Sphinx Systems

Sphinx Systems Limited is a Swiss handgun maker known for tightly fitted, all-metal pistols built around the CZ 75 pattern and refined for service, sport, and defensive use. These pistols earned a reputation among special forces, elite police units, and serious competitors for smooth actions, excellent triggers, and rigorous quality control. Production originally ran in Switzerland from the late 1970s through 2016 and later continued under the KRISS Group umbrella, with KRISS USA serving as the importer and North American arm for Sphinx-branded pistols such as the SDP series.

Swiss Handgun Accuracy

Sphinx pistols are built around match-grade barrels, tight slide-to-frame fit, and carefully controlled tolerances that support precise lockup. Earlier models were hand fitted and even shipped with test targets to document individual accuracy, a level of attention that helped Sphinx earn a place among high-end European service and competition pistols.

Duty and Competition Versatility

From the Sphinx 2000 and 3000 series to the more recent SDP line, these pistols were configured for duty holsters, concealed carry, and IPSC or practical shooting matches. Size options range from subcompact to full size, with frame materials that include steel, aluminium, titanium, and hybrid aluminium and polymer layouts, giving shooters choices that match agency needs, competition rules, or personal carry preferences.

All-Metal Durability and Build Quality

Sphinx pistols are known for solid billet or forged construction, hardened slides, and long-life components designed for high round counts. The brand emphasized Swiss machining, clean barrel rifling, and corrosion-resistant finishes, resulting in sidearms that hold up under heavy training use and still appeal to collectors decades after production.

Product Focus

Pistols

Sphinx Systems pistols form a family of double action / single action designs chambered primarily in 9 mm, with select models offered in .40 S&W and .45 ACP. Early work began with redesigns of the ITM AT-84 and AT-88, which evolved into the Sphinx 2000 and then the CNC-machined Sphinx 3000 series for defense and sports use. Later, the SDP line brought many of those premium features into a more mass-produced format with compact, subcompact, and standard sizes aimed at service and concealed carry users. All models share a focus on controllable recoil, low bore axis, and intuitive controls, giving shooters a stable sight picture and fast follow up shots.

Shop Pistols

Competition and Service Use

The Sphinx 3000 and related variants were adopted by specialized units and police agencies in Europe and Asia, including Belgian federal police, Danish special forces, and Singapore Police Special Operations Command. These pistols earned respect in competition circles as well, thanks to crisp triggers, adjustable sights, and configurations tuned for IPSC and similar disciplines. For shooters who want a service-grade pistol with match-level refinement, the higher end Sphinx models bridge that gap and remain sought after on the secondary market.

Shop Competition and Service Use

SDP Series and KRISS USA Support

After Sphinx joined the KRISS Group, development centered on the SDP (Special Duty Pistol) Compact and its related variants. These 9 mm pistols offered DA / SA operation, ambidextrous decockers, interchangeable backstraps on most models, and frame options that ranged from all-steel to aluminium upper frames with polymer lowers. KRISS USA became the importer and North American partner, handling US-built SDP production and distribution and keeping support available for American shooters. The SDP series brought Sphinx ergonomics and trigger feel into a more accessible and widely distributed package while maintaining the brand’s emphasis on precise machining and tight tolerances.

Shop SDP Series and KRISS USA Support

Frequently asked questions

What is Sphinx Systems best known for?

Sphinx Systems is best known for Swiss-made, CZ 75-pattern pistols such as the Sphinx 2000, Sphinx 3000, and SDP series, all built with tight tolerances and high-end materials.

Who imports Sphinx pistols into the United States?

Sphinx pistols for the US market have been imported and supported by KRISS USA, the North American arm of the KRISS Group.

What calibers are common for Sphinx pistols?

Most Sphinx pistols are chambered in 9×19 mm, with selected models also offered in .40 S&W and .45 ACP.

Are Sphinx pistols still in production?

Sphinx Systems AG ceased operations in 2016, but KRISS USA has continued to manage SDP-branded production and support under the KRISS Group structure. Availability can vary by model and region.

Are Sphinx pistols suitable for competition?

Yes. Models such as the Sphinx 3000 and selected SDP variants were designed with sport shooting in mind and offer features that competitive shooters value, including refined triggers and sight options.

What kind of users run Sphinx pistols?

Sphinx pistols have seen use with special forces, elite police units, and security teams in several countries, as well as civilian competitors and enthusiasts who appreciate premium European handguns.

About

Sphinx Systems Limited was a Swiss firearms manufacturer focused on high quality semi-automatic pistols with roots in CZ 75 design work. Starting from its origins in tooling and machining, the company moved into handgun production in the 1980s and built a reputation for tightly fitted, accurate pistols that appealed to both professional users and sport shooters. Later, integration into the KRISS Group broadened distribution and led to the SDP line aimed at service and personal defense roles.

History

Popular Models

Latest Firearm News & Reviews

Stay informed with the latest news, expert reviews, and in-depth articles on firearms, shooting sports, and gun-related topics. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or new to the world of firearms, our collection of articles will keep you updated on industry trends, product launches, and valuable tips for responsible gun ownership.