run a drill over and over, you might have to set the gun down to cool after 60-80 rounds. I didn’t have a problem with the heat, but it’s something to consider.
Another major con is fouling due to the gas system. As with an AR-15, because gas is used in the mechanism, the internals get fouled. I’ve heard you need to clean these guns more often than, say, a Glock. But that’s actually normal for race guns. Competition 2011s must be cleaned regularly, too, as often as every 500 rounds. This gun has had about 1,000 rounds through it, and I have not had a problem. But I do think regular maintenance is a must.
Nit-Picks
Those are the major concerns. Now for my nit-picking. I might not normally mention these, but for a $7,000 gun, I’m going to say it. First, because the bore is so low in the gun, it’s difficult to see into the chamber for a safety check. Be extra careful.
Reports also say the Creator does not feed hollow points well. It’s a race gun, so I don’t think that’s particularly important, but I’ll mention it. Next, the trigger reset well but wasn’t amazing. I want it crisper and more audible.
See below for a full list of my pros and cons.
Pros:
- Excellent balance
- Heavy weight absorbs recoil
- Great single-action trigger
- Grips and slide serrations very secure
- Easy field-stripping
- Kit includes tools and cleaning supplies
- Competition holster included
Cons:
- Heats up quickly
- Gas system prone to fouling, although we didn’t experience any issues
- Needs extra caution, as it’s not easy to see in chamber for safety check
-
Trigger reset could be crisper
2011 Comparison
I think the most logical comparison for the Alien is a competition 2011, although the recoil impulse is totally different. I like it, and I think I could get good with it. I have heard some reports of people sore in the thumb pad of the palm, and I can see that happening after a lot of rounds.
Racking the slide of the Alien is not as light as on a 2011. There isn’t that smooth-like-glass feel. Also, even though it’s supposed to have a 1911 grip angle, for me, it does not point as naturally as a 1911 or 2011, but this really a training issue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, would I give up my 2011s for the Alien? No, but I am seriously considering adding one to my arsenal. I think it is a unique and innovative competition gun. No expense was spared to allow this gun to go as fast as possible. I would love the chance to really train with one to see how good I could get with it.
