NRA Gun Of The Week: Stoeger STR-9C Optic Ready

by
posted on September 2, 2022
** 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. **

The Stoeger Industries STR-9 line of striker-fired pistols offers a value-packed option for handgunners who want a well-built pistol for an affordable price. The compact model is sized appropriately for concealment while providing features that contribute to a positive user experience. Watch the video above to see Stoeger's optic-ready STR9C on the range with NRA staff.

Stoeger STR-9C pistol gun sights optic


Stoeger began showing up with its STR-9 pistol in 2019, and nearly every year since, the company has added updates to the increasingly popular lineup of striker-fired semi-automatic pistols.The line of imported guns is now fully featured with competition ready, full-size models to subcompact and optic-ready versions of each. The STR-9C, as seen here, is the company's compact version sporting a 3.8" barrel and comes with an optic-ready slide with recessed machining and adapter plates for many of today's top-performing red-dot optics.

right side str9c gun pistol black semi-automatic


The STR-9C Optic Ready is truly a compact gun. Its overall length measures at just over 6.5"-long and it weighs almost 24 ounces unloaded. With a fully loaded magazine and one in the chamber, you'll expect to squeeze 14 rounds of 9 mm Luger inside, and for those living in restricted areas Stoeger has compliant models, too.

Man outdoors cold winter gear shooting pistol stoeger str-9c


It’s important to note that the gun is best suited for right-handed shooting, with its left-side, fenced-in slide stop lever and magazine release button. For sighting the gun without optics, there is a dovetailed rear sight that contains a square-notch window cut between two white dots. A third white dot is found on the gun’s front sight post, which is also dovetailed into the carbon steel slide, near the muzzle.

Specifications:
Importer: Stoeger Industries
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic, centerfire pistol
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Barrel: 3.8"
Slide: steel
Frame: compact; black polymer
Sights: drift-adjustable, three-dot
Magazine: 13-round detachable box
Overall Length: 6.9"
Weight: 23.9 ozs.
MSRP: $399

Latest

man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass
man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass

The Drawbacks of Being a Numbers-Oriented Gun Guy

Like any hobby or pastime that is in any way even vaguely related to machines or technology, firearms attract a (possibly) disproportionate number of “right-brained,” STEM-oriented personalities who like numbers.

First Look: MDT Hand Cannon Slingshot

Slingshots are fun, but they can also be a legitimate backup defensive tool—in 2023, a 13-year-old Michigan boy saved his 8-year-old sister from being kidnapped by using a $3 slingshot to fire a marble and a rock at the assailant, striking him in the chest and head.

The LCP Meets Magpul: Ruger's LCP Max with Magpul's EHG

Over the years, Ruger has enhanced its LCP with the introduction of the LCP II and LCP Max. New for 2026, Ruger is offering a new version of the LCP Max with the addition of a Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip.

Review: 945 Industries Q.A.P. Series Off-Body Carry Bag

Off-body carry can be somewhat controversial, but choosing the right gear can go a long way toward successful carry. One good option is the Q.A.P. Series of bags from 945 Industries.

At 75, CCI is Offering Even More

In 2026, CCI Ammunition—formally Cascade Cartridge, Inc.—marks its 75th anniversary with a fitting tribute to innovation and American ingenuity.

Gun of the Week: Powder River Precision Rubicon Icon

Powder River Precision has taken the basic Ruger 10/22 rifle concept and enhanced it with its Rubicon Icon design.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.