SHOT Show 2018: Archon Type B 9 mm Pistol

by
posted on February 13, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
archontypeb_right_01s.jpg
On the outside, the Archon Firearms Type B striker fired 9 mm pistol (formerly known as the Arsenal Firearms Stryk B) looks a good deal like other duty-size, polymer-framed semi-autos. However, the internal configuraction is quite different from much copied Glock design. Developed in Italy and manufactured in the European Union, the Type B's barrel is supported by a removable U-shaped cradle that's pinned to the frame to minimizes barrel movement under recoil and allows for an exceptionally low bore axis. With the slide removed and a loaded magazine inserted in the grip, the top round is almost in line with the chamber. This eliminates most of the up-and-over travel of the nose of a fresh cartridge as it's pressed into battery. The goal is to increase feed reliability while keeping the recoil spring weight down. An extended ejector also works to guide rounds from the magazine into the chamber. 



I had an opportunity to shoot this pistol a bit during the 2018 Industry Day at the Range during SHOT Show and found it to have a good trigger, useful sights and a nice balance. But like any pistol that's striving to stand out from the crowd, I'm going to need more time with it on the range to provide a more definitive assessment. This pistol is currently in production overseas now with shipping dates in the United States projected for some time around April 2018. Specifications and suggested retail pricing have yet to be announced. For more, visit ArchonFirearms.com.

Latest

Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web
Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web

Gun Of The Week: Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1

Join American Rifleman staff on the range in this video to get a closer look at Wilson Combat’s somewhat cryptically named “Division 77 Project 1.” 

The Armed Citizen® July 18, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: POF-USA LMR BASE Rifle

The Patriot Ordnance Factory LMR Base offers a .308 Win. chambering in a lightweight, AR-15-size package, which makes it a capable platform for today's new gun owner. And it comes at a fair price.

2025 Accessory Of The Year: Wyoming Sight Drifter

For each of the past 23 years, the editors of American Rifleman have convened to select our top picks for the past year’s best and most innovative products. Here are the most recent winners.

Henry Donates Rifles To Support Young Leukemia Victim

Henry Repeating Arms has donated a limited run of 50 “Team Keane” Golden Boy .22 lever-action rifles to support 13-year-old Keane Rhodes of Universal City, Texas, who is currently undergoing aggressive treatment for ALL T-cell leukemia.

Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory Echelon

Springfield Armory introduced its Echelon in 2023, bringing a modernized, chassis-style, striker-fired handgun to the market that has since seen several notable line extensions.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.