Archon Firearms Type B Pistol: First Impressions

by
posted on January 24, 2018
archon-firearms-type-b-pistol-f.jpg

You might remember the buzz about the Arsenal Stryk B as another entry into the low-bore-axis pistol field. Now that you’re thinking about it, you might have wondered if it was "Yet Another Vaporware" product out of SHOT Show. It’s not. What happened is that it became the Archon Firearms Type B, and I got a chance to shoot it at SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range 2018.

The Archon Type B is a striker-fired polymer pistol. It’s claimed to be the compact version of the Type A (formerly known as the Strike One), much like the Glock G19 is a compact version of the Glock G17. I still found it to be quite large, however, especially in grip circumference.

The large checkered grip texture helped me keep a firm grasp on the gun while shooting, even though I couldn’t get my hands around the gun as much as I would’ve liked. That was also helped by the relatively low recoil of the gun – a combination, it seems, of the weight of the gun and the low bore axis of the barrel.

The gun will be shipping with plain black rear sights and a fiber optic front sight, in a configuration I found both fast and accurate. As factory sights go, they’re one of the rare sets I’ve seen that I didn’t want to immediately replace. If you don’t like them, though, Archon opted for standard Glock dovetails, making swapping to a new option very easy.

I was also impressed by the trigger. It was crisp and light – shootable straight out of the box. Combined with the sights and the fact that the gun is expected to ship with three 15-round magazines, it’s a complete package that won’t require upgrades and extra purchases right out of the gate. MSRP is expected to start around $850.

Latest

9mm, 9x21 mm
9mm, 9x21 mm

No Fun Finding 9x21 Ammo

When dealing with two similar calibers like the 9x21 mm and the 9 mm one must be particularly cognizant that the ammo used matches the caliber stamped on the barrel to lessen the possibility of potential damage to yourself and/or your firearm. 

SilencerCo Launches Summer Promotion

Buy one suppressor, get another free from SilencerCo.

First Look: Fix It Sticks for SIG Sauer Pistols

Working on your SIG just got easier thanks to Fix It Sticks

Pistol Trigger Performance

Take your pistol shooting to the next level.

Laser Training Pistol Roundup

Become a better shooter without sending rounds downrange.

First Look: Breakthrough Clean Suppressor Cleaner

Now there's an easier way to clean those baffling areas.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.