About the builder - Alex Zimmermann

About Alex Zimmermann

Born in Denmark in 1962, Alex Zimmermann’s passion for firearms followed a familiar trajectory—starting with knives, progressing to bows, then air guns, and finally real guns. By the age of 14, he was actively shooting rifles, and at 18, he took up handgun shooting.

At 20, the minimum legal age in Denmark for acquiring a handgun license, Alex obtained a Smith & Wesson Model 17 and a Ruger Blackhawk in .357 Magnum—both of which remain treasured possessions to this day.

During his early twenties, organized combat shooting, such as IPSC, was nonexistent in Denmark. However, inspired by American gun magazines, Alex knew this was the path he wanted to pursue. This led to a decade-long journey of frequent visits to the United States, where he immersed himself in the shooting community. During these visits, he cultivated a deep admiration for John Browning’s 1911 pistol design and was fortunate to meet and get inspiration from shooters such as Brian Enos, Rob Leatham, and Ross Seyfried.

Back in Denmark, Alex dedicated himself to rigorous practice, and by the time IPSC shooting was introduced in Denmark in the mid-1980s, he was ready. He won multiple Danish Championships and built a reputation as a skilled gunsmith. While studying to become a mechanical engineer, Alex balanced his education with his growing gunsmithing business, which he continued after earning his degree.

Alex’s journey to the U.S. took a significant turn when he traveled to compete in Richard Davis’s Second Chance Bowling Pin Shoot. Around this time, he met and formed close friendships with renowned gunsmith Ned Christiansen. It was during this period that Alex spotted a small advertisement in Front Sight magazine stating that Wilson Combat was hiring. A phone call later, Bill Wilson invited him to Berryville, Arkansas, for a job interview.

Guncrafter Alex Zimmermann .50GI Commander

After wrapping up his affairs in Denmark, Alex sold all his possessions and moved to the United States. Four months later, he landed at Springfield Airport, Missouri, with just a suitcase and a stomach full of nerves. Things fell into place quickly—within a month, he met his future wife and soon became the Director of Research and Development at Wilson Combat. Over the next eight years, Alex had the privilege of working alongside some of the finest custom gunsmiths in the country. He played a key role in designing new parts and implementing product improvements, making it one of the most fulfilling periods of his career.

In 2002, Alex resigned from Wilson Combat to pursue his vision of creating the ultimate defensive pistol—specifically, a 1911 chambered in .50 caliber. To bring this concept to life, he founded Guncrafter Industries. At SHOT Show 2004, Alex introduced the .50 GI Model 1, with his first customers including industry legends Bill Wilson, Richard Heinie, and Richard Davis.

A formidable competitor, Alex dominated the IDPA National Stock Service Revolver Championship for seven consecutive years before eventually losing his title to the legendary Jerry Miculek.

In the late 2000s, Alex crossed paths with Stan Chen, just as both men were establishing their own shops. Their friendship has since spanned almost two decades, resulting in numerous collaborations that have helped both men put their mark on the custom gun industry.