The Sphinx, a Swiss SDP pistol is the weapon that stood out most for me at Media Day on the Range (well, other than the Bulldog gatling gun, but you can’t easily carry that concealed or on duty). It has to be hard to come up with a new pistol design that doesn’t mimic what has been done before or try to just combine the various strong points from other pistols and put ’em all together. Not only do most people already have their favorite (often displaying loyalty to the point of zealotry) but barring the advent of an incredibly unique new idea or some new material it’s hard to do something truly original. I really liked the Sphinx, and can say in honesty that it might be one I’d purchase and carry (depending on departmental restrictions and holster availability). That’s the first time in a long time I’ve been able to say that.
Soldier Systems: The Sphinx 9mm Pistol
Joey at War Sport warned us we’d like the Sphinx (they’re owned by Kriss, which he distributes) and he was absolutely right. Sphinx Arms is initially marketing the weapon to military and LE personnel, but are definitely interested in selling to the civilian market. Right now it’s all black, Double-Action/Single-Action with an ambi decock lever and mag catch. One of the really interesting things about it (besides the streamlined way they built the frame, so there’s almost nothing to catch or drag on) is the upper frame, which is built of hard-anodized aluminum (I like the way the Swiss shooters said aluminum) with Teflon inserts. It has a nice integrated recoil buffer, full length guide rods that are machined in (not inserts) and a standard Pic rail with 4 notches.
Though I didn’t notice it at first, the grip is actually interchangeable, with three components. It’s built to withstand extremes of temperature and you can switch the grips out for different shooters (small, medium and large) which might be a plus to agencies where matching the grip of smaller framed officers is a concern (like some female and smaller male LEOs) to some of the hulking neanderthal types (also including some female and many male LEOs).
Soldier Systems Daily: Another view of the Sphinx
The last thing of note are the Defiance sights, which are apparently exclusive to the Sphinx (due to the noise and everything going on I wasn’t able to determine if they were going to eventually offer Defiance sights for sale to retrofit other pistols). Defiance sights are fiber/Tritium day/night green sight with a 2-dot rear sight.
I may wind up getting a Sphinx, if the price is right; if so I’ll give you a more thorough review.
On the range:
-DR
Tags: KRISS, pistols, Sphinx Arms, War Sport
I remember reading about the sphinx on Defense review and thinking it looked a lot like the CZ Duty. I don’t remember the price exactly but I do remember their prices being waaayyy up there. Custom 1911 expensive. Maybe it was just the model I was looking at. Either way, it’s something I’ve been wanting to try out. I hope you get one, I’ll be looking forward to the review.
Looks cool, but it looks A LOT like the CZ P-07 Duty pistol.
I’m confused, are you asserting that sphinx is offering a new design? Because last I checked sphinx pistols were basically really well executed CZ clones.
They are “evolutions” of the CZ-75 design. However, yes, they still build upon the design of CZ pistols. Whether what they have done is enough to be called “unique,” or “original” designs, that’s not for me to decide.
I got my hands on this and their competition match grade, both are amazing. Some of the best feeling guns I’ve fired yet.
I’ve had a Sphinx 2000 since 2001 or 2002 and it’s a great gun, ergonomics are better than the 1911 and it just feels right in the hand.
Sphinx and CZ are not in the same league other than the obvious similar design, craftmanship on the factory Sphinx are comparable with a highend factory or custom built 1911/2011 type gun.
The Sphinx 3000 is older than the CZ P-07 duty. It’s funny that CZ copied the Sphinx exterior design with their P-07 because the Sphinx 2000 was basically a high-quality CZ-75, and the Sphinx 3000 is a much improved model.