By: Friedrich Seiltgen
Copyright © 2023
THE FRAME
The Archon pistol has several exciting new features. The steel monocoque frame has a groundbreaking grip system that is truly unique. Interchangeable grip textures and a modular design allow the pistol to be customized to fit individual shooter grips but also allow for modification between full-size, compact, and sub-compact configurations.
Other frame features include an extended beveled magazine well for quicker reloads, a beaver tail to help with recoil management, a redesigned and extended magazine release, a short reset trigger, and a four-slot Picatinny rail on the dust cover for lights or lasers.
THE SLIDE & BARREL
The Archon’s operating system uses their patented AF-Speedlock® technology. This system combines a low-bore axis and a patented breech-locking mechanism. This combination results in the barrel remaining straight during the slide cycle, allowing the entire firearm slide to set deeper into the grip. This design creates a significant reduction in muzzle rise and a decrease in felt recoil. This allows the shooter a faster target re-acquisition after every shot.
The 12mm low bore axis provides improved recoil management, minimum muzzle flip, and easy control.
The nitride-finished slide is machined with front and rear slide serrations and a firing pin indicator for safety. The 4.3-inch barrel has six grooves with a 1:10 right-hand twist.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Striker-Fired, Semi-Automatic
Caliber: 9x19mm
Magazine Capacity: 18 Rounds
Sights: Serrated rear with front fiber optic sight (Glock standard dovetail)
Barrel Length: 4.3 Inches
Overall Length: 7.7 Inches
Width: 1.4 Inches
Height: 5.2 Inches
Weight: 29.6 Ounces
MSRP: $960
URL: www.ptr-us.com
THE VERDICT
I was able to test-fire this pistol, and it was as smooth as described. Check out an Archon Type-B pistol and see if it’s right for you.
The Archon is available in the standard version, the OR, an optics-ready version, an SR version with a threaded barrel for suppressor mounting, or the OSR version for all of the above!
That’s all for now, folks! Please keep sending in your questions, tips, and article ideas. And as always – “Let’s Be Careful Out There.”
Friedrich Seiltgen is a retired Master Police Officer with 20 years of service with the Orlando Police Department. He conducts training in Lone Wolf Terrorism Counterstrategies, Firearms, and Active Shooter Response. His writing has appeared in RECOIL, Soldier of Fortune, The Counter Terrorist Magazine, Off Grid, American Thinker, Homeland Security Today, and The Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International.
Contact him at [email protected].