IWA 2024: Archon Firearms Presented Their New Pistol – Archon A

Vladimir Onokoy
by Vladimir Onokoy

At the IWA 2024, a European company based in the Czech Republic, Archon Firearms showcased the new version of their handgun – Archon A. Previously, I wrote about the fascinating history of this pistol which started with STRIKE One and continued with Archon B, a compact 9 mm handgun with a unique locking system.

IWA 2024 @ TFB:

Recently, PTR Industries became the distributor of this pistol in the US, and TFB TV Showtime did a great interview with the company representatives at the Shot Show 2024 in Vegas.

But just a few weeks after the SHOT Show, the company presented a new gun at the IWA 2024 in Germany. The new pistol is called Archon A, it is a full-size handgun with the same locking system and similar features.

However, the definition of “full-size” doesn’t truly reflect what this pistol is. Just like all Gen 2 Archon pistols, Archon A has a modular grip. It allows you to configure it into a full-size, compact, or subcompact pistol by removing or adding grip modules.

On their website, the manufacturer uploaded a video where they showed the process of grip module installation. It requires a punch and a hammer but looks pretty simple. Basically, you have to change the backstrap and add one or two grip extensions. Depending on the grip length, one can use 10, 15, or 18-round magazines.

Archon A with threaded barrel and optic at the IWA 2024 in Germany. Photo by Andrey Ulanov.

Essentially, with just one pistol you can have a Glock 17, Glock 19, or Glock 26 grip length. This feature will definitely be in high demand in countries where you are allowed to own a limited number of handguns or where buying an additional pistol requires a lot of paperwork.

So far, Archon A is not available for sale, but considering that the company invested a lot of money in both production and promotion, it should be available relatively soon.

Vladimir Onokoy
Vladimir Onokoy

Vladimir Onokoy is a small arms subject matter expert and firearms instructor. Over the years he worked in 20 different countries as a security contractor, armorer, firearms industry sales representative, product manager, and consultant. His articles were published in the Recoil magazine, Small Arms Review, Small Arms Defence Journal, and Silah Report. He also contributed chapters to books from the "Vickers Guide: Kalashnikov" series. Email: machaksilver at gmail dot com. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vladimir-Onokoy-articles-and-videos-about-guns-and-other-unpopular-stuff-107273143980300/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vladonokoy/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/machaksilver

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  • Haulin' Oats Haulin' Oats on Mar 27, 2024

    Since when can you put a patent on an expired patent? I think Glock would love to know more.

    • Tim Tom Zalabim Tim Tom Zalabim on Mar 28, 2024

      @Haulin' Oats I think so long as the updated design has significant enough changes it can qualify for a new patent.

  • Plumber576 Plumber576 on Mar 27, 2024

    Rented a STRIKE One at a range back when they were new and I was quite impressed. Was hoping we'd learn how they suppress but they weren't around long enough for me to find out.

    It's still a gun on my want list, so I hope they stick around for a while this time.

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