Kim Ahrends Custom Firearms

Kim Ahrends Custom Firearms started in 1980 in a Delaware basement with minimal equipment—a table saw, drill press, and the drive to build better 1911s. What began as custom firearms quickly evolved into a grip-manufacturing operation that became their signature.

The operation moved from basement to garage in 1984 when they added their first CNC machine. By the time the business closed in 2020, they were running 3 CNC machines in a full production facility. But the real differentiator wasn't the equipment—it was what came after:

Hand finishing, constant fitting on a frame, and attention to detail set them apart from mass-produced alternatives.

Kim rebuilt all fixturing and rewrote CNC programs regularly to chase better quality. They understood the gap: while a budget grip might run $70, custom work that actually fit individual frames ran $360.

• •The philosophy was simple: Function had to be as important as looks. No compromise. They never stopped looking for ways to improve—whether that meant redesigning grips or optimizing their processes.

The business operated with Judy Ahrends handling customer relations for decades. She built lasting friendships with shooters who valued the Ahrends commitment to quality. When she lost her battle with cancer in 2017, the business struggled. Medical bills and debt ultimately led to closure in 2020.

One note for collectors: Cocobolo grips are no longer available. CITES placed the wood on the endangered species list, forcing the shop to stop production using that material.

• •Note: Ahrendsinc ceased taking new orders on 02/22/2020. The brand and manufacturing operations are no longer active.