ZEV Technologies

ZEV Technologies, established in 2005 by founder Alec Wolf, has carved out a significant space in the firearms market, evolving from a personal hobby into a comprehensive manufacturer. The company's origin story began with Wolf tinkering in his home, using a drill press on his patio to modify and improve Glock trigger components with the vision of making the pistol platform as modular as an AR rifle. This hands-on approach initially targeted the competitive shooting circuit, where ZEV's drop-in replacement triggers for Glock pistols became a benchmark for performance.

The company's business model is centered on the design and in-house manufacturing of premium aftermarket components and, subsequently, complete firearm systems. Its revenue is generated through the sale of these products via a network of dealers, distributors, and direct online sales. The client base has expanded from its initial core of competitive shooters to include law enforcement agencies, government contracts, elite military units, and general firearm enthusiasts seeking to upgrade their weapons' performance and aesthetics. A key strategic move occurred in 2017 when ZEV acquired Mega Arms, a producer of AR parts and rifles. This acquisition broadened ZEV's capabilities, enabling a full-scale expansion into the rifle market and prompting the company's relocation from Oxnard, California, to Centralia, Washington. More recently, in mid-2024, SilencerCo announced its pending acquisition of ZEV, signaling a plan to refocus the brand's direction and support future product launches.

ZEV's product line is extensive, featuring performance parts such as slides, match-grade barrels, compensators, and its foundational trigger kits for Glock and SIG Sauer pistols. The company's flagship proprietary firearm is the OZ9 pistol, a modular handgun built around a serialized steel receiver chassis. This design allows the user to easily swap grip modules, slides, and barrels, effectively changing the firearm's size and configuration—for instance, from a compact to a full-size model. The OZ9 V2 series incorporates Gen 5 Glock internal components for improved trigger feel and reliability. Beyond handguns, ZEV offers the Core Elite line of AR platform rifles. The company is also engaged in a high-profile collaboration with Magpul to develop the Folding Defensive Pistol (FDP-9) and Folding Defensive Carbine (FDC-9).

Keywords: firearm components, pistol upgrades, rifle parts, Glock customization, AR-15 parts, ZEV OZ9, Alec Wolf, performance triggers, modular pistols, custom firearms, Mega Arms acquisition, SilencerCo acquisition, law enforcement firearms, competitive shooting, firearm manufacturing, aftermarket slides, match-grade barrels, FDP-9, tactical accessories, SIG Sauer parts