The Archon Type B accepts Glock sights and has a low bore axis.
Archon Firearms, recently renamed from Arsenal Firearms, debuted the newest iteration of the B pistol dubbed “Type B.” The company is rebranding to avoid a possible trademark dispute. The Type B pistol was formerly known as the Stryk B.
Overview – New Archon
The new Type B features an incredibly low bore axis, which is a large part of its appeal. When you shoot this pistol, you can tell. Front and rear slide serrations are both functional and attractive. It also features a cut behind the front sight to facilitate press checks. It accepts aftermarket Glock sights and has a Picatinny accessory rail up front. The flat faced trigger is light and has a very short reset.
The frame of the gun is like nothing else, featuring an integrated beavertail, a cut for a very high grip and innovative grip mapping frame texturing. What exactly is grip mapping frame texturing? It is a very well executed pattern of small blocks, that help you keep a grip on the gun, without being uncomfortable. It looks odd, but in use, I like it. The mag well is factory beveled for quick reloads, and the design looks sharp.
SPECS
- Striker-fired polymer pistol
- Four 15-round magazines included
- MSRP: $850
- Accepts Glock Sights
- Integrated Beavertail
- Innovative grip mapping frame
- Flat-faced trigger
- Manufacturer: Archon Firearms
Impressions
In use, the gun is very flat shooting. The low bore axis helps, but the pistol also uses a three-stage recoil spring to really keep the muzzle down. This is a unique pistol that you are going to want to hold to appreciate.
The flat-faced trigger and short reset made the Type B pistol a favorite during range day.
The guns are currently manufactured in Germany, but in the future, the plan is to bring production home to the US of A. The Type B ships with 4x 15 round magazines and good sights, which means all you need is some bullets to be ready to go.
For more information about Archon Firearms, click here.
I’ve been one of the folks on pre-order with Rain6 for a while, patently waiting with that day before Christmas excitement.
In all seriousness, the market is saturated with poly-framed handguns. And one to another there really isn’t anything significant enough between one or the other to make any of them better than the other. Glock, M&P, XD, Sig, FN, Walther…. the list goes on, are all great guns, with reliability at a price point you didn’t see 20 years ago. I own or have owned many many and have shot nearly all.
Here’s the real kicker, I finally got to shoot an Arsenal Stryk One Speed…. I offered the guy cash on the spot. I’d never shot a polymer gun like it. It was almost like shooting a 2011 sight tracker, it was so flat. The shot to shot sight picture recover was so fast, it was significant enough to actually improve my splits on the clock right then and there. So naturally when I heard they were going to produce a Glock 19 size carry version with a better trigger I was sold. I prepaid, and have been waiting patiently.
Not yet having the gun in hand, besides the long wait there have been some things that bothered me. First was when I learned that Tanfoglio would not be producing these guns as they did with the Stryk-One’s…. I’m a huge fan of Tanfoglio’s quality and performance. Then I find out they are no longer going to carry the Arsenal name… Yea, I actually like Arsenal firearms a lot. And then I see pictures with a wonderful (warning this gun fires without a magazine) pressed into the side of the frame. Sorry thats just tacky, and I don’t live in a state that requires an idiot stamp on the gun.
All that aside, I’m still very excited and can’t wait to get my hands on the first imported production run of this gun. I mean this think is also the absolute coolest looking Glock 19 size handgun ever. This is what everyone strives to get with custom mill work and slide cuts on their 19’s. For $850, you save money. I’m really hoping this puppy is going to be a home run, and even replace my daily off duty carry gun.
I had a chance to shoot it at range day as well. I started on 1911’s, moved to the HK USP when that came out, and finally made my way to the darkside (Glock) and have had 11 of those, two of which I’ve shot out. The Type B (whenever it actually ships) is where I’m going next. It shoots like I wished my Glocks did….really, it’s just excellent but you have to shoot it to find that out: Reading specs (or reviews from guys who don’t shoot at a high level) doesn’t do it justice. Another thing to consider is that it comes stock with all of the aftermarket customizations many Glock shooters have done, and which I also had done until I adapted to the Glock’s shortcomings. Regardless, the Type B has those features if you need or want them, Now if I could just get one.